If you ever wondered how to keep your washing machine clean, how to avoid it getting moldy and how to ensure that it lasts a long time then you’ll want to know whether or not it can get moldy and what to do about it.
Yes, your washing machine can get mold and not only can this negatively affect how clean your clothes come out it can also negatively affect your washing machine and may even reduce its lifespan.
You should always ensure that there is no mold in your washing machine and remove it properly as soon as you see any.
How do I know if my washing machine is moldy?
One of the first signs that there is mold in your washing machine is that there will be a strange smell.
You may just be able to smell it when you open the washing machine or you may even notice that your clothes come out with a weird smell.
You may also notice there are dark spots in your washing machine.
Most commonly these mold spots will appear at the opening of your washing machine where the rubber seal is. It will most typically be found on or around the rubber seal in a washing machine that loads from the front.
Why do washing machines get moldy?
The reason why washing machines get moldy is because they are the perfect warm and damp environment for mold to grow.
Any residue left over from laundry detergent and softener can also help the mold to grow if it isn’t quickly cleaned away.
The rubber seal that stops the water from leaking out the front of the washing machine is the perfect breeding ground for mold and this is the first place that you’ll notice it.
However, other warm damp areas of your washing machine may also be susceptible to mold.
These other areas include drain pipes, the soap dispenser as well as washer lint fillers.
If you find that your washing machine smells odd make sure that you check all of these areas to catch the problem as quickly as possible.
How to remove mold from a washing machine
If you do unfortunately spot mold in your washing machine you should make sure that you get rid of it as quickly as possible.
This will stop the problem from spreading and help to keep your washing machine working better for longer.
The best way to get rid of mold in a washing machine is to use chlorine bleach. However, you should be very careful when using this product. You will need the following:
- Chlorine bleach
- Rubber gloves
- A soft brush
- A microfiber cloth
- A large bucket
To clean your washing machine do the following:
- Ensure that your washing machine is completely empty. Not only does this mean removing all of your clothes, it also means ensuring that there is no soap or softener in the washing machine.
- Choose a setting that is meant for a large load of clothes so that you will get a lot of water running through your machine. Choose warm or hot water.
- Add one cup of bleach into the drum and turn the washing machine on. Turn the washing machine on and let it run for the entire cycle.
- Once the cycle has ended you will need to take the clean microfiber cloth and dry the rubber seal and the door. Make sure that they are completely dry.
- Remove the detergent drawer and rinse under hot water. Dry completely.
- Check that there is no more mold in the area where you spotted it before cleaning. If there is still mold, repeat the process.