How To Remove Mold From A Washing Machine: A Complete Guide

Remove Mold From A Washing Machine: A Complete Guide

Mold in your washing machine can be a real headache. It leaves a bad smell on your clothes and can be harmful to your health. The good news is that you can get rid of it! In this blog, I will show you how to remove mold from your washing machine step by step. We will also talk about how to prevent mold from coming back. If you ever feel that the mold problem is too big, you can always call a mold removal company Charlotte for help.

What Is Mold And Why Does It Grow In Your Washing Machine?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and dark places. Your washing machine is the perfect spot for mold to grow because it often stays wet and doesn’t get enough air. Mold can form on the rubber seal (gasket), inside the drum, and in the detergent drawer. Over time, mold can make your machine less effective and leave your clothes smelling bad. If you want a deep cleaning of your washing machine, hiring mold remediation services might be a good idea.

Step-By-Step Guide To Remove Mold From A Washing Machine

1. Clean The Gasket (Rubber Seal)

The gasket is the rubber ring around the door of your washing machine. Mold loves to hide here because it stays damp. Follow these easy steps to clean it:

• Step 1: Open the washing machine door and carefully pull back the gasket to look for mold.
• Step 2: Use a cloth or sponge soaked in /warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution (50% water and 50% white vinegar).
• Step 3: Wipe all the mold you see, paying close attention to the folds in the gasket.
• Step 4: Rinse the cloth and wipe the gasket again to make sure it’s clean.

By doing this often, you can stop mold from growing in the first place. But if the mold comes back, you may want to call a mold removal company Charlotte to give your washing machine a professional clean.

2. Run A Cleaning Cycle

Sometimes, mold is hidden inside the drum or the pipes of your washing machine. Running a cleaning cycle with the right materials can help clean these hard-to-reach areas. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum of the washing machine.
• Step 2: Add ½ cup of baking soda to the detergent compartment.
• Step 3: Run a hot water cycle with no clothes inside. The heat will help kill the mold, and the vinegar and baking soda will break down any mold or bad smells.

You should do this once a month to keep your washing machine clean. If the smell or mold keeps coming back, it may be a sign that you need mold remediation services for your home. They can take care of bigger mold problems that you can’t reach.

3. Clean The Detergent Drawer

The detergent drawer is another place where mold loves to grow. Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and water build up and create the perfect environment for mold. Here’s how to clean it:

• Step 1: Remove the detergent drawer from your washing machine. Most drawers can be pulled out easily.
• Step 2: Soak the drawer in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.
• Step 3: Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any mold or residue that has built up.
• Step 4: Rinse the drawer with clean water and let it dry completely before putting it back in the machine.

By keeping your detergent drawer clean, you will prevent mold from forming. If you have a lot of mold and cleaning doesn’t help, it may be time to get a mold inspection and testing done. Experts will check if the mold has spread to other parts of your home.

4. Leave the Door Open

One of the easiest ways to stop mold from growing in your washing machine is to leave the door open after each use. When the door is closed, the inside stays damp and becomes a breeding ground for mold. By leaving the door open, you allow air to circulate, which helps dry out the machine.

If you follow this simple step, you will avoid many mold problems. If you still notice mold despite following all these steps, you may want to call a mold removal company Charlotte for further help.

5. Use Mold Prevention Tablets (Optional)

There are special tablets designed to clean washing machines and prevent mold. You can find them at most grocery or hardware stores. They are easy to use and can keep your washing machine smelling fresh. Here’s how to use them:

• Step 1: Place the mold prevention tablet inside the washing machine drum.
• Step 2: Run a hot water cycle with no clothes.
• Step 3: Repeat this process once a month to keep your washing machine free of mold and odors.

Using these tablets can help if used regularly. But, if you have a serious mold issue, hire mold remediation services to remove all the mold.

How To Prevent Mold From Coming Back

After cleaning your washing machine, it’s important to prevent mold from coming back. Here are some tips to keep mold away:

1. Wipe Down The Gasket And Drum

After each wash, wipe down the gasket and drum with a dry cloth. This removes any moisture that could lead to mold growth.

2. Use Less Detergent

Using too much detergent can cause buildup, which promotes mold growth. Always measure the correct amount of detergent and avoid overloading the washing machine.

3. Use High-Efficiency Detergent

High-efficiency (HE) detergent produces fewer suds, which means less residue is left in your machine. This reduces the chances of mold forming.

4. Clean The Filter

Your washing machine has a filter that catches lint and other debris. If this gets clogged, it can cause water to back up and lead to mold. Clean the filter regularly to avoid this.

5. Get A Regular Mold Inspection

Having a mold inspection and testing done once a year can help you catch any mold problems before they get worse. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate where mold is more likely to grow.

When To Call A Professional

If you’ve followed all the steps in this guide and still have mold in your washing machine, it might be time to call a mold removal company Charlotte. Professional cleaners have the tools and experience to handle bigger mold problems. They can also check for hidden mold in other parts of your home, like under the floors or inside the walls.

Some companies also offer mold remediation services, which means they will not only clean the mold but also repair any damage caused by it. If the mold is causing health problems or spreading to other areas, it’s best to call in the experts.

Before hiring a company, it’s a good idea to get mold inspection and testing done to see how bad the problem is. This will help the professionals understand how to treat the mold properly.

Conclusion

Mold in your washing machine is a common issue, but it’s something you can fix with a little effort. Clean the gasket and the detergent drawer. Then, run a cleaning cycle. This will remove mold and keep your washing machine fresh. Remember to leave the door open after each wash and consider using mold prevention tablets.

If you find that the mold problem is too big to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to call a mold removal company Charlotte. They can offer mold remediation services to clean your washing machine and your home. It’s always better to catch mold early before it spreads.

Lastly, getting mold inspection and testing done regularly will help ensure that your home stays mold-free. Keep your washing machine clean, and it will last longer and work better for you.