Clean That Smelly Mold Out of Your Washing Machine

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Does your washing machine stink?

If your front-loading washing machine starts to smell, you may worry that it is defective. A new machine probably isn’t in the budget, so finding a way to clean the appliance is the best option.

What Causes the Smell?

Front-loading machines are much more efficient than the top-loading variety, but efficiency also means that a lot less water is needed to wash your dirty laundry. If high-efficiency detergents and fabric softeners aren’t used in these machines, the soap can’t completely rinse away. Over time, a film of soap scum develops on the drum. Along with the dirt from your clothing and the heat and dampness of the washer, the scum can invite mold and mildew to grow.

How to Remove the Mold Smell

If you follow a few easy steps you can get your washing machine smelling fresh and clean again.

Mix ¼ cup baking soda with the same amount of water and add to the washer's detergent container.
Saturate the drum with 2 cups of white vinegar.
Run the washer on a normal cycle with the heat turned up high. Be sure not to add any clothes when you are completing this task.
If mold spots are still visible after this cycle, take a kitchen sponge with equal parts white vinegar and water and scrub until the spots are removed.

How to Prevent Mold From Reappearing

To avoid having to go through another round of mold cleanup, make sure you always use high-efficiency detergent. Also, remove wet laundry as soon as the machine stops to reduce dampness from setting in. You should also keep the washer door open when not in use to reduce moisture.
The rubber seal in the washer door can still create mold, so check the gasket frequently to remove any dirt and then wipe the gasket with vinegar and water. The washer’s drain filter should also be checked every week to remove lint.
Keeping your washing machine in Kansas City, MO clean and mold-free is a simple task if you follow these easy steps.