Clothes and linens should come out of the wash smelling fresh and clean. If your clothes come out smelling like mold, or if you see visible signs of mold, it's time to give your washing machine a good cleaning. This guide will show you how to clean mold from a washing machine, so your laundry smells fresh and clean.
Prepping to Clean Mold From a Washing Machine
The first thing you need to decide when cleaning your washing machine is whether you're team vinegar or team bleach. Both will do the job of killing and removing mold. Both have a strong odor.
Vinegar is a natural mold killer and may be slightly more effective at killing mold on porous surfaces than bleach. You also may feel more comfortable choosing vinegar over bleach if you have small children or pets at home, as vinegar fumes are less powerful and it's less toxic than bleach.
Mix Your Solution and Scrub the Gasket
Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 2 cups of hot water in a small bucket, or mix distilled white vinegar and warm water together with a 1:1 ratio, such as one cup water and one cup vinegar. Pour the vinegar/water solution or bleach/water solution into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the rubber gasket around the washing machine door. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes or longer if there's a lot of mold buildup.
Use the toothbrush to scrub away the mold, then wipe with the towel.
Repeat the process, spraying the washing machine drum, filters, and the detergent dispensers with the vinegar/water or bleach/water solution. Let the solution sit, then scrub with the toothbrush and wipe with the towel to clean away the mold.
Wash the Washing Machine
Run a washing cycle using the longest cycle setting and the hottest water available.
Top-Loading Machine
If you have a top-loading machine, pour either 2 cups of vinegar or 1 cup of chlorine bleach into the washing machine drum. Turn on the washer and let it run a full cycle empty.
Front-Loading Machine
If you have a front-loading machine, pour the 2 cups of vinegar into the detergent dispenser or the 1 cup of bleach into the bleach dispenser, then run the machine empty.
Once the wash cycle is finished, open the door of the washing machine and dry the inside of the drum and around the gasket. Leave the washing machine door open to help it air out and prevent future mold growth.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You can most likely tackle cleaning mold from your washing machine on your own. However, if you have a larger mold problem throughout your home, it's usually best to hire a local mold removal company. A professional mold mitigation company can remove mold from other areas of your home and give you advice on how to keep mold from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even if you don't see visible signs of mold, it's a good idea to get in the habit of cleaning your washing machine at least once a month. Detergent and dirt can build up in the machine, affecting its performance and leaving you with laundry that's less than fresh. Cleaning your machine monthly also helps to keep mold at bay.
Mold loves a moist environment, so the best way to keep it from returning is to keep your machine as dry as possible. Take laundry out of the machine as soon as you can after a cycle finishes. If your laundry room is humid, consider using a dehumidifier or at least running a fan to increase airflow.
It's also a good idea to leave the washing machine door open when it's not in use, to improve airflow and keep the interior dry.
The gasket and drum of a washing machine are ideal spots for mold to grow. They are dark, warm, and humid, conditions that mold thrives in. The products you use to wash your clothing, such as fabric softener and detergent, can also encourage growth by giving the mold a food source.
It's never a good idea to mix chemicals, particularly bleach with an acid like vinegar. Doing so can produce chlorine gas, which is lethal. Choose either vinegar or bleach–or another cleaner, then stick with using that cleaner every time you wash your washing machine.
If you do accidentally mix vinegar and bleach, open a window and leave the area immediately. Take any pets or children with you.
Amy is a content writer specializing in home improvement and personal finance topics. She loves helping people tackle DIY projects that beautify their spaces. Her work can also be found on Money Crashers and Coldwell Banker where she combines home improvement and money saving tips.
Amy is a content writer specializing in home improvement and personal finance topics. She loves helping people tackle DIY projects that beautify their spaces. Her work can also be found on Money Crashers and Coldwell Banker where she combines home improvement and money saving tips.
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