Lint balls forming inside a front load washer during or after the wash cycle can be caused by a combination of factors. Here are some of the main reasons:
Fiber shedding from clothes: The primary culprit is often the clothes themselves. Fabrics like towels, fleece, or certain synthetic materials tend to shed tiny fibers during washing. These fibers can accumulate and clump together, forming lint balls.
Washer drum design: Front load washers generally have a drum with small holes to allow water to drain efficiently. However, these small holes can trap lint and debris, leading to the formation of lint balls over time.
Overloading the washer: If you overload the washer with too many clothes, there won't be enough space for the water and detergent to circulate properly. This can cause friction among the clothes, leading to more lint being released and accumulated.
Using low-quality detergents: Some detergents may not dissolve completely or rinse away properly, leaving behind residue that can trap lint and other debris.
Hard water: If your water is hard, it can create more soap scum and mineral deposits in the washer, providing a surface for lint to adhere to and form lint balls.
Lack of regular cleaning: If you don't clean your washer regularly, lint and other debris can build up in the drum and other parts of the machine, exacerbating the lint ball issue.
Washing heavily soiled items: Washing heavily soiled items, such as pet bedding or work clothes covered in dirt, can contribute to more lint and debris in the washer.
To minimize lint balls in your front load washer, consider the following preventive measures:
- Separate lint-shedding fabrics from clothes that produce less lint.
- Avoid overloading the washer and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for load size.
- Use high-quality detergents that dissolve well and rinse away cleanly.
- Clean the washer's drum and gasket regularly to remove lint and debris.
- Consider using a lint trap or mesh laundry bag for items that shed a lot of lint.
- If you have hard water, consider using a water softener or special detergent for hard water.
By taking these precautions and maintaining your front load washer properly, you can significantly reduce the formation of lint balls and keep your laundry clean and free from excessive lint.