Front-load washers use less water and are gentler on clothes, but the tight door seal that makes them efficient also keeps moisture inside after the cycle. Combine that with detergent residue and lint, and mildew grows in the rubber door boot and dispenser. Odor is one of the most common front-loader complaints, and in most cases it is not a broken part.
Clean the Door Boot
Pull back the folds of the rubber gasket around the door opening. You will often find hair, lint, coins and dark mildew spots. Wipe the folds with a cloth dampened in a mild cleaning solution, such as diluted white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution, following the product label and never mixing the two. Dry the folds afterward.
Clean the Dispenser Drawer
Remove the dispenser drawer if your manual shows how, rinse it with warm water, and scrub residue from the cavity it slides into. Softener compartments are particularly prone to buildup.
Run a Cleaning Cycle
If your Frigidaire washer has a dedicated cleaning cycle, run it empty about once a month with a washer cleaner or bleach as the manual directs. If it has no cleaning cycle, use the hottest normal cycle with an empty drum.
Habits That Prevent It Coming Back
- Use only high-efficiency (HE) detergent and measure it. Too much detergent leaves residue that feeds odor.
- Remove wet laundry promptly after the cycle ends.
- Leave the door and dispenser drawer slightly open between uses so the interior can dry. Keep children and pets in mind when you do this.
- Wipe the door boot dry after the last load of the day.
When the Smell Persists
If odor continues despite cleaning, or water remains in the drum after a cycle, the washer may not be draining completely. That is worth a Frigidaire washer repair diagnosis.