Whether you have a top loader, front loader, new washing machine or old washing machine, mold will inevitably find its way into your washing machine of choice. It’s seems ridiculous right? After all, the washing machine’s purpose is to clean things. But unfortunately it is an ideal environment for mold. Show
Before I share the best way to clean mold in a washing machine (ALL the areas of a washing machine), lets chat about some washing machine mold basics. Why Does My Washing Machine Have Mold?Simple. Mold loves moisture. Mold loves rubber. Mold loves debris. And mold loves laundry detergent due to its plant-based (and even animal or synthetic) components. It’s dark, damp, and full of food. A washing machine is a mold’s paradise! Do All Front Loaders Have Mold Problems?Pretty much. In fact, ALL washing machines can have mold problems. Front loaders get a bad rep because mold tends to grow out of control in that rubber gasket area. But there are plenty of other areas in washing machines where mold can grow. There are the trays where you put detergent and bleach. There is the top area of the basin just under the washing machine housing on the top loaders that can get mold growth. There is the basin itself. The door can get moldy. But that gasket area on a front loader is definitely the biggest culprit when it comes to mold growth. Is Mold In Washing Machine Dangerous?Mold in general is dangerous. You can learn more about the types of mold and hazard classes of mold here but just be aware that you really want to do everything you can to prevent mold and immediately repair any leaks. How to Prevent Mold In A Washing MachinePreventing mold in a front load or top load washing machine is really easy! It just takes a wee bit of time after you wash a load of laundry. But I promise you, there will be no mold in your washing machine if you follow these tips.
So now that you know how to prevent mold in your washing machine, let’s talk about how to remove it. The Best Way To Clean Mold In A Washing MachineThere are three areas that are prone to mold growth and may need mold removal in your washing machine. Let’s look at how to clean mold in your washing machine drawer, gasket, and basin. How To Clean Mold From The Washer BasinThis part is the easiest part. It’s pretty hands off. Typically I do this before I clean the drawer and gasket and then immediately after I clean the drawer and gasket. This ensures that I have removed as many mold spores as possible. If you have a sanitize cycle, all you need to do is run this one once with a cup of EC3 laundry additive. That will take care of any mold. If you do not have a sanitize cycle then you need to follow the steps below. For Top Loaders
For Front Loaders This takes a little more work since the soaking option isn’t the same as a top loader.
How to remove and clean mold from the detergent drawer
While your detergent drawer is soaking and air drying, you will want to work on the actual dispenser area on the washing machine.
Once the detergent drawer and the dispenser housing area is dry, slide the drawer back into the washer. How To Clean Mold From Front Load Washer GasketThis is going to take some elbow grease so be ready!
And there you have it! The best way to clean mold in a washing machine as well as how to prevent mold in a washing machine. Looking to keep your washing machine smelling fresh at all times? This all-natural washing machine deodorizer is incredible!Are you interested in learning more about HOW washing machines clean laundry as well as the science behind detergents?All of the information and more can be found in my article on the best laundry detergent to remove mold. There is even a DIY mold removing laundry detergent recipe! Be sure to check out all my mold prevention posts. I promise you they are chalk full of important information! In this post I refer to EC3 products. They are one of the only two mold and mycotoxin removal products that I personally use and recommend. Please read my article outlining what makes EC3 superior when it comes to killing mold and mycotoxins. It has been independently lab tested and proven to be 99% effective when used properly. I encourage you to purchase EC3 products directly through Micro Balance. If you prefer to shop on Amazon, Micro Balance has a presence there as well. How do you remove black mold from rubber?Mix one part bleach with four parts water in the spray bottle. Use the spray bottle to spray and wipe away any remaining bleach areas from the rubber seal. Be sure to pull/push it gently to get in the grooves where moisture can grow and mould can develop. Wearing rubber gloves will protect your hands from the bleach.
How do you remove black mold from rubber seal on washing machine?White vinegar – mixed with hot water and cycled through the washing machine can remove or prevent mold growth. Spray bottle – needed to get your solution all over the rubber gasket. Soft cloth – used to wipe down the excess solution and mold from the rubber gasket.
How do you clean the rubber seal on a frontOpen the door to your washing machine and find the rubber seal. Once you've located the seal, spray a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water directly on it. Let the solution sit for 2-3 minutes, at which point you can scrub it off with a washcloth or dish scrub brush.
Is mold still a problem with frontMold problems in front-load washing machines are very common, but not inevitable! The key culprit for this problem is the front-load washer's sealing door. Unlike Top Load Washers , a front-loader has a door surrounded by a rubber gasket that creates an airtight seal when shut.
|