Daily home & garden tip: Does your front-loading washer smell moldy?

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Here's a tip from Energy Savers that deals with a common problem of front-loaders. Those door seals that keep water from leaking out while clothes are washing or rinsing can trap moisture that leads to mold. The Energy Savers website says that leaving the door ajar for an hour or two after use will allow moisture to evaporate, thus reducing the risk of mold. (And it cautions: Make sure children do not climb into the machine while the door is open.)

You might also consider rinsing the washer monthly by running a normal cycle with 1 cup of bleach to curb mold and mildew buildup. Some manufacturers recommend this, but you should check the product owner's manual before trying it.

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-- Homes & Gardens staff

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