Thread Number: 66548
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Best way to clean front loader door boot |
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Post# 892009   8/1/2016 at 12:28 (2,822 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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I just got a great deal on some Kenmore front loaders. I've included the pictures from the CL ad. The washer has quite a bit of mold in/on the door boot but they were such a good deal I'm prepared to just buy a new boot from Sears. Before I do that, though, what's the AW.org prescribed method for cleaning the boot? I searched extensively but didn't see much of a consensus.
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Post# 892013 , Reply# 1   8/1/2016 at 12:52 (2,822 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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several things come to mind that you could try.....
but mostly you need a mold/mildew cleaner.....like a bathroom cleaner, especially with bleach..... some of these cleaners have a 'deep root' cleaner to sink way down into the rubber to get rid of mold..... one treatment may not work, you may have to spray and let it set, or even taking a toothbrush for a little scrubbing on tough areas... I have the Frigidaire sister to your set.....so theres not really a clean washer cycle, granted not really needed.....but if you must, a long hot wash cycle, and using dishwasher detergent or chlorine for a pool will clean your unit very well.....once done, not a reason to ever have to do it again.... even after your all done, the mold/mildew will be gone, but it may have darkened the rubber some, but doesn't seem to be of any harm from there on.....hot/warm washes, and the weekly use of bleach in a load will keep it clean from there on out.....some mention of keeping the door ajar or leaving the dispenser drawer open.....I never do, and never have an issue.... not that COLD washes can't be used, but it should not be used as the only temp for every load......like I said, wash a few loads in mixed temps, and a bleach wash here and there will be all the up keep you will ever need... hope this helps good luck and keep us posted.... |
Post# 892015 , Reply# 2   8/1/2016 at 13:19 (2,822 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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That's more or less what I expected. I've had front loaders in the past and follow good habits like leaving the door open after use and using hot washes twice a week for sheets and towels. The previous owners clearly were not so well-trained.
I was considering doing alternating treatments with bleach and something like this www.homedepot.com/p/Moldex-32-oz-.... I'm okay with the boot still looking stained. There isn't much of a mold smell but there is definitely a fabric softener odor. The dishwasher detergent wash will probably take care of that. I'm out of town for 2 weeks but when I get back and get these machines hooked up I'll do some before and after pictures and let everyone know what I find. |
Post# 892016 , Reply# 3   8/1/2016 at 13:26 (2,822 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
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I've had several FL's over the years and I pretty much follow everything that Martin suggests and I have never had any problems with mold either. I do however take a clean wash cloth and thoroughly dry every crevice of the gasket after I'm finished washing for the day. I also leave the door and dispenser open while the dryer is running, then close the dispenser and leave the door slightly ajar.
I pretty much wash all loads in hot, which probably ends up being like very warm water washes used to be in days gone by. And I always wash at least one load a week with LBC. I think, like most members on AW that using cold water exclusively is a recipe for mold and other problems. And really since a FL uses such a small amount of water, using hot water to wash is not causing me to use a lot of extra electricity. Eddie |
Post# 892019 , Reply# 4   8/1/2016 at 13:29 (2,822 days old) by vacerator (Macomb, Michigan)   |   | |
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Frigidaire affinity washer. |
Post# 892030 , Reply# 5   8/1/2016 at 14:10 (2,822 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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that's a clone to Frigidaire's Gallery Series.....
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Post# 896189 , Reply# 6   8/29/2016 at 14:29 (2,794 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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As promised here's the results of using Moldex mold stain remover on the boot (link to cleaner included). I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Pictures are before, after one treatment, and after two treatments. It could probably use another but I'm going to let the machine rinse and air dry now. First pics: side of the boot
CLICK HERE TO GO TO whatsername's LINK |
Post# 896190 , Reply# 7   8/29/2016 at 14:29 (2,794 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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Now the side, pulled back (pretty dramatic improvement here--the white residue wiped right out afterwards)
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Post# 896191 , Reply# 8   8/29/2016 at 14:31 (2,794 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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Bottom of the boot. This particular boot does not have drain holes in the very bottom so it retains quite a bit of water.
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Post# 896192 , Reply# 9   8/29/2016 at 14:32 (2,794 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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Boot pulled back from the tub. Another noticeable improvement.
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Post# 896194 , Reply# 10   8/29/2016 at 14:32 (2,794 days old) by whatsername (Denver, CO)   |   | |
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