How to clean the gasket on a front load washer

If you value convenience and energy efficiency, front load washers deliver both while helping you keep up with your laundry routine. However, they require proper maintenance, or you risk detergent, grime, or mould accumulating on the washer door rubber seal, also known as a gasket or bellow. 

Use this step-by-step guide to clean the gasket on a front load washer. We’ll cover daily maintenance and provide deep cleaning tips. Learn about features that can help prevent mildew and odours from forming in your washing machine. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy all the convenience and benefits of a front load washing machine.

Should I clean the gasket on my front load washer?

Routinely cleaning the rubber seal or gasket on your front load washer is vital to maintaining its performance and ensuring your laundry is as clean as possible and fresh-smelling. 

Review these reasons behind why it’s so important to clean your washer door rubber seal. 

Stopping the development of mildew and mould

The gasket on a front load washer can easily trap moisture. This creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, if not regularly cleaned and dried. These fungi are unsightly and can cause unpleasant smells. By regularly cleaning the washer gasket, you can prevent mould and mildew growth and help keep your washer looking and smelling clean.

Select washers from Whirlpool brand have Antimicrobial Protection on the rubber seal. This helps maintain your washer’s freshness by preventing the formation of odour-causing mould and bacteria. Shop for models equipped with the FreshFlow^™ Vent System—the first fan-powered system with the FanFresh^® Option, Dry Drum Cycle, and Antimicrobial Gasket.

Fighting odours and smells

Residues from fabric softener and detergent can accumulate on the gasket over time, resulting in unpleasant smells or a black gunk along the washing machine seal. Monitoring the washer gasket and regularly cleaning it can remove this build-up and stop odours from latching onto your clothes. The final product is laundry that’s clean and fresh-smelling, just as it should be.

Maintaining peak performance

The gasket is crucial for the door of your front load washer to properly seal. A gasket damaged by trapped items or buildup can cause leaks and lower the appliance’s performance. Routinely cleaning the gasket helps keep it in good condition, so your washing machine can operate effectively and efficiently.

Clean your washer’s rubber seal, or gasket, to help ensure a fresh, hygienic, and high-performing laundry experience. 

Step-by-step guide to cleaning your front load washer gasket

Certain front load washers offer energy efficiency, space-saving stacking configurations, and a gentle yet thorough clean for everything from work uniforms and soccer jerseys to your favourite blouses and dresses. Keeping your front load washer's gasket clean helps maintain its performance and prevents buildup.

Use these steps to perform a thorough and effective cleaning:

1. Gather the supplies

Gather the supplies you'll need to clean your front load washer gasket:

• Rubber gloves

• Bucket filled with warm water

• Soft, dry towel or cloth

• Soft cloth or sponge

• All-purpose cleaner

• Liquid bleach (optional)

2. Clean the gasket seal and washer drum

Confirm that the washer drum is empty. Carefully pull back any crevices or folds in the washer gasket to inspect for foreign objects, like lint, coins, or even a sock.

3. Remove loose debris and grime

Use an all-purpose cleaner specifically for appliances and a cloth, sponge, or nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad to wipe all grime or detergent residue. Pay close attention to the nooks and folds of the gasket, as they are known debris collectors.

4. Remove mildew, mould, or tough stains from the washer door seal

If the more stubborn stains or mildew remain, make a mixture of diluted bleach solution by combining 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm tap water with 3/4 cup (177 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach in a bucket. Then use these steps to remove mildew, mould, or stains from the washer door seal:

• Put on rubber gloves

• Soak a cloth or sponge in the solution. 

• Wipe the seal thoroughly, covering the entire surface.

• Let the solution sit for roughly 5 minutes.

Don’t forget to always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach. Also, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper use of bleach or other cleaners.

5. Scrub washer door seal gasket

Carefully scrub all surfaces of the gasket with your sponge and bleach solution. The aim is to remove any visible signs of mildew, mould, or stains, and to sanitize and deodorize the door seal. Lastly, rinse the gasket with a soft cloth or sponge soaked in warm water.

6. Dry the washer gasket

With a dry, soft cloth or towel, wipe the seal area completely to remove any remaining moisture. It’s best to leave the washer door open so it can air dry.

With these simple steps, your front load washer's rubber seal stands a better chance of being clean and free from odour-causing bacteria. Always consult your appliance's user manual for specific cleaning instructions or recommendations.

Tips for preventing buildup and mildew on a washer seal

You can help prevent the buildup of grime, dirt, and mildew on your front load washer's gasket by following these steps and habits.

1. Wipe down the gasket after each use:

After a laundry cycle completes, wipe down the gasket with a dry cloth. Every few loads, wipe with a damp cloth first to prevent the buildup of soap scum, trapped grime, or other residues.

2. Air dry by keeping the washer door open

After unloading your laundry, keep your front load washer’s door open to allow for air circulation. This can help eliminate moisture before it has a chance to produce mould and mildew on the gasket.

3. Use the proper detergent amount and type

Try to only use a high-quality detergent designed for your type of washer, and always adhere to the dosage recommendations. Owners of a HE washer should only use HE detergent. Using the incorrect detergent or too much can result in excessive suds. Furthermore, this may contribute to residue buildup on the gasket and cause an unpleasant smell to occur after some time.

4. Don't let wet laundry sit:

Take wet laundry out of the washer as soon as the cycle is complete. Trapped moisture can wreak havoc in a fresh-smelling washer, so make sure you transfer wet clothes to the dryer right away. 

5. Clean your entire washer routinely:

Running a Clean Washer cycle once a month can help fight odours and buildup throughout your machine, including the gasket door seals. 

6. Run a dehumidifier:

If your laundry room is in a humid or damp environment, it might be a good idea to use a dehumidifier. This can also help contribute to air-drying clothes. 

How often should I clean the rubber seal on my front load washer?

The rubber seal on your front load washer must be cleaned regularly to help prevent the formation and accumulation of mould, mildew, and residue. You should wipe down the gasket with a dry cloth after every cycle, and also deep clean it with a diluted bleach solution about once a month or every 30 cycles. 

Clean the washer gasket more frequently if you notice any signs of mould, a musty odour, or a visible buildup.

Select Whirlpool^® Washers offer a Clean Washer Cycle that uses affresh^® Washer Cleaner¹ or bleach and high water volumes to sanitize the inside of your washer.

Features designed to prevent odours and mildew in front load washers

Innovative features on select front load models help keep your laundry items clean and fresh. Additionally, they let you enjoy the benefits of front load washers without the burden of having to perform additional maintenance.

1. Post-wash tumbling:

This feature is perfect for people who can't get wet, clean clothes to the dryer right away, as it periodically tumbles the load after washing to help keep laundry fresh. As a bonus, some washers use a fan to increase air flow. The 12-Hour FanFresh^® Option on select Whirlpool^® Washers has a built-in fan that automatically turns on after the wash cycle completes, and then tumbles a load for up to 12 hours. This way, you can get to your laundry when it’s convenient for you. 

2. Built-in fans and venting systems:

Some front load washers have a built-in fan and ventilation system. This duo helps circulate air within the empty washer to prevent the potential growth of mould and mildew, which can cause unpleasant odours. The Dry Drum Cycle, found on select Whirlpool® Washers, utilizes a powerful fan to reduce excess moisture from the drum, rubber gasket, and door. Simply take out your laundry, select the cycle, and let your washer drum dry with the door closed.

3. Antimicrobial gaskets:

Whirlpool brand offers Antimicrobial Protection on select front load washers. Located on the rubber seal, Antimicrobial Protection helps keep your laundry appliance fresh by preventing odour-causing bacteria and mould from growing on the gasket.

4. Specialized clean washer cycles:

A dedicated Clean Washer cycle works to help keep the appliance’s interior free of mildew and other odour-causing residues. Use the Clean Washer with affresh^® Cycle, available on select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, every 30 washes to effectively clean the inside of your washer with an affresh^® Washer Cleaner tablet.

5. Automatic detergent dispensers:

Using too much detergent can result in buildup and produce smells in your front load washing machine. Some machines feature automatic dosing systems that ensure the right amount is used for every load. Load & Go^™ Dispensers from Whirlpool brand hold detergent for 20-40 loads of laundry². Just sit back and let the machine accurately measure and dispense the right amount of detergent at the right time every time.

These convenient features on select front load washers deliver peace of mind. You’ll rest easy knowing that your laundry is being cared for with the utmost cleanliness. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with unpleasant odours and mildew, and can enjoy a hygienic laundry experience.

Shop Whirlpool^® Front Load Washers

With energy- and space-efficient options, front load washers from Whirlpool brand deliver gentle yet thorough cleaning power that your family can count on. Shop select models with odour and mildew-fighting features like the 12-Hour FanFresh^® Option. Leverage a proven trio of freshness with the new FreshFlow^™ Vent System, which includes the Dry Drum Cycle, FanFresh^® Option, and Antimicrobial Protection.

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