Buzz
Have you ever opened your washer and been hit with an unpleasant, musty odor? Did you brush it off and move on? I did too. But the problem only worsened, didn’t it? Soon, even your freshly laundered clothes carried a lingering mildew smell. Both of us faced the same issue: mold and bacteria thriving in our machines, tainting our laundry. Fortunately, cleaning your washer and stopping mold from returning is straightforward.
What causes black mold to grow in my washing machine?
Mold thrives in damp environments, and certain parts of your washing machine—like gaskets, seals, hoses, and detergent dispensers—remain wet and never completely dry. Additionally, mold feeds on residual fabric softener and detergent deposits left behind after each wash cycle.
While mold can develop in any washing machine, those in humid environments, front-loading models, and high-efficiency (HE) washers are more susceptible to mold buildup compared to top-loading machines. HE washers seal tightly when closed, restricting airflow and creating conditions ideal for mold growth. The rubber seals in HE washers, designed to keep the machine airtight, are particularly problematic. Mold can accumulate beneath these seals if they aren’t thoroughly cleaned and dried on a regular basis.
Is washing machine mold dangerous?
In short, yes. “Mold in washing machines can cause issues even when the machine is idle,” said Melanie Carver, a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, in an interview with Consumer Reports. “It can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and congestion, and can also irritate the respiratory system.”
Fortunately, there are straightforward methods to remove mold from your washer and stop it from returning.
How to remove mold from your washing machine
To eliminate mold from your washing machine, start by collecting the necessary supplies:
A bucket
Rubber gloves
An old towel or rag you no longer use
A brush
A mold-killing solution
Create a mold-killing solution
While there are commercial products specifically made to kill mold, many common household items can also be mixed with water to effectively eliminate mold. One reliable option is chlorine bleach. To prepare a bleach-based mold-killing solution:
Combine 1 part bleach with 4 parts water.
If you prefer not to use bleach, consider these alternative solutions:
2 cups water, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, and ¼ cup lemon juice
2 cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ½ cup distilled white vinegar
1 part vinegar and 4 parts water (Note: Vinegar-based solutions may not be as effective for everyone, but results can vary.)
Important: Never mix bleach with any of these ingredients, as it can produce a hazardous gas.
Step 1: Flush out the washing machine’s pipes
Mold can accumulate in the hoses and pipes of your machine, so the first step is to address this by following these instructions:
Empty the washing machine completely, ensuring no residual detergent or fabric softener remains in the dispensers.
Pour approximately one cup of undiluted chlorine bleach directly into the washer’s drum, or...
If your machine has detergent, softener, or bleach dispenser drawers, add an appropriate amount of bleach to each, depending on the machine’s capacity.
Run the washer on the hottest water cycle with the largest load setting, but without any clothes.
After the cycle, leave the door open to allow the interior to dry completely.
Step 2: Clean the interior of your washing machine
For front-loading machines, carefully pull back the rubber seal and use a cloth or brush to clean behind the gasket thoroughly.
Wipe down the drum, lid, and all accessible surfaces with your mold-killing solution and a towel, ensuring you wear gloves for protection.
Dry all surfaces with a clean cloth and leave the door open to air out.
For a deeper clean, consider removing the drum entirely and wiping down all internal components. Check your washing machine’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm if this is safe and recommended for your model.
Step 3: Clean the lint trap and dispensers
Most washing machines feature removable drawers for detergent and fabric softener.
Refer to the manual for instructions on removing the dispensers.
Soak the dispensers in hot tap water for about an hour.
If the drawers cannot be removed, clean them by scrubbing with a brush or rag soaked in your mold-killing solution.
Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling.
Most washing machines include a lint filter or trap, which often becomes a hotspot for mold. Consult your manual for removal instructions. Once removed:
Remove any debris or buildup from the trap.
Scrub it thoroughly with your mold-killing solution or soak it in hot water.
Run a wash cycle without detergent or bleach to ensure all residues are flushed out.
How can I prevent mold from forming in my washer?
Now that your washer is free of mold, follow these steps to prevent it from returning or at least slow its growth.
Keep the washer door open after each use to allow air circulation.
If possible, leave detergent and fabric softener dispensers open as well.
Avoid leaving damp clothes sitting in the washer for extended periods.
For high-efficiency (HE) washers, only use detergents specifically formulated for HE machines.
After each use, dry the area beneath the door gasket thoroughly, especially in HE washers.
Enhance air flow in your laundry area by using a fan or keeping a window open.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air.
Be cautious not to overuse detergent, as excess can contribute to mold growth.
Consider replacing fabric softener with white vinegar, as some experts suggest eliminating fabric softener entirely.
