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.