How To Clean Ge Front Load Washing Machine

Last month I wrote a post on How To Clean Your Washing Machine. However, I received some comments that the tips that I gave are not able to work with a front loading washer because you can't fill with water first. I actually did not know this because I have a traditional washer, however, my dream of a new washer and dryer will one day be full-filled, so I will also need to know how to clean those machines too, and the tips are different. So for all you lucky gals that enjoy the machine of my dreams, here is how to clean your front loading washer!

In case you missed it, here is How To De-Funk Your Towels. But, it is a little different if your front loader locks. Super easy.

Dissolve the baking soda or vinegar in a cup of water and pour on top of your towels in the washer, close the door and start the cycle with the hottest water setting.

Front loading washers have a tendency of 'pooling' water at the bottom of their drums, which can be a breeding ground bacteria and mildew.

Tips To Get Rid of That Smell

Did you know that you are helping create a smelly and yucky washer by closing the lid to your washer after you are done with a load? The bin is wet and needs the air to evaporate the water. Otherwise, it just seeps into the lower bin and can sit there and can grow mold and mildew. If possible, try to keep the lid open so the moisture can dry. I know that can be tough with kids or pets around, so if it is not possible to let it air dry, then use a dry cloth or paper towels to dry out the washer. Be sure to get the grooves where water can sit. It is actually best if you can do both of these steps.

Never leave a wet wash load in your washer overnight; remove it when the washing cycle is complete and leave the door open.

Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispenser and soak them in a bucket of warm water. Once they have soaked long enough, spray with an all-purpose cleaner, wipe down and rinse. Be sure to dry completely.

Inspect the rubber door seal for mold and mildew. Pull back the seal and examine all of the crevices. Mix 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Moisten a clean white cloth with the bleach water solution, and wipe down the seal to remove any mold and mildew. Allow the solution to remain on the seal for five minutes, and then wipe down the door seal with a clean, dry white cloth.

You might want to check your washer manual for this step. Typically, there is a small door on the front of your washer. Inside the door holds a debris filter and a small hose. You will want to drain the hose. Be prepared by having a large bucket to drain the hose. It can sometimes hold a gallon or more of water. You can then pull the filter out and clean it.

Ways to Clean Your Washer

Cleaning with Bleach

Some washers have a "tub clean" feature. If it does, pour 2 cups of bleach into the detergent area and run your washer through as your "tub clean" directions advise. If your front loader doesn't have this feature, pour the bleach into your washer and run it empty on its hottest cycle. When it's done, wipe it dry and leave the door open. Do this about once a month, or as often as you feel it needs a deep cleaning.

Cleaning With Baking Soda

In 4 cups of warm water, dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Soak a cloth or sponge with your solution and wipe down the inside of your washing machine. Once you have thoroughly wiped down your bin, run the washing machine on the rinse cycle to finish the cleaning and rinse the baking soda. If you still see a white powder residue, it is not properly rinsed and you can repeat the rinse cycle.

Cleaning with Vinegar

In 1 quart of warm water, mix 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. This will make a solution to remove any soap, residue or oil and will also break down any grease and fresh up your washer. Soak a cloth or sponge with the vinegar solution and wipe the inside of your washer bin. If there is some residue that won't budge, place the damp cloth over the area for a few minutes to let the vinegar work to break it down. After you have wiped down your washer, run the rinse cycle to remove the vinegar solution.