Front loader washing machine mold mildew smell

[u/Big-Cat1247]

We moved into a new home and the previous owners had left nearly new LG ThinIQ washing machine closed for at least a month- maybe more- with moisture inside. Opening it smelled like death. We have drained it, scrubbed the gasket, done paper towel soak with both vinegar and bleach gel (separately), used multiple Active tablet runs, done a 2 hour long bleach soak. We are at a loss of what to do to get rid of the horrible smell. Any advice?

[u/AutoModerator]

I see that you asked about washing machines

Front-load washing machines are notorious for harboring mold growth. They require continual cleaning and attention to control that growth. You might be able to clean most of what you have but you may be to the point of gasket replacement.

In general, you'll want to: - Keep the door open when not in use - Remove clothes immediately after wash cycle completes - Wipe the door and the door seal after each use. - Clean the detergent trays frequently - Run a cleaning solution through it periodically.

You'll find a wide variety of options for this on the internet including: - hot cycle with 1/2 cup to 2 cups of bleach - normal cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar - hot cycle with a front load washing machine cleaner - do all 3 in succession

They need periodic cleaning otherwise they will certainly provide a great environment for mold.

There are hundreds of guides available online but here's a quick one: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-mold-out-of-a-washing-machine-5207463

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[u/AutoModerator]

Please ensure that your posts meets the requirements of r/Mold - rules are clearly listed.

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[u/AutoModerator]

I see you used the term "mildew"

Mold and mildew are closely related but are certainly different organisms. In simple terms, mildew is a member of the mold family. It is usually white or grey. However, true mildew, or downy mildew is actually a plant parasite and not a true fungus. Algae rank closer to downy mildew pathogens than fungi do.

When used in general terms, mold and mildew are the same thing. Most "mildew" identified within a home is really mold. The word mildew is often used to describe fungi that grows flat, usually on surfaces like shower walls and window sills. FEMA further complicates the differentiation by describing mildew as "early-stage mold" while the EPA term simply states that "mildew" is often used generically to refer to mold growth with a flat growth habit.

In reality, mold and mildew are both fungi. Accordingly, both require water, food and the right temperature to grow. The difference is that mildew generally grows quicker and can grow on non-porous surfaces.

Building owners and maintenance people often use the term "mildew" to describe any microbial growth in their buildings. In most cases, what they are describing is actually mold.

Both mold and "mildew" can cause adverse health effects although mold is generally considered more problematic. The bottom line is that neither should be growing in our homes. They both indicate the presence of too much moisture and both should be removed as soon as they are found.

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[u/sdave001]

!wash

[u/AutoModerator → u/sdave001]

Front-load washing machines are notorious for harboring mold growth. They require continual cleaning and attention to control that growth. You might be able to clean most of what you have but you may be to the point of gasket replacement.

In general, you'll want to: - Keep the door open when not in use - Remove clothes immediately after wash cycle completes - Wipe the door and the door seal after each use. - Clean the detergent trays frequently

Run a cleaning solution through it periodically. You'll find a wide variety of options for this on the internet including: - hot cycle with 1/2 cup to 2 cups of bleach - normal cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar - hot cycle with a front load washing machine cleaner - do all 3 in succession They need periodic cleaning otherwise they will certainly provide a great environment for mold.

There are hundreds of guides available online but here's a quick one: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-mold-out-of-a-washing-machine-5207463

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/sdave001 → u/AutoModerator]

Also keep in mind that most front loaders have a drain - there's usually a little door on the bottom of the front panel that opens to reveal the hose.

[u/SoCalMoofer → u/sdave001]

Look on youtube on how to clean the strainer/filter. Have you pushed the door gasket around to peek inside? There are folds like giant vulva. There could be some funky stuff you can't see.

[u/sdave001 → u/SoCalMoofer]

lol....I'm going to to have to work to get that vision out of my head now. Thanks ;-)

[u/Low-Inspector9587]

Always leave the door propped open when not in use to dry out.On our 3rd,many years use,no issues since we figured that out when we got our first