How to Get Rid of Suds in Washing Machine Interiors After a Cycle

Whether you love it or hate it, doing laundry is a part of life you just can’t avoid. What you can avoid, however, is a washing machine full of leftover suds. Thankfully, Mr. Appliance® can help with your bubble troubles. We've got tips on how to get rid of suds in washing machine interiors and keep them from returning or to determine if you need washing machine repair.

What Causes Leftover Suds?

If you have ever hand-washed your dishes or taken a bubble bath, you know that adding soap to water and stirring it up creates a mountain of foamy bubbles. The same principle applies to your washing machine, where the combination of laundry soap, water, and air creates the suds that work hard to clean your clothes. The problem begins when you open your machine at the end of the wash cycle to see these same suds clinging to your fabrics and coating the interior of the drum.

While the most likely source of these leftover suds is detergent overuse, there are several other reasons this phenomenon can occur:

In homes with hard water, the addition of a water softener can lead to an excess of suds
A washing machine that is working too hard can over-agitate the water and create extra suds
A buildup of soap in fabrics over time
Use of the wrong type of detergent for your washing machine

How to Get Rid of Suds in Washing Machine Drums

With soap, there can be too much of a good thing. When it comes to your laundry, being heavy-handed with the detergent can lead to trouble with your appliance and may even cause it to leak. When possible, run the soapy load of clothing through another rinse cycle to remove as much of the detergent as possible.

Here's how to get rid of suds in washing machine drums using a couple of different methods:

1. The Vinegar Method – This method uses vinegar to make it difficult for bubbles to retain their structure.

Wipe the interior of the drum with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess soap residue and bubbles. Change the cloth out as needed.
Set the machine to a full load and allow it to fill with water before adding 475ml (2 cups) of distilled white vinegar.
Complete the wash cycle.
Run a second rinse cycle to remove lingering residue.
Repeat these steps if needed until no visible suds remain on the clothing or the appliance.

2. The Fabric Softener and Water Method – Fabric softener and water can break down the soap structures that form tight suds.

Add a capful of fabric softener to the load either directly or through the liquid dispenser and run an additional rinse cycle.
Repeat if needed.

Tips for Excess Sud Prevention

An excessive amount of suds in washing machine drums can cause greying in lighter fabrics, skin irritation, musty odours, and other issues. If you discover mould or mildew as a result of improper air circulation or excess suds, use these tips to clean your front-load washer to prevent further growth.

You can avoid issues with your washing machine in the future by taking the following preventive measures:

Use the Right Type of Detergent
Low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergents produce fewer suds than standard detergents and are recommended for use in front-loading machines that use less water to operate than top loaders.
Measure Carefully
Consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations for the type and volume of detergent needed for each load.
Reduce Buildup
Periodically add a 350 ml (1 cup) of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to prevent a buildup of detergent on your clothes and towels.

Call Mr. Appliance for Professional Repair

With these tips on how to get rid of excess suds in washing machine interiors, you should be able to resolve your sudsy issue and prevent it from recurring. However, there's always the chance that your washing machine has an issue that's leading to bubble buildup. If you've tried adjusting your detergent to no avail, the problem may be a clogged drain or hose or a malfunctioning pump. Thankfully, we have the tools and expertise needed to help you overcome issues with your washing machine. Call or contact the team at Mr. Appliance online for a fast, reliable repair today!