When To Replace Your Washer Door Boot
If you currently own a front load washer, you may be familiar with the door boot in your washer. If you aren’t, here are some tips to help you determine if your door boot needs to be cleaned or replaced. The door boot is also known as the bellow, door seal, or sometimes door gasket. The door boot seals the water from coming out of the tub of your washer through the door. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to replace your door boot.
- Leaking Water
- Marks on Clothes
- Odor in Washer
As we mentioned before the door boot acts as a seal for your washer to keep the water from leaking out of your front load washer door. Leaking may be due to a tear in your washers door boot. Tears can happen over time with use but also from overloading your washer. Keep in mind no matter how big or small the tear in your door boot, you should always replace your door boot to avoid any leaking.
Overloading your washer to finish faster may seem like a good idea; however, this may cause some issues in the long run. Besides tearing, clothes that press against the door boot can cause marks on your clothes. Clothes that press against the door boot can stain from the residue left on your door boot. Your boot can also deteriorate over time, causing grease and oil marks. Check your door boot for these grease and oil marks. If the marks are minimal cleaning the door boot with vinegar and running an empty cycle with one cup of bleach added to the wash tube and allowing the door boot to dry with the door open can help fix the problem. However, if the problem persists, it is better to replace the door boot altogether.
Washers are meant to make your dirty clothes smell fresh and clean. If you noticed an odor coming from your front load washer, your door boot might be the culprit. After every load of laundry, you should always remember to leave the door to your washer open. When your washer door is left closed, the moisture stays in your washer and can cause your door boot to become moldy and smell. If your door boot has mold, it is best to replace it.
If you’ve experienced any of the following and need to replace your door boot, be sure to contact us directly with the model number to your washer. We can help you find the correct door boot your washer requires. If you need help finding your model number, be sure to check out our last blog here. Remember, all door boots come in different sizes and are not universal. Replacing a door boot with the wrong size can cause your door seal to tear or your washer to leak water.