How To Clean Mold From Washing Machine – Easy Steps

Last updated: October 15th, 2022

Mold buildup is a common phenomenon in a washing machine. Unless you clean mold, your clothes are going to become smelly. In fact, when your clothes get smelly, you will understand that it is time to clean mold. Mold can affect your health when you wear those smelly clothes.

Therefore, it is important to clean mold as soon as you sense its presence. In this article, we will illustrate how to clean mold from washing machine.

What causes mold in washing machines?

Many factors can lead to mold formation in your washing machine. Some of these are

  • Sitting wet clothes: When you hang up wet laundry in the washing machine, it can lead to mold formation. Keeping the wet load of laundry in the machine even for some time helps in contributing to mold generation. To prevent it, you must remove the wet clothes immediately once the cycle is finished.
  • Moisture in the machine: When moisture remains in the machine, there will also be mold growth. For this reason, it is important to air-dry the machine between cycles. If you don’t perform it, then it will provide a dark and damp place that serves perfectly for mold growth. You will have to keep the machine dry by leaving it open. If possible, you can add a fan or an AC for improving airflow in the laundry room.

  • Choosing the wrong detergent: Another possible cause is when you opt for the wrong detergent. This can make many suds and there can be residue in the machine. A standard detergent will lead to a build-up of soap and you will have to use excess water which will lead to mold generation. You must use HE detergents for HE machines.
  • Infrequent cleaning of the machine: If you don’t clean the washing machine monthly, it can lead to the buildup of mold and dirt. Ensure that you deep clean the machine every month so that there will be no dirt and mold.
  • Washing clothes with mold: We may wash wet towels that can have mold and pass them to the machine. Make sure that you use specialized detergent for getting rid of mold spores. Even after cleaning the laundry, you must clean the machine thoroughly.

Cleaning mold from washing machine

Cleaning mold from the washing machine can be an easy task if you have an effective mold remover. However, you will have to know that mold is an irritant and you need to put on proper clothing like gloves and a mask. Ensure that there will be better ventilation by keeping the windows and doors open. Also, you must not allow children or pets when you are cleaning the washing machine.

Items required for removing mold from washing machine

  • Bleach / white vinegar
  • Water
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Towel
  • Jug or basin

Clean Mold from Top-loading Washing Machine

You will have to start by wearing protective equipment and work in a well-ventilated area. Prepare your cleaning solution by diluting the bleach in a basin or jug. For white vinegar, it must be distilled. The cleaning solution must be in the ratio of 1:1 with water.

  1. Start by setting the machine to a hot cycle. Fill in the drum with hot water. Pause the cycle after it is full.
  2. Add one cup of white vinegar or a half cup of bleach. You must never combine the two items as they can create lethal chlorine gas.
  3. Soak the machine for one hour. You can use a microfiber cloth and soak it in the hot water to scrub the machine in all the parts where mold can hide. If you are unable to get rid of it with the cloth, you can make use of the scrubbing brush.
  4. Cover the lid of the washing machine and start the cycle. It will make sure there will be a deep cleaning of the drum and drain.
  5. Use a microfiber cloth or a towel to dry the machine. You will have to wipe down the drum and machine to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew. Ensure that it is perfectly dry.

Clean Mold from Front-loading Washing Machine

As always, you will have to begin by wearing protective equipment goggles, gloves, and a mask. There must be ample ventilation and nobody must be in the cleaning area. Similar to the top-loading washing machine, you will have to prepare the cleaning solution by using either distilled white vinegar or diluted bleach.

  1. Take a few microfiber cloths and soak them in the cleaning solution. You need to place them in the areas of the machine which have mold. Leave the soaked clothes for up to 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Scrub the areas with mold by dipping the scrubbing brush in the cleaning solution. It must be done carefully so that the mold and mildew become loose. In some cases, you may have to use elbow grease. Repeat the steps so that the mold is gone completely.
  3. Put dirty rags in the washing machine. Now add a cup of distilled white vinegar or a half cup of bleach to the detergent drawer. Follow it by running a hot cycle.
  4. After the machine is cleaned, you can take out the rags and dry them by putting them in the tumbler. Make sure that the washing machine door is open so that there will be air drying.
  5. Clear the lint filter and remove the drain. You will have to remove dirt by running warm water under it. Scrub the drain filter with dish soap and rinse it thoroughly.
  6. Use a multi-purpose cleaner to spray the machine, on the inside, door, and gasket. Once done, you can wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
  7. Finally, dry the machine with the help of a towel. There must not be any moisture and you will have to wipe every corner including the rubber gasket.

Cleaning the detergent dispenser

Even the detergent dispenser can be a home to mold. You must always clean the detergent dispenser as it can make mold come to your clothes. These are the steps that you will have to perform.

Step 1: Before you start, you will have to clean the drawer. Remove the drawer and put it in the sink. You must always clean the drawer separately.

Step 2: Add a cup of bleach or two cups of distilled white vinegar and warm water to the sink. Soak the drawer for at least an hour.

Step 3: Scrub the drawer by using a sponge or a scrubbing brush. This will help to loosen the build-up of detergent, dirt, and mold.

Step 4: Remove the water from the sink and rinse it with clean water.

Step 5: In a jug add water and distilled white vinegar or bleach. Scrub around the drawer by using a cleaning brush or cloth. You must cover all the areas like seals, hinges, and crannies to remove mold.

Step 6: Dry the detergent drawer with a towel. Put back the drawer into its location.

Conclusion

Bleach and distilled white vinegar are two potent items that help to remove mold. The above steps will let you get rid of mold from your washing machine. These are cost-effective and do not need a professional. However, you must adopt adequate safety and perform the task in a properly ventilated area.

WRITTEN BY Aman Sharma

Aman Sharma is a content writer who specializes in creating compelling, informative content. His writing style is engaging and easy to read, making it perfect for online readers. Aman is also an expert in social media marketing and knows how to use social media to promote your content.

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