How To Clean Front Load Bosch Washing Machine

While front load washers are known for their efficiency and cleaning power, persistent odors can be an unwelcome downside. Wondering why your Bosch washer smells bad? Using too much detergent leaves behind suds that can form smelly bacteria. Learn more reasons your front load Bosch washer smells and the right cleaning tips to banish odor.

Eliminating Odor When Your Bosch Washer Smells Bad

How do I get my front load washer to stop smelling? We'll detail how proper use and maintenance, as well as regular cleanings of the gasket and drum, can keep odor at bay. But, first, here are some common reasons why your Bosch washer smells bad.

Why Does My Bosch Washing Machine Smell?

The gasket on a front load washer door provides a tight seal that keeps detergent and water safely contained. Front loaders also utilize less water to wash and rinse clothes and require specially-formulated HE detergent in smaller amounts.

While these factors make for greater efficiency and cleaning performance, they also contribute to Bosch washing machine odor. Using regular instead of HE detergent or even too much of the right detergent can leave behind excess suds. If the warm, moist environment of the enclosed washer drum isn't cleaned regularly, these suds can quickly develop smelly mold and mildew.

Here's how to clean the gasket and drum when your Bosch washer smells bad.

How to Clean a Bosch Washer Gasket

A Bosch front load washer gasket is a common catch-all for dirt, residue and detergent suds. While wiping down the gasket after every wash load keeps this residue from accumulating, it requires a deeper clean to remove smelly bacteria.

Here's how to clean mold from front load washer gasket:

Open the door and peel back the rubber gasket to expose the interior.
Remove any foreign objects such as buttons, coins or hair.
Spray the gasket with a commercial mildew cleaner or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Wipe down with a clean cloth.
For persistent mold, scrub spots with a toothbrush dipped in a 10% bleach solution.

How to Clean Bosch Washing Machine Drum

A front load washer's reduced water usage can mean that suds, dirt and residue don't always get rinsed away. If your Bosch washing machine smells like rotten eggs, mold or mildew has likely developed from this dirty buildup. Cleaning the washer drum regularly can rid it of dirt and mold and prevent odor. If your washer won't drain water, cleaning the drum after the draining issue is resolved can also remove residue from dirty wash water.

Refer to your user manual to determine if your Bosch washer has a Drum Clean setting with specific instructions.

If there are no specific cleaning instructions or settings follow these steps to clean your Bosch front load washer drum:

Sprinkle ⅓ cup of baking soda inside an empty washer drum.
Pour 2 cups white vinegar in the detergent tray.
Set a regular wash cycle with hot water and allow it to run to completion.
For stubborn stains and odor, pour 2 cups of bleach in the bleach dispenser and run a second regular cycle with hot water.
Run an empty rinse cycle to rid the washer of any bleach residue.

Ways to Prevent Front Load Washer Smells

Fortunately, you can avoid front load washer mold and odor with some regular maintenance and the right use and care.

The following tips can prevent front load washer smells:

Use the right detergent in the right amounts: Always use HE detergent and add the least recommended amount to reduce suds.
Perform regular cleanings: Deep clean the drum and gasket on a monthly basis and wipe down the gasket after each wash load.
Allow for air circulation: Remove wet clothes as soon as possible to reduce interior moisture. When not in use, leave the washer door open to promote airflow.

If your Bosch washer smells bad after these DIY fixes, a professional service may need to assess for a washing machine repair. Call Appliance King of America to schedule your professional assessment today!