Just because a washing machine cleans clothes doesn’t mean that it cleans itself. One of the most common household problems is washing machine mold, which resides on the rubber gasket of front-loading machines.
This kind of mold is caused by improper use or cleaning neglect of the washing machine. Mold usually feeds on the moisture and detergent residue produced by the machine after every wash. With this in mind, here’s how you can prevent and remove mold from this appliance.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in Washing Machines
Prevention is better than cure. The same goes for mold growth in washing machines. Here’s how you can avoid them:
Use the Right Detergent
If your washing machine is High-Efficiency, make sure that you only use High-Efficiency detergent too. Using non-HE detergent leaves suds that promote the ideal environment for mold growth. In addition, you should only use the recommended amount of detergent per wash.
Remove Wet Clothes Immediately
Removing wet clothes right after every wash prevents moisture and mold buildup. In addition, it prevents your clothes from smelling musty.
Leave the Door Open after Every Wash
It’s important to leave the door open after each wash so that moisture inside the machine escapes. This prevents the formation of a damp environment that promotes mold growth.
Wipe the Door Gasket
Use your trusted mildew cleaner to regularly wipe down the door gasket, where water and moisture can get trapped. Doing this at least once a week gets rid of moisture and detergent residue.
Use a Dehumidifier
If the area where you keep your washing machine is humid, a dehumidifier helps prevent mold growth. Humidity from outside the machine contributes to mold growth inside. So, be sure to resolve the moisture or water problem in your space.
How to Remove Mold from Washing Machines
If you’re already dealing with a mold problem in your washing machine, here’s a simple guide on how you can remove it:
1. Obtain a Mold Removal Solution
You can buy a commercial mildew cleaner, or you can make your own mixture from several homemade cleaners. Here are examples of anti-mold solutions:
- Two cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
- Two cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- Four parts water and one part vinegar
- Four parts water and one part bleach
2. Put Cleaner into a Bottle and Spray over the Mold
Be sure to use rubber gloves and a dust mask to protect your hands and avoid inhaling mold spores. Use a cloth or towel to clean the gasket. Let the solution sit for several minutes on stubborn mold spots, then use an old toothbrush to remove them.
3. Purify the Drum and Hoses
Eliminating mold does not stop from cleaning the inside of the gasket. You should also purify the drum and hoses by running a cycle on the hottest setting with your chosen mold remover. This should rinse away any mold traces and odors from your entire washing machine.
Conclusion
Use this guide to eliminate the problem of mold in your washing machine. If, despite thorough cleaning, a musty smell persists, mold may be growing behind the washer drum. If this is the case, you should seek a qualified repair person to diagnose and fix the mold problem.
Call AAA Restoration Utah if your mold problem persists. We provide mold removal services in Utah, including inspection, cleaning, remediation, and restoration of appliances damaged by mold growth. At AAA Restoration, we keep your best interests in mind, and we understand the immediacy of home and property damage. That’s why we’re available 24/7.
When you call us, we will rush over and be ready to get to work immediately restoring your property. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (801) 263-9990
