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It’s laundry day, and trouble arises: You open your washing machine and detect an odor that is damp, earthy, and—is that mold? How can you ensure your clothes get cleaned when your appliance might be harboring mold, mildew, and bacteria?
Exploring online forums suggests that numerous individuals face persistent mold, mildew, and bacteria issues around washing machine seals. While some users experiment with chemicals like bleach, unpleasant odors and stubborn particles around washing machine doors can be a recurring hassle.
Fortunately, addressing mold and mildew in your washing machine requires some effort. A thorough deep clean will restore your appliance’s functionality, free from mold, mildew, or bacteria interference.
Regularly cleaning the washer and allowing it to dry between uses can work wonders. If you are unsure how to properly sanitize your washing machine, we will provide the essential information on eliminating bacteria or mold and removing unpleasant odors.
The Most Effective Method to Eliminate Odors from Your Washing Machine
If mold is present in your washer, follow these steps to eradicate it. Performing this process monthly helps prevent mold growth.
- 1. Wear gloves and use an old towel that you can dispose of afterward.
- 2. Prepare a solution using either bleach and hot water or vinegar and hot water. (Never mix bleach and vinegar—this combination produces toxic chlorine gas.)
- 3. Dip the towel in the solution and scrub away any visible mold. Ensure you clean the detergent dispenser and around the seals.
- 4. For front-loading machines with a door gasket, clean and thoroughly dry it, including all folds. Be cautious not to damage the gasket.
- 5. Run the washing cycle on the hottest setting available, using one cup of bleach or vinegar. If using bleach, pour it into the designated bleach compartment. If using vinegar, add it to the detergent compartment. Alternatively, use the self-clean cycle if your machine has one. This should eliminate any hidden mold you might have missed.
- 6. Use another old towel to wipe away moisture from the washing machine’s drum, dispensers, seals, and other accessible areas.
- 7. Leave the washer door open to facilitate air circulation and completely dry any parts you might have missed.
Simple Strategies to Prevent Mold and Mildew in Your Washing Machine
Keep the Lid Open When Not in Use
Mold thrives in dark, moist environments, which your washer becomes after clothes are removed. Keeping the lid closed can trap moisture, leading to bacterial buildup and foul odors.
Leaving the washing machine door open promotes ventilation and helps prevent mold from taking hold in the first place.
Promptly Remove Wet Clothes
Damp clothes create an ideal breeding ground for mold. Ensure you are home to immediately remove clothes as soon as the wash cycle ends. This prevents mold growth in your washer and keeps mildew out of your clean clothing, bedding, and towels.
Dry Damp Surfaces After Each Use
After using your washing machine, wipe down any damp areas, including the lid, drum, door, rubber seals, and detergent dispenser (if applicable). Keep an old towel on hand for this purpose.
Dry the seals and other parts of your washer to prevent moisture from lingering. Mold contamination can occur in any washer but is particularly common in high-efficiency (HE) front-loading washers. Regularly clean the gaskets and seals around the door and ensure they remain dry.
Additionally, promptly remove any debris, such as pet hair or crumpled paper, from the machine.
Opt for a High-Efficiency Washing Machine
Liquid detergents can leave residue in your washing machine, providing a food source for mold. If you have a high-efficiency washer, use a laundry detergent designed for this type of machine, which produces fewer suds.
Key Tip: Switch to powder detergent or pods for better results and minimal waste.
Use only the recommended amount of detergent for your clothes to avoid lingering odors and residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cleaning Chemicals Should You Avoid Mixing When Cleansing Your Washing Machine?
To clean your washing machine, you will need to put on gloves, apply elbow grease, and use cleaning chemicals such as bleach or vinegar with hot water. Importantly, never combine bleach and vinegar, as this produces toxic chlorine gas harmful to you and others in your household.
What Steps Should You Take After Cleaning Your Washing Machine?
After thoroughly cleaning your washer and resuming normal use, continue to prevent new mold or mildew formation. Always dry the interior of the machine to avoid the warm, wet conditions bacteria thrive in.