Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

Our 4 month old front loading washing machine is starting to smell. I've read it's because moisture is builing up in the rubber seal.

What can I do to prevent this? Do I always have to leave the door open? That looks bad, not to mention that I have cats and a baby, and I don't like leaving it open. I worry that "what if one of them gets inside and the door closes??"

Is there anything I can do to get the smell out and keep it out?

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

I have a front load machine too and I remember when we bought it, it came with a packet. When I asked my mom what the packet was she said "front load machines need to be cleaned every so often and the packet is the cleaner" I have never cleaned mine and it is a year old, and don't ask where that packet is, but i am pretty sure you can buy the cleaner at the store. I think you put it in as if you are doing a load of laundry and turn it on. Also, you should look on the website of the people who make your machine or call the number. They may be able to send you the cleaner for free.

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

After each use I dry mine with a towel. All the water gets trapped near the door. Additionally, I do keep the door opened for quite a while after the cycle is done in order to air it out. Mine, however, is in our basement and we have no animals or children so it is really not an eyesore or safety issue.

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

I usually air mine out for about an hour after the last wash and that does the trick

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

Mine does this and you can see gunk built up in the rubber ring area. I wipe that out with a clorox wipe then I do a cycle of laundry with bleach, to clean out the machine a bit. But I did that last night and it still smells a bit. It's so annoying, I hate that about these machines.

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

I have the front loaders too and noticed the smell. Do you close the door when it's not in use? I always used to close the door but keeping it open makes a HUGE difference. I also got the Tide Washing Machine cleaner (@ Target) and it has helped significantly. HTH!

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

I highly recommend Affresh

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

With mine there was something saying that you are supposed to leave the door open after each use...We realized that after smelling an odor, thought it was a little , but ever since we started to do that we no longer have a problem !

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

Thanks everyone!

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

I was told to leave the door open after each cycle and to add detergent and start the washer as if you were to do laundy once a month to clean it.

Re: Front Loading Washing Machines - smell ?

I have the samsung front loaders and have to leave the door open for at least 24 hours after a load.