Preventing Mold from Growing in your Washing Machine

Whether you have a top or front loader, new washing machine or old, mold will find its way into it. Though it seems ridiculous, a washing machine being dirty–it’s inevitable since they are the ideal environment for growing mold.

Why does it grow

Over time, moisture gets trapped in your washing machine’s hard to reach places–those moisture rich nooks and crannies can easily become mold’s favorite place. Seals, gaskets, and dispensers are just a few areas that harbor moisture and don’t dry out properly after a wash cycle. Combine the trapped moisture with the humidity of your laundry room, and you’ve created the perfect mold friendly environment. Even if you can’t see it, mold can still be present. It can even attach itself to your clean clothing and cause respiratory issues. To keep your lungs happy and your clothes clean, try out the following cleaning and prevention tips.

How to Clean your Machine

Top Loaders:

Add 1 cup of Micro Balance EC3 Laundry Additive to your machine. This additive is specially made to eliminate mold and mold spores left behind by detergents and bleach.
Fill the washing machine with hot water.
Allow the mixture to sit in the washing machine for a minimum of one hour.
Run the washing machine like normal.
Open the machine lid and wipe it out. Keep the lid open to allow it to dry completely.

Front Loaders:

Spray the entire washer basin with EC3 solution and allow it to air dry.
Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the wash drum and run a normal wash cycle with the hottest water possible.
Once the vinegar cycle is done, repeat step 2 using EC3 solution only.
Once the EC3 solution cycle is done, run a rinse cycle to flush out remaining grime or residue.
Open the door when done and wipe out the wash basin and gasket area. Keep the door open to allow it to dry completely.

Front Gaskets:

Make sure the washer is turned OFF and empty.
Turn the gasket folds outward and using a damp disposable rag, remove any foreign substances (i.e. hair, detergent, mold etc.)
With the gasket still folded outwards, sprinkle baking soda inside the gasket then pour a splash of vinegar on top. Allow the mixture to bubble.
Using an old toothbrush, scrub the mold affected areas.
Once you’ve scrubbed the mold, take another wet rag, and clean out the debris.
Wipe the gasket area with a dry cloth.
Spray it thoroughly with EC3 solution to kill any lingering spores, then allow the gasket to air dry completely before flipping it back into place.

How to Prevent Mold

Wipe it down: After using your washing machine, be sure to wipe down any part that is damp. Good places to focus on are the lid, drum, door, and rubber gaskets.

Leave the lid/door open: Mold loves to grow in dark, damp areas, which is what your washer becomes after taking out your clothes. Leaving the lid or door open gives the machine proper ventilation and prevents mold from growing in the first place.

Remove wet clothes: Always remove clothes from the washing machine as soon as the timer goes off. Not only does this prevent mold from growing in your machine or attaching to your clothes, but it also keeps your clothes from mildewing.

Clean the Gaskets: Mold contamination can happen in any washer–it’s especially common in high-efficiency or front-loading washers. That is why you should regularly clean the gaskets, as they do a good job at sealing in moisture that can help mold grow.

Terry’s Plumbing Installs Appliances

If you have a machine that seems to grow mold no matter what you do, then it may be time to invest in a new one. When you decide to make that decision, Super Terry will be there to help with installation! Give us a call today to schedule your next appliance install.