How To Clean a Moldy Washing Machine

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Any washing machine can begin to develop mold

Ways To Keep Mildew Out Of Your Washer

Any washing machine can begin to develop mold. Front-load washers are known for being gentler on clothes and getting clothes cleaner than traditional top-load washers. However, front-load washers are notorious for developing an unpleasant, sour-scented smell. This foul odor is due to mold and mildew inside the tiny cracks and crevices of your washer. Luckily, you do not have to be stuck with a stinky laundry room that smells like dirty laundry. There are several simple methods you can use to keep mildew out of your washer.

1. Clean the Drum
Mix together 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water. Pour the mixture into the detergent container and pour two cups of vinegar into the main part of the washer. Run a full cycle on hot. As the baking soda and vinegar mix together, the chemical reaction should kill any mold growing inside your washing machine.

2. Scrub if Needed
If you still see or smell anything suspicious, mix together equal parts of vinegar and water. Dip an abrasive sponge into the mixture and scrub away the remaining grime.

3. Clean the Gasket
The rubber seal around the door is a common area for mold and mildew to develop. Clean the gasket thoroughly with an equal solution of water and vinegar by rubbing a rag around the interior seal.

4. Prevent a Recurrence
Since regular soap can leave behind too much residue, use a detergent that is made for HE machines. To encourage complete drying between cycles, remove your laundry promptly and leave the door open when the machine is not in use. By following the previous recommendations once a month, you can keep your machine from developing a mold smell.
If the steps to clean your washing machine do not work, or you notice a moldy smell coming from other areas in your laundry room, you may need to call a professional mold remediation company. With a little help from the experts, your home in Mt Airy, PA, will soon be back to its pre-mold condition.