How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells

When I moved into our new house eight years ago, I couldn’t wait to get the new front loader washing machines. They were relatively new on the market, and I didn’t have many friends that had purchased them yet. So I didn’t know…I didn’t know about the smell…that mildew smell! It forced me to come up with this simple tip to Reduce Front Load Washer Smells!

What I later learned was how the water lays inside the rubber rim causing an awful smell if the machine door was closed.

I was not happy.

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

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Here is the disgusting part of the front loader washer…the smelly water and scum {sorry I had to use that word} that lays in the rubber rim. I know there are products sold to help remove this or possibly running a bleach cycle once a week will help. Maybe they do?? I don’t have much time for that!

I have tried the product specifically made to help reduce this problem and was not crazy about it – never bought it again. I have run a bleach cycle or two, but not consistently to say whether this works or not.

Besides these two methods, I take a few rags with cleaner to occasionally clean out the slug. Wipe all the way around the rim getting deep underneath the rubber. It’s gross so be prepared to throw them away. Just throwing this out there – this Better Life Cleaner is my favorite household cleaner!

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Here is my laundry room. A door to the right leads outside to the driveway. For convenience sake, most people use the laundry room door over entering through the front door. I’m okay with that, but I can’t have the washer door hanging open 24/7.

So let’s see how I solved this annoying problem…

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Like I said, you do have to wipe occasionally the inside and underneath the rubber ring of your front load washer to remove the build up, but I also have another simple trick that reduces the mildew smell.

It requires a few unexpected products…and they are cheap!

OUCHLESS HEADBAND and COMMAND HOOKS

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Take one Command Hook and place it on the side where the washer door opens. For me, it was on the right side. Next take the second hook and place it on the door at an angle pointing up to the first hook.

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Then place the headband between the two hooks. The weight of the door should leave an inch or two crack for the door to vent. Over time, the headband will stretch leaving a little more space for the air to get into the front load washer. Sometimes the headband or hooks will break, but they are easy to replace.

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Loader Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

I can’t tell you how well this has worked for me. Give it a try if you are tired of the mildew smells!

Great washers - awful smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Load Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

Great washers - awful mildew smell! See my simple tip on How To Reduce Front Loader Washer Smells | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

You may also find these other tips helpful in everyday life!

A few of my favorites:

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Over 45 of the Best Organizing Tips and Products recommended by bloggers! | OHMY-CREATIVE.COM

 

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Susan B

Susan B

Hi, I’m Susan! Thanks for stopping by Oh My! Creative. I like to have fun, make fun things…you know, create stuff! I love DIY, decorating and design and like any girl…shopping and lunch!
Susan B
Susan B

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6 Comments

    1. I added a long strip of velcro to the door and open the door several inches and attach the velcro to the rough side which I attached just to the side of the door, I also leave the detergent door open since I found all kinds of mold growing in there as well

      1. That’s a great idea! Part of me really hates these machines. Mine are 9 years old and I am thinking of going back to a top loader the next time around.

  1. Thanks for the tip! We’re getting our front load washer/dryer delivered today … yay!!! So I’m glad I discovered this post!

    Visiting from SITS Sharefest!
    -Danielle
    chatteroutloud.com
    @DanielleASB

  2. I have afront loader and love these ideas….I have one more: when you empty the clothes and there’s a little water I use the dryer lint and ball it up and give it a quick swipe…THen I feel happy that the washer is dry and the lint found a little use before I toss it….Thanks for bringing this by Throwback Thursday!

    Mollie

  3. WOW! So creative… and you’re right, nobody has time for a bleach cycle once a week. I have enough trouble making sure the laundry gets done as it is. This is an awesome hack, pinning stumbling and tweeting. Happy thursday!

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