How to Clean Front-Load Washer Mold

Front-load washing machines have revolutionized laundry day, offering high efficiency and exceptional cleaning performance. However, their design makes them more susceptible to mold and mildew compared to traditional top-loaders.

That unwelcome odor wafting from your washer door? It’s a telltale sign that mold has taken hold. Let’s dive into why mold forms, how to clean it, and—most importantly—how to stop it from coming back.

Why Does Mold Form in Front-Load Washers?

Mold thrives in warm, damp environments. The tight seal on a front-loader’s door, while excellent for preventing leaks, also traps moisture inside the drum. Add detergent residue, fabric softener, and lint into the mix, and you have the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Factors that encourage mold growth include:

• Poor Ventilation: A sealed door after a wash cycle leaves moisture trapped inside.
• Detergent Overuse: Excess detergent doesn’t rinse out fully, leaving behind residue.
• Infrequent Cleaning: A washer’s drum, gasket, and detergent dispenser need regular cleaning to stay mold-free.

How to Remove Mold from Your Front-Load Washer

If you’ve noticed dark patches on the door boot or an unpleasant smell coming from your washer, it’s time to clean your machine thoroughly.

Here’s a helpful video with general washer cleaning tips:

When your washing machine suffers from a more severe case of mold infestation, follow these steps to thoroughly clean the washer and get rid of mold:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need these supplies:

• Liquid chlorine bleach
• Bucket of warm water
• Rubber gloves
• Old toothbrush
• Pipe cleaner
• Cleaning cloth
• Shallow container

Step 2: Clean the Door Boot Gasket

The rubber gasket around the door is mold’s favorite hiding spot and the starting point for cleaning front-load washer mold.

1. Mix a solution of 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Don some rubber gloves and wipe the entire door boot with the bleach and water solution. Don’t miss wiping down the areas between the folds of the door boot. Also, wipe the area behind the very outside fold that covers the door boot’s connection to the outer washer tub. Use a toothbrush to clean areas with intense scum buildup and mold.
3. Use a pipe cleaner to clean mold and scum out of the drain holes at the bottom of the door boot so water drains out of the boot properly and into the tub.
4. Let the bleach solution stay on the door boot for about 5 minutes then wipe the boot down with plain water to rinse off the bleach.

Step 3: Scrub the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the detergent dispenser drawer and soak it in warm, soapy water in the kitchen sink. Scrub away any buildup, particularly in crevices, where detergent residue often hides. Use a pipe cleaner to clear residue out of dispenser stand pipes. Rinse the detergent drawer thoroughly with hot tap water.

Wipe down the detergent drawer housing to remove detergent residue and scum.

Reinstall the detergent dispenser.

Step 4: Clean the Drain Pump Filter

The drain pump filter in a front-load washer is designed to catch lint, coins, buttons, infant socks and other debris before they reach the pump. Unfortunately, this filter and its housing are another prime breeding ground for mold and mildew in the washer.

The location of the drain pump filter is behind a small access door at the bottom of the front washer panel on many front-load washing machines. Here’s an image that shows that location:

Here’s how to clean this type of drain pump filter in common front-load washers:

1. Make sure the washer tub is completely drained and then unplug the washer for safety.
2. Open the access panel by pulling the release tab down and out.
3. Position a shallow container next to the drain pump filter opening. Place some towels under the opening to catch water if it spills.
4. Pull the drain tube out and position its end over the container, then remove the plug from the end of the drain tube (see Step 3 in the image above for details). Residual water from the washer tub and drain system will trickle out of the drain tube.
5. Once the water is drained, twist the drain pump filter counter clockwise (to the left) to release it from its housing and pull the filter out. You’ll likely find coins and debris in the filter.
6. Remove any coins, debris and lint trapped in the filter. Wash the filter in a sink and use cleaning brush and mild soap to clean any deposits, mold or mildew from the filter. If you haven’t clean the filter within the last year or so, the filter and housing may stink badly. Don some protective gloves and use some liquid chlorine bleach if necessary to clean smelly mold and mildew deposits from the drain pump filter and its housing.
7. Rinse the drain pump filter under running water. Wipe the filter housing with a cloth moistened with plain water.
8. Reinstall the drain pump filter in its housing and twist it clockwise (to the right) to securely lock it in place in the housing.
9. Reinstall the drain tube plug and stow the drain tube on the clip. Close the drain pump filter access panel door.

In some front-load washers, the drain pump filter is located behind the bottom front service panel on the front of the washer. Here’s a video that shows how to clean the drain pump filter on older Kenmore and Whirlpool HE front-load washers:

Have a service technician visit your home and perform washer maintenance and cleaning service if you’re unable to find or access the drain pump filter on your own.

Step 5: Run a Washer Cleaning Cycle

Not that you’ve thoroughly cleaned all of the areas where mold typically resides inside the washer, run a cleaning cycle with no clothes added to rinse bleach and cleaning residue out of the machine.

You can use a washing machine clean such as Affresh or Washer Magic. To clear out a severe mold infestation, run an empty wash cycle using 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach added through the prewash dispenser in the detergent drawer. This will help kill off and clear out any mold in the detergent dispenser hose and washer outer tub. Use the Bulky Cycle so the washer fills with the maximum amount of water during the cleaning cycle. If your washer has a “Cleaning Cycle” available, use that cycle when cleaning your washer.

If you use bleach instead of a washer cleaner, run a second empty cycle to rinse all bleach residue completely out of the washer.

Preventing Mold in Front-Load Washers

Cleaning your washer is only half the battle. Keeping mold away requires consistent maintenance and smart habits.

Here’s how to ensure mold doesn’t make a comeback:

Keep the Washer Door Open

After every wash, leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This simple step dramatically reduces mold risk. Note: You may not be able to use this tactic if you children who would be tempted to climb inside the washer during a game of hide-and-seek.

Use the Right Type and Amount of Laundry Detergent

Opt for high-efficiency (HE) detergents, which produce fewer suds and rinse more easily. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended amount to avoid residue buildup.

For most front-load washers, you’ll only need about a tablespoon of laundry detergent to clean most loads.

Wipe It Down Regularly

At least once a week, wipe down the door boot gasket, drum, and door with a damp cloth.

Check and clean the detergent dispenser monthly if needed.

Run Monthly Cleaning Cycles

Set a reminder to run a cleaning cycle once a month. Use a washer cleaner or a homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda to keep the interior fresh and mold-free.

Avoid Overloading the Washer

Overloading your washer prevents water from circulating properly, leaving some areas damp and dirty. Follow load size recommendations to improve cleaning performance and prevent mold.

Schedule Professional Washer Maintenance & Cleaning Yearly

Having your washing machine professionally cleaned and maintained yearly will help prevent odors.

During washer maintenance, the technician will thoroughly clean the drain pump filter, door boot and other areas of your washer to help prevent odors. After the comprehensive washer check-up and cleaning, the technician will advise you on ways to help keep your washer in top shape and smelling fresh.

A moldy washing machine doesn’t have to become the norm. By understanding what causes mold and committing to a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your front-loader smelling fresh and performing at its best. Stay proactive, and you’ll avoid the hassle of dealing with mold altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold?

Bleach and vinegar typically perform equally well in killing mold, but some manufacturers recommend not using vinegar in your washing machine because the acidic nature of white vinegar can corrode some washer parts over time – especially water seals.

Does hydrogen peroxide kill black mold?

While you can remove black mold using hydrogen peroxide, this cleaner won’t kill the mold or the toxins that are associated with black mold. Using liquid chlorine bleach does a better job at killing and removing mold from a washing machine.

Does bleach damage rubber seals in washing machine?

Liquid chlorine bleach can damage the rubber seal if used undiluted and/or too frequently. Manufacturers recommend diluting 1 cup of liquid in a gallon of water to prevent harming the door boot seal. Adding 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the washer during an empty cleaning cycle will also dilute bleach so it won’t harm the rubber door boot or other seals and components in the washer.

Should you rinse the washing machine after using bleach?

Yes. Rinse the washing machine by running an empty cycle after cleaning your washer using bleach. Choose the Bulky cycle so the washer will fill with more water to rinse the machine thoroughly.