Wednesday 18 June 2014

How to clean a front loader.

While reading Rhonda's blog post about Cleaning the Laundry, I noticed that one of her readers was having trouble with getting rid of mould in her front loader washing machine and that reminded me about when we first bought our front loader.


Up until that time I had always used a twin tub but when our last one died it was decided to buy a front loader as we had heard a lot about the fact that using one was a good way to save water and we were in the middle of a drought at the time and had very severe water restrictions in our city.

However, once I bought it I started hearing about how mouldy they get inside so I emailed the manufacturer  and asked for cleaning tips as I didn't read anything about mould in the booklet which came with the washing machine.  This was their reply which might be helpful to any readers who wonder how to clean and maintain their front loader:





We recommend that you use a high efficiency powder detergent for front loader washing machines. The powder works better in the front loader washing machines, as the water system syphons the detergent into the machine at the appropriate time.


I have attached a method of cleaning our top loader washing machines that will also work well in the front loader models. This method uses Epsom Salts as the cleaning agent to clean out the machine.

 


Put 250gms Epsom Salts into the washbowl.


        1. Fill the washing machine with HOT water and agitate for ten minutes.
        2. Leave the water in the washing machine for 3 hours (or even overnight).
        3. Let the wash continue and finish its full cycles.
        4. Rinse the washing machine twice with cold water. 





Check the door seal from time to time and eliminate eventual possible objects that could be trapped in the fold. 


Checking this will assist in locating and cleaning any residual dirt that may be trapped in the folds of the seal. For this clean, we can recommend a mixture of lemon juice and some bi-carb soda to form a paste. Place this along the area that has the mould or dirt and allow to sit for a period of time, approximately 30 minutes. Remove using some warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. This should assist in removing anything already built-up on the seal.

I always leave the door on our washing machine open when it is not in use and use vinegar instead of fabric softener. I wash every day and use a dry rag to mop up any water which pools in the rubber seal at the end of a wash. So far I haven't had mould problems but if I did I would try the lemon juice and bi-carb soda paste as suggested by the manufacturer. 


I hope these cleaning hints help some readers. While it is convenient to just put the washing in the machine and walk away and let it do its job, I do think that we used less water when we had a twin tub. What do you prefer...a front loader, top loader or a 'vintage' twin tub washing machine? 

Don't forget the Australian wildlife book giveaway closes on the 30th June and you can click here  to enter. It is open to both Aussie and overseas readers. Email me at nannachel@gmail.com if you have trouble entering. Everyone is welcome to enter.



13 comments:

  1. I have a front loader now but previously had both a top loader and a very old second hand twin tub. I liked the twin tub but it was quite hands on. If I could choose, I'll go for a water efficient top loader when it is time to replace my current washing machine.
    I haven't had any problems with mould either. I also leave the door open to let the machine 'air' and sometimes do a rinse/spin cycle with vinegar to clean it.

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  2. Tracy, I like being able to choose the amount of water I am going to choose which you can do with the twin tub and some top loaders. I normally use the 20 gentle wash on my front loader but on some overcast days in winter I the have to do a 13 minute spin to dry the clothes a bit more before hanging on the line. I have just retired last year so would have the time to use the twin tub which spun the clothes quite well.

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  3. Good ideas for any kind as they all can get to smelling 'musty', especially in the summer! I try to run vinegar through now and then as well. Sometimes I think my top loader gets water that doesn't all drain and smells a little, never heard of the Epsom salts either - very useful tips - thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Don't you have Epsom Salts in the US, Kathy?

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  4. Hi Nanna Chel, I'm just catching up on all the posts I missed and found this one very interesting! I always had front loaders (except when I first moved into OH's place but that toploader went pretty quickly) and I never had an issue with mould but I still will give this a go. I have 20 kg of Epsom Salt for making dishwashing detergent, scrubs, baths ect. I just wanted to say that there's a little round 'door' at the bottom of a front loader which needs to get cleaned as well as that contains any 'solids' (hair, buttons ect). If this doesn't get cleaned, the machine will not spin properly.

    Just thought I let you know - thanks for the advice!
    Frances

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    1. Frances, I have cleaned out the filter at the bottom of the front loader but have never found any buttons etc. I don't clean it as often as I should though I must admit and it is surprising how much water comes out when cleaning that section. I was wondering if that was where all the odd socks went to but I couldn't find any. LOL!

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  5. That's what I meant - the filter! I had a mental blank when I was writing the original comment. I have even found money in mine (obviously OH not emptying his pockets properly). I clean mine about once a quarter or more often if I was dog blankets.

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    Replies
    1. I have a few mental blanks too, Frances :-)

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  6. What an enjoyable morning, so good to catch up with everyone and have the mystery of goats milk soap making made easy.I will do my next batch using goats milk next week at my daughters house.
    The pattern for the crochet bag was a free download from "Knitomatic" you have to click on the "Shop now" link because thats how it works EVEN tho it is FREE.....

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    1. I will check out the site. Thanks Margaret.

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  7. I clean my front loader with a good cupful of bicarb and the extra hot wash (95C) and a vinegar rinse about once per year, or when the tanks overflow,so far no problems. Next time I will use epsom salts and try this method.

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  8. Yes by the way we certainly do have Eprom Salts in the U.S. Here one place you can find it is in the pharmacy area of stores like Walmart. I have even seen it i some garden centers since it is used in the garden too. I use lots of it in gardening and for us and many uses but had not heard of it to clean by top loader that smells. Mine you cannot stop once it starts but I will try this method anyway on a long soak cycle. Thanks so much for the ideas and hints and all you do! Sarah

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  9. cleaning my front loader has never been a problem to me, until now.

    http://besttumbledryers.com/best-vented-tumble-dryer/

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