Why Your Maytag Front Load Washer Smells Bad

Though greater efficiency and superior cleaning ability are the advantages of front load washers, bad smells are a common downside. What do you do if your Maytag front load washer smells? Cleaning the gasket and tub with the right techniques can get rid of odor, while consistent maintenance can keep it at bay. Learn how to clean a Maytag front load washer to eliminate smells at the source.

Maytag Front Load Washer Smells?
Here’s How to Banish Odor 

Running another wash load or closing the washer door won’t make bad smells disappear and can actually make them worse. A thorough cleaning is the best way to banish odor and keep it away. But before we discuss the proper cleaning methods, it’s helpful to know why Maytag front load washer smells occur.

Why Does My Front Load Washer Stink?

While using less water to wash clothes makes a front load washer more efficient, it can also create odor problems. Less water means dirt and debris are less likely to be drained away, remaining in the washtub. Failure to use an HE detergent or using too much of the right detergent can also leave suds and residue behind.

When combined with lingering dirt or debris, smelly mold and mildew can quickly develop in the warm, moist tub. The rubber gasket also provides the perfect catchall for dirt and residue to collect and odor to develop. So, how do I get my front load washer to stop smelling? Cleaning the gasket and tub with the following techniques can stop odor at the source.

How to Clean Maytag Washer Gasket

Cleaning front load Maytag washer begins with the rubber gasket around the washer’s opening. While it provides watertight closure when the door is closed, the gasket can also collect dirt and residue that develop mold and odor.

Here’s how to clean mold from a front load washer gasket in 5 simple steps:

1. Open the door and pull back the rubber gasket to expose the interior.
2. Remove any foreign objects, such as coins, hair, or buttons.
3. Spray the gasket with hot, soapy water or a commercial mildew cleaner.
4. Wipe down the gasket with a sponge or clean cloth.
5. For persistent mold or mildew: Mix ¾ cup of liquid bleach with 1-gallon warm water. Wipe down the gasket with the solution and let it stand for 5 minutes before drying with a clean cloth. Leave the washer door open to air dry completely.

How to Clean Inside Front Load Washer

If your Maytag washer smells like rotten eggs, there’s likely a buildup of mildew in the washer tub. Cleaning the tub on a monthly basis, or every 30 wash cycles, can prevent buildup and curb odor. Some washers have a Clean Washer cycle that performs a tub cleaning. Refer to your use and care guide to determine how to use this cycle when your Maytag front load washer smells bad.

If your machine doesn’t have a Clean Washer cycle, follow these tub-cleaning steps:

1. Add ⅓ cup of baking soda to the empty washer tub.
2. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
3. Set a regular wash cycle at the highest possible temperature.
4. Run the wash cycle to completion.
5. For lingering mold and mildew: Pour 2 cups bleach into the washer’s bleach dispenser and run a second wash cycle. Follow with an additional rinse cycle to remove all traces of bleach.

Tips to Prevent Washing Machine Odor

Once your washer is clean and fresh how can you prevent recurring odor? Repeating these cleaning techniques on a consistent basis can keep Maytag front load washer smells from returning.

Use these tips to prevent washing machine odor:

1. If you have a Clean Washer cycle, run it on a monthly basis to prevent odor. Maytag recommends using Affresh washing machine cleaner for the best results.
2. Always use an HE detergent and refer to the package instructions for the right amounts.
3. Wipe down the gasket after each wash load.
4. Reduce moisture by removing wet clothes promptly after the wash cycle ends.
5. Leave the washer door open when not in use to promote air circulation.

Now that you’ve eliminated front load washer odor, are you wondering how to speed up clothes drying or improve dryer performance? Our team can provide expert dryer repair service on all major brands. Schedule your appointment with Apex Appliance Service today!