how do i clean this thing? it's starting to smell musty and there's gunk around the inside of the lid.

— asked by Sam

Quick answer: That's biofilm and mildew from constant dampness. The rubber gasket around the opening and the detergent dispenser are the main breeding grounds.

Diagnosis

That's biofilm and mildew from constant dampness. The rubber gasket around the opening and the detergent dispenser are the main breeding grounds.

How to Fix It

Run the 'Self Clean+' cycle (it's a button on the control panel) with an affresh washing machine cleaner tablet or two cups of liquid bleach. While that runs, wipe down the entire inside of the lid, the rubber door seal, and the glass with a 50/50 vinegar-water mix. Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer and soak/scrub it.

If That Didn't Work

For persistent smells, mold might be in the hidden sump or drain areas. After cleaning the filter (see the 5E fix), you can try flushing the tub with hot water and vinegar through a rinse cycle.

Heads Up

Leave the lid OPEN after every wash to let it dry out. Closing it traps moisture and guarantees the smell will come back.

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