Black mold on washing machine? Here’s How to Clean It

Washing machine deals with dirty clothes, water, and detergent. Mold in washing machine is inevitable, especially in the front-loading type. If neglected, the mold will create odor, spread spores, and ruin your washing quality. Make sure you know how to spot and remove black mold on washing machine.

A. Why Does Mold Attack Washing Machine?

The front-loading washing machine is known for being gentler and more water-efficient. However, it is also prone to mold attack. Mold in front-loading washing machine often gathers on the rubber seal in the washing machine door. This seal is responsible for keeping water from seeping out. Since it seldom receives attention, the wet seal becomes an ideal habitat for mold. So wet clothes and closed door can cause mold. Mold is always appearing in wash cycle.

The habit of using high-suds detergent and warm water when washing also contributes to mold. Strong detergent and warm water are preferred because they clean better. However, they also leave residue in the rubber seal, further encourage mold growth.

How about the top-loading machine? We seldom find mold in top-loading washing machine because it does not have a rubber seal. The washing machine door is loose enough to allow air circulation. However, it still can develop mold from the moisture and residue, such as in the dispensers and cleaning cycle cylinder.

B. black mold on washing machine. How to Inspect Washing Machine for Mold

We often don’t realize the presence of mold until the clothes coming out smelly. If there is a musty smell coming out of your machine, or if your clothes have mold odor, check the machine thoroughly with these steps:

1. Check the rubber seal

If your washing machine is a front-loading, check the rubber seal for dark or greenish spots.

2. Check the containers

Detergent containers often become mold source. Pull them to the max and check the inside to find dark or greenish spots.

3. Check the hoses

Cracks or tears on the hoses can cause a leak, which encourages mold growth. If you cannot spot them, try running the machine to see if there are drips.

4. Check the washing cylinder

The cylinder may be mold habitat if it is not used for a long time. The trapped moisture and warmth create an ideal place for mold. Check if there is a strong smell from this part. Use a flashlight to see any traces of mold.

Even if there is no mold smell, you must always inspect the machine carefully. Check the machine every two or three months to spot leaks, water damages, cracks, or black mold in washing machine.

Mold in a rubber gasket, such as the one found in front-loading washing machines or refrigerators, can be a common problem because the rubber provides a porous surface that is conducive to mold growth. Here are the steps you can take to remove mold from a rubber gasket:

1. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution generously onto the moldy rubber gasket.
3. Allow the solution to sit on the gasket for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the mold.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to scrub the mold away from the rubber gasket.
5. Rinse the gasket thoroughly with water to remove any remaining mold or cleaning solution.
6. Dry the gasket with a clean towel.
7. If the mold persists, you can try using a solution of bleach and water instead of vinegar. However, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using bleach on the gasket, as some gaskets may be damaged by bleach.
8. To prevent mold from growing on the rubber gasket in the future, keep the area clean and dry, and leave the door or lid open after use to allow air to circulate and reduce moisture buildup. You can also use a mold and mildew cleaner specifically designed for rubber surfaces to help prevent future mold growth.

C. Cleaning Solutions for Mold in Washing Machine

Before cleaning the washing machine, prepare a cleaning solution. You will use it to wipe the parts of the washing machine. Here are several recipes for the cleaning solution:

1. Lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide

This solution kills the mold instantly. Mix 2 cups of water with ¼ cup of lemon juice and ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide.

2. Lemon juice and vinegar

White vinegar is a nice alternative for hydrogen peroxide, especially if you want to make something more environmentally-friendly. The recipe is similar to the previous one, but with distilled white vinegar instead of peroxide.

3. Bleach solution

This is the strongest solution for a more serious mold problem. Only use bleach if the previous recipes don’t work for cleaning mold in washing machine. Mix four parts of water with one part of bleach to make it. Bleach also helps to remove bad smell. This solution also can help to prevent mold.

Aside from the homemade cleaning solution, you must have a washer cleaner product and enzymatic detergent. These products will be used to clean the washing cylinder.

D. Steps to Clean Mold in Washing Machine

These steps are aimed for front-loading washing machine. However, you can modify it to clean top-loading machine. Here are the steps:

1. Clean rubber seal

Start by rubbing a homemade cleaning solution on the rubber seal. Wipe all sides of the seal, including underneath and between the creases. Use a clean cloth to wipe it. Discard cloth afterward and use a different one to clean other parts.

2. Clean detergent dispensers

Clean all sides of detergent dispensers with homemade cleaning solution. Dab bottle cleaning brush into the solution before reaching into crevices and difficult spots.

3. Wash the cleaning tube

Place ½ cup of enzymatic detergent, 1 cup of the cleaning solution, and one piece of washer cleaner (if any). Run the washing cycle using the hottest water setting. Repeat if your washing machine still emits an unpleasant smell.

If mold still comes back even after thorough washing, you have to call the professionals. They will dismantle the machine to look for the actual problem.

E. Tips to Prevent Moldy Washing Machines

Moldy washing machines require meticulous washing. Therefore, preventing the mold from forming in the first place is the best strategy. Here is how you can stop mold from growing in your washing machine:

1. Choose high-efficiency detergent

Excessive suds leave a residue that can encourage mold to grow. If you want to leave fewer suds but still get effective cleaning action, choose high-efficiency detergent. This product has better cleaning action than a regular one.

2. Use powder detergent

If you cannot find high-efficiency detergent, use powder product instead of liquid. Powder usually leaves fewer suds. You can also check the detergent label to see the amount it uses in reach recommended scoop.

3. Unload washing machine quickly

Once you finish washing, avoid leaving the clothes there, since it can encourage mold from moisture. Unload the machine immediately and keep it open for a while to dry.

4. Clean with bleach

Once a month, run a washing cycle with a bleach solution. Use this opportunity to wash specific objects, like shower curtains, gardening gloves, or doormat. Use the bleach according to the label.

If possible, keep your washing machine door open when unused. This is to let the air circulation dries the machine. However, make sure there are no small kids or pets wandering around.

The washing machine is one of the most vulnerable household appliances when it comes to mold. Moisture, warmth, and residue create an ideal environment for mold to grow. Inspecting and maintaining your machine regularly helps in mold detection. You can use cheap products and homemade cleaning solutions to get rid of the mold.

With proper maintenance and cleaning method, you can remove mold in washing machine and get impeccable washing result.

Conclusion

Black mold on a washing machine is a common problem that can occur due to moisture buildup in the machine, particularly if the machine is not properly ventilated or if the washing machine door is left closed after use. Then the mold appeares on the wash cycle. So remember, you should always remove wet clothes immediately. And do not forget to clean the laundry room as freequently as possible.

To remove black mold from your washing machine, you can follow these steps:

1. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
2. Mix a solution of one part bleach to four parts water in a spray bottle or bucket.
3. Spray or apply the solution directly to the affected areas of the washing machine, being careful not to spray it onto any other surfaces or fabrics.
4. Allow the solution to sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the bleach to kill the mold.
5. Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the affected areas of the washing machine thoroughly.
6. Wipe the areas clean with a damp cloth or rinse with water.
7. Run an empty cycle on your washing machine using hot water and a cup of vinegar to help remove any remaining mold spores or residue.
8. Repeat the cleaning process as necessary until all mold is removed.

To prevent mold from growing on your washing machine in the future, be sure to leave the door open after each use to allow for proper ventilation and regularly clean the machine with a solution of bleach and water.