The first step in the instruction on how to get rid of mold in washing machine is protecting yourself. We know how harmful mold is, so protecting yourself is a must.
In a way, eradicating mold from your washer is also a way of protecting yourself from mold exposure. So, read this until the end!
Mold In Washing Machines
Mold can quickly get into any part of your house as long as the environment permits it. There are numerous mold spores in the air, and they form mold upon feeding on a damp surface.
Since mold spores are airborne and invisible, it would be difficult to eradicate them. However, we have an article about killing mold spores that may help you prevent mold growth in your home.
How does mold form in washing machines?
Mold forms in washing machines due to residue. The residue is a result of suds from detergents or fabric softeners.
The suds that do not get adequately washed by water tend to stay inside the washing machine. Then, it houses moisture, which in turn becomes a perfect habitat for mold.
Another cause of mold contamination in washing machines is wet laundry. Dirty laundry carries mold spores with them. Therefore, keeping them inside the washing machine after washing may lead to mold formation.
How does mold in my washer affect me?
Mostly, it may annoy you because of the rotten egg smell. However, if you have a mold allergy, then the effects on you would be more serious.
You may develop respiratory issues and allergy-like symptoms. If the strain is particularly toxic, then it may even lead to severe lung infections.
Can mold get on clothes while they’re being washed?
Yes, it can. The mold spores can get on the fabric of your clothes. This would then result in you having rashes because of mold exposure.
If you wash your furniture covers with a suspected moldy washer, this article about removing mold from furniture fabric may be helpful to you.
Steps In Removing Mold In A Washing Machine
Step #1. Put on protective gear
Since you are dealing with mold, you have to put on protective gear. Put on gloves, long sleeves, a mask, and some goggles. All of these are necessary to safeguard you from mold exposure.
Step #2. Bleach-water solution
After putting on protective gear, mix bleach and hot water. This will be your bleach-water solution. You will use this to remove the mold and disinfect your washing machine.
After mixing water and bleach, dip a clean cloth in the solution. Then, scrub the visible mold away. Clean the gaskets and the dispensers with the mixture as well.
Step #3. Wash cycle
After scrubbing off the visible mold, run a cleaning wash cycle. Set it in your washing machine’s hottest setting. Then, add bleach or vinegar into the water (do not mix bleach and vinegar).
If you use bleach, pour it into the bleach compartment. If you use vinegar, run it through the detergent compartment. Repeat the cycle until the smell subsides.
Step #4. Wipe
After draining the water from the cleaning wash cycles, wipe the excess moisture away using a towel. Wipe the dispensers, the seals, and the drum.
Step #5. Ventilate
To prevent moisture from getting locked inside your washing machine, leave it open. Make sure you let the airflow into your device at least once a month.
Ways to protect your washing machine from mold
Now that you have been informed about getting rid of mold in a washing machine, it’s time to learn about mold growth prevention.
Open the lid
For top-loaders, leave the lid open to allow air to flow into your machine. For front-loaders, this is very crucial as they have a seal that traps moisture. Since mold loves growing in dark and damp places, ventilating the area would prevent mold growth.
Remove wet laundry
As mentioned above, wet laundry can attract mold spores. This can lead to mold forming in your clothes and the machine.
Knowing this, make it a practice to remove your wet laundry after washing. This could prevent your clothes from mildewing, too.
Dry the machine down after use
After every use, ensure the machine is dried down. Wipe the lid, the drum, the detergent dispenser, and the rubber gaskets to not leave any area for mold growth.
This is essential for front-loaders as they are more vulnerable to mold growth due to their seals. Make sure to remove any residue as well.
Use high-efficiency detergent powder
Detergents leave residue because they are not properly washed off the machine. To mend this problem, it will be helpful for you to use a high-efficiency detergent.
High-efficiency detergent (HE) produces fewer suds, which makes it easy to wash them off. That means they do not leave as much residue as regular detergents do.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get rid of mold in washing machine is a valuable skill to learn. This is because mold seems to be an inevitable part of daily life.
Despite this, it has its adverse effects, and it is better if we do not get exposed to them regularly. Knowing how to eradicate mold in your washers can help with that.