There are so many moving parts on your front load washer that it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes time to clean and maintain the machine. That’s why you need to familiarize yourself with your front load washer gasket and how to clean it. That little rubber gasket can have a big impact on the performance of your washer, as well as its longevity. If your gasket is torn, ripped, or just generally not in good shape, you will notice an increase in noise and vibration while also experiencing issues with leaking water and increased vibration during spin cycles. Let’s take a look at how to clean the front load washer gasket and how doing so will improve the efficiency of your machine.
How To Clean A Front Load Washer Gasket
- Use a wet rag to wipe down the washer gasket. If you have hard water, this is your first step.
- Mix one cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water and pour it into the washer’s clean-out container (this is where you can dump your detergent).
- Run the washer through a normal cycle and then allow it to sit for 20 minutes before checking the gasket again. This will help break up any calcium deposits that may be in the gasket, which can cause rusting over time. If you notice any rusting or mold on the gasket, use a mild bleach solution to remove it before you continue below.
- Clean out all of the soap residues from the machine via a quick rinse cycle and then give it another cleaning cycle with a mix of hot water and baking soda (about 1/4 cup per gallon). Make sure that your baking soda doesn’t get too hot or else it will burn through your machine’s rubber seals!
- Mix up 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water and pour into your clean-out container again for another cleaning cycle if necessary. This is an excellent way to remove mineral deposits from hard water sources without damaging rubber seals or other parts in your machine (be careful not to let this mixture overflow!).
- Rinse the gasket thoroughly with warm water, then allow it to air dry if you want to save a little energy.
What Is A Front Load Washer Gasket?
- Front-load washers are made up of many different components. The pump, the motor, and the gasket are a few of these components.
- A gasket is a flexible piece of rubber that forms a seal between two parts of an appliance.
- Front-load washers use gaskets to create an airtight seal between the washer bottom and its top lid, which prevents water from leaking out while in use.
- While there are many different types of washer gaskets, most are made from rubber or plastic and come in both outdoor and indoor versions when used on outdoor machines or for indoor machines that have been exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
- Front-load washers have three different types of gaskets that can be found on most models: an inner rubber gasket around the pump, an outer rubber gasket around the outside edges of the lid, and a metal ring around the center post where all three fit together to create an airtight seal between them when in use.
- The inner rubber gasket is worn down over time because it is not sealed tightly enough to prevent water from leaking out while in use; this results in slow spin cycles with increased vibration and noise during operation due to water seeping out the operation. To combat this issue, you can replace your front load washer inner rubber gasket with one that has been specially designed for your specific model by purchasing one at a local hardware store or online.
Why Is It Important To Clean Your Washer’s Gasket?
Improves Efficiency
A clean gasket will help to improve the efficiency of your machine. The gasket is responsible for sealing the lid against the drum, which keeps water from leaking out of the machine while it is in use. Cleaning your gasket will make it last longer, which means that you’ll be able to make more laundry without having to worry about your washer leaking or malfunctioning.
Increases Noise Level
If there are any cracks or tears in your gasket, it can cause a lot of noise when you turn on your washer. If you notice that some of the parts inside your washer are making a lot more noise than they used to, this could indicate that there is a crack or tear in your gasket and that it needs to be replaced. The more time that passes between cleaning and replacing, the worse the problem becomes and the louder it gets. When you clean and replace your washer gasket as often as needed, you can keep your washer running smoothly while decreasing noise and vibration levels so that they don’t get so loud as to start annoying you!
Results in Increased Vibration
Vibration is a dangerous thing in the laundry room. Increased vibration can cause damage to your washer and also makes it harder to remove stains and dirt from your clothing. If you notice that your washer is vibrating more than it used to, this could indicate that there are cracks or tears in your gasket and that it should be replaced. If you notice any of these issues, cleaning the gasket will help to solve the problem and keep your clothes clean for a longer period of time.
Can Cause Damage to Other Parts
If your washer has a gasket that is damaged, it can cause issues with other parts of the machine. The gasket is responsible for keeping water from leaking out of the machine while it is in use, but if the gasket itself isn’t working properly, water can leak out even when your machine is not in use. If you notice that there are any leaks or leaks in your washer after replacing your washer gasket, you should contact a professional and have them check out the problem.
The Easiest Way To Clean Your Front Load Washer Gasket
- Clean the gasket with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Dry the washer gasket thoroughly with a soft cloth and allow it to completely dry before replacing.
- To prevent future problems, replace your washer gasket every 1 to 2 years or when it becomes excessively worn.
- Cleaning the washer gasket is easy and can be done by anyone who is willing to spend a few minutes in your laundry room cleaning the parts that make up your washing machine.
- If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can bring your front load washer to a local appliance repair shop for service and maintenance.
- If you want to keep your front load washer running smoothly, clean the washer gasket regularly, and don’t skip any steps!
Conclusion
As you can see, the front load washer gasket is an important piece of equipment that, when properly maintained, keeps your washer running smoothly and quietly. That’s why it’s important to clean your gasket regularly and make sure it stays in good shape. If you do, you’ll have a washer that lasts for years to come. When it comes to cleaning your front load washer, it’s important to understand that the easiest and most efficient way to do so is to select the “Clean Washer” cycle. It’s a quick, one-and-done method of cleaning the gasket that will have your washer spic and span in no time.
