How to Clean Mold from Washing Machine

Washing machine mold, which is typically found on the rubber gasket of front-loading machines, is a common household problem. This kind of mold is caused by neglecting to clean the machine and/or using it improperly. But don’t worry. In this article, you’re going to learn how to remove mold from washing machines. Just because a washing machine cleans laundry, this doesn’t mean it cleans itself. Mold feeds on the moisture and detergent residue that the machine produces. With this in mind, here’s how to remove mold from washing machines and how to prevent it.

A sulfur smell is one sign that your machine needs cleaning. The truth is, that washing machines can get dirty pretty easily. But how can you tell? If you smell a rotten egg or sulfur smell in your clothes or laundry room, it\’s a sign that mold and mildew are growing. And washing your clothes over and over again isn\’t the solution to that problem. Keeping the lid closed traps moisture, which can lead to built-up bacteria and a rotten smell. And even more, mildew may be hiding if you use the cold-water setting a lot. If you haven\’t cleaned it lately, it may have mold, mildew, and more.

What are the best ways to kill mold in your washing machine?

Here are the ways you can eliminate mold from your washing machine. Mold in your washing machine could be devastating and disastrous to your clothes, so you must make everything possible to get rid of it.

(1) Start by putting on gloves and grabbing an old towel that you don\’t care about.

(2) Mix a solution of either bleach and hot water OR vinegar and hot water. Never mix bleach and vinegar together, as it creates a chlorine gas that can be harmful to you.

(3) Dip the towel in the mixture and start scrubbing away at any visible mold. Make sure to hit the detergent dispenser and around the gaskets.

(4) If there\’s a gasket around the door (front-load washers have them), carefully and thoroughly clean and dry it, including all the folds.

(5) Run a wash cycle on the hottest setting your machine offers with a cup of bleach or vinegar. (Not both!) If using bleach, pour it into the compartment designated for bleach. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use that setting. This should kill any hidden mold that you may have missed.

(6) Next, use another old towel and wipe away all the moisture in your washing machine. This includes the drum, dispensers, seals, and any other areas you can reach.

(7) Lastly, leave the door to your washer open to allow air circulation to dry out any parts you missed. Doing this monthly will help prevent mold growth.

Why does a 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.

Do all washing machines 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 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 the 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.

Preventing 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.

• Leave the top lid or front-load door open between loads to dry out the machine and prevent condensation and mold growth.
• Open the detergent drawer or remove it to let it drip dry after doing a load of laundry.
• For a front load washing machine, always wipe out the gasket (top to bottom) to remove any water and moisture. This is the main area that will get moldy first. Gently pull the gasket toward you to wipe inside and behind the gasket. Wipe especially well around the drain holes at the bottom.
• For a top load washing machine, always wipe down that top area around the basin but below the frame of the washing machine.
• Use a laundry additive (like this one) or laundry detergent that removes mold spores on clothing and linens. It will also help keep mold from growing in your washing machine.
• Use vinegar as a fabric softener instead of the commercial fabric softeners that leave gummy build-up in your washing machine. Mold loves fabric softeners.
• Remove wet clothes immediately after a wash.
• Use a dehumidifier where you keep the washer if you don’t have a window to open or an exhaust fan. Humidity from outside the machine may contribute to the mold inside it.
• Inspect washer hoses for wear and tear, as well as firm attachment. It may be necessary to replace the hoses every 3-4 years. Failing to do so could encourage the harboring of mold growth and also damage the washing machine.
• Water damage and mold is a prevailing issues in laundry rooms because of poor hose maintenance.

What are the best ways to clean mold in a washing machine?

There 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.

(1) How to clean mold from the washer basin
This 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.

(2) How to remove and clean mold from the detergent drawer

• Remove the detergent drawer.
• Remove the inserts from the dispenser drawer if your washing machine has these.
• Fill your sink with hot water and 2 cups of vinegar.
• Soak the detergent drawer in the sink. Let the drawer soak for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, scrub the mold off all areas.
• Remove the drawer from the hot water and dry it with a cloth.
• Spray the detergent drawer with EC3 mold solution spray to kill any remaining mold spores that might be hiding.
• Allow to air dry.

(3) How to clean mold from front load washer gasket

• Make sure the washer is turned OFF.
• Open your front load washing machine door.
• Be sure that the washer is completely empty.
• Check the gasket folds by turning it outward so you can see the full gasket inside and out.
• Using a damp disposable rag, remove any foreign substances on or in the gasket such as hair, leftover detergent, hardened soap, and of course mold.
• Now, sprinkle baking soda inside that gasket.
• Pour a wee bit of vinegar inside the gasket and allow it to bubble.
• Using an old toothbrush, scrub those areas with mold growth. The baking soda acts as an abrasive helping loosen the mold.
• Once you have loosed the entire mold, take another wet rag and clean out all the debris.
• Wipe the gasket area dry with a cloth.
• Spray it thoroughly with EC3 mold solution to kill any lingering mold spores.
• Allow it to air dry with the door open. Be sure to wipe the inside of the door down as well.