Smelling something funky in your laundry room? Finding mold in your washing machine is gross, but it happens to the best of us. That musty odor isn’t just unpleasant; it can actually transfer to your clean clothes and cause health issues.
It is crucial to tackle mold the second you spot it. Whether you are rocking a front loader or a top loader, we have the exact steps you need to banish the fungi for good.
Let’s get your machine sparkling clean again so your laundry smells fresh, not swampy.
Key Takeaways
- Mold thrives in the damp, dark environments of washing machines, particularly inside rubber door gaskets and detergent drawers.
- You can effectively kill mold using a solution of diluted bleach or distilled white vinegar (but never mix the two).
- Prevent future growth by leaving the door open after cycles, wiping down seals, and running a monthly cleaning cycle.
- Always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when scrubbing mold to protect yourself from spores and fumes.
Why Do Washing Machines Get Moldy?
Front-load washers are generally more prone to mold issues than top loaders, though both are susceptible.
The main culprit in front loaders is the rubber seal (gasket) around the door. This gasket is designed to be watertight during a cycle, which means it is also airtight when the door is closed. Water gets trapped in the folds, and because it cannot dry out, it creates a perfect breeding ground for mold.
Top-loading washers aren’t immune, however. Mold often grows under the metal lip of the drum or inside the agitator if you don’t let the basin air out properly.
Is Washing Machine Mold Dangerous?
Yes, having mold in your appliances can impact your health (1). The spores can become airborne or attach to your clothes, leading to exposure even after you leave the laundry room.
Common reactions to mold exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. You might experience sneezing, coughing, or rashes. For those with asthma or mold allergies, the reaction can be more severe, potentially triggering asthma attacks or respiratory difficulty.
Vulnerable groups, such as infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, should be especially careful (2).
While the term “black mold” (Stachybotrys chartarum) sounds scary, many types of mold can grow in washers. Regardless of the species, if it is slimy or fuzzy, it needs to go (3).
Common Causes of Washing Machine Mold
Understanding why mold appeared helps you stop it from coming back. Here are the five most common reasons your machine might be growing fungi:
- Trapped moisture: Closing the door immediately after a cycle traps humidity inside. Mold needs moisture to survive, and a wet drum is a perfect habitat.
- Detergent residue: Using too much detergent or the wrong type (like non-HE soap in an HE machine) creates excess suds. This scum clings to the tub and gasket, trapping dirt and moisture.
- Cold water washes: If you exclusively wash with cold water, detergent residue and bacteria may not fully wash away, leading to biofilm buildup where mold feeds.
- Irregular maintenance: Washing machines need a “bath” too. If you aren’t running a self-clean cycle monthly, grime builds up.
- Washing moldy items: Throwing damp towels that have been sitting in a hamper for a week into the wash can transfer spores directly into the machine.
How to Clean Mold From a Washing Machine
Ready to scrub? We will break down the process for front loaders, top loaders, and the tricky detergent drawer.
For a heavy-duty clean, bleach is the gold standard as a mold remover. If you prefer a natural approach, distilled white vinegar is effective against many mold types, though bleach is stronger for stubborn infestations.
- Time: 3 hours (includes soaking time)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Safety Warning
Mold spores are irritants. Always wear a mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves when scrubbing. Open windows or turn on a fan to ventilate the room. Keep pets and children away from the area while you work.
What You’ll Need
- N95 mask, goggles, and rubber gloves
- Liquid chlorine bleach OR distilled white vinegar
- Bucket or spray bottle
- Hot water
- Microfiber cloths
- Old toothbrush
- Scrubbing brush
- Dry towel
In a Front Loader Washer
1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Ventilate the room and gear up. Decide on your cleaner.
If using bleach, mix a solution of one part bleach to four parts water in a bucket or spray bottle.
If you are cleaning with vinegar, use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water.
Caution
NEVER mix bleach and vinegar. This combination creates chlorine gas, which is toxic and can be lethal (4). Pick one cleaner and stick with it for the whole process.
2. Scrub the Gasket
This is the most critical step for front loaders. Pull back the rubber folds of the door seal. Spray or wipe your solution generously into the seal. Use an old toothbrush to scrub deep into the crevices where “sludge” accumulates.
For severe mold, soak a few towels in your solution and stuff them into the gasket folds. Leave them there for 20 to 30 minutes to kill the spores.
3. Scrub the Drum and Door
Dip your brush or cloth into the solution and scrub the inside of the door glass and the drum. Remove the towels from the gasket and give it one final scrub to wipe away the loosened grime.
4. Run a Sanitizing Cycle
Toss the cleaning towels into the drum. Pour ½ cup of bleach or two cups of vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Select the “Sanitize,” “Tub Clean,” or the hottest water cycle available and let it run.
5. Clean the Filter and Drain
Once the cycle ends, remove the towels. Check your drain pump filter (usually a small door at the bottom front of the machine). Open it (have a towel ready for water spills) and clean out any lint, coins, or slime. Rinse the filter in the sink with dish soap before replacing it.
6. Wipe and Dry
In a Top Loader Machine
1. Fill and Soak
Set your washing machine to the hottest temperature setting and the longest cycle. Let the drum fill with hot water.
As soon as it fills, pause the machine. Add 4 cups of distilled white vinegar or 1 cup of bleach. Do not mix them. Allow this hot solution to sit in the machine for at least one hour.
2. Scrub While Soaking
While the water sits, dip a microfiber cloth or toothbrush into the hot water in the drum. Use this to scrub the top rim of the washer, the lid, and the agitator (if you have one). Mold often hides under the metal lip at the top of the basket, so scrub thoroughly there.
3. Complete the Cycle
After an hour, close the lid and let the wash cycle finish. This flushes the solution through the drum and cleans the drain lines.
4. Wipe Down
Once the cycle is done, take a dry microfiber cloth and wipe out any remaining moisture from the drum and lid.
Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser
Mold loves the detergent drawer because it is constantly damp and covered in soap scum.
- Remove the drawer: Most drawers have a release tab. Press it and pull the drawer completely out.
- Soak it: Fill your sink with warm water and a cup of vinegar or a splash of bleach. Let the drawer soak for an hour.
- Scrub the housing: While the drawer soaks, look inside the slot where the drawer slides into the machine. This area often has black mold on the “ceiling” of the compartment. Spray your cleaner in there and scrub hard with a toothbrush.
- Clean and dry: Scrub the soaked drawer to remove residue, rinse it, and dry it completely before sliding it back in.
How to Prevent Future Mold Growth
Now that your machine is clean, you want to keep it that way. Prevention is much easier than scrubbing sludge out of a rubber seal!
- Leave the door ajar: This is the number one rule. After every load, leave the door or lid open to let the drum dry out.
- Wipe the seal daily: Keep a towel nearby and quickly wipe the rubber gasket dry after you pull your laundry out.
- Use HE detergent correctly: If you have a high-efficiency washer, only use HE detergent. More importantly, don’t use too much. Two tablespoons is usually enough for a standard load.
- Run a monthly maintenance wash: Once a month, run a “Tub Clean” cycle or a hot wash with a specialized washing machine cleaner tablet (like Affresh) or vinegar to kill spores before they take hold.
- Move wet clothes fast: Don’t let wet laundry sit in the washer overnight. Transfer it to the dryer or clothesline immediately.
- Control humidity: If your laundry room is damp, consider running a dehumidifier or keeping a window crack open to improve airflow.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are both fungi, but they look different. Mildew is usually white, gray, or yellow and grows flat on surfaces. Mold is darker (often black or green), fuzzy or slimy, and penetrates deeper into materials.
Does a Musty Smell Mean Mold?
Yes, a persistent musty smell is a strong indicator of hidden mold or mildew. The odor is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) released as the mold grows and multiplies inside the machine parts.
Should You Leave Your Washing Machine Door Open or Closed?
Always leave the door open when the machine is not in use. This allows air to circulate, drying out the drum and gasket, which creates an environment where mold cannot survive.
Can You Wash Black Mold Out of Clothes?
Yes, you can save moldy clothes, but regular detergent might not be enough. Soak the items in a solution of water and vinegar for an hour, then wash them on the hottest setting allowed for the fabric.
Is It Safe to Put Hydrogen Peroxide In a Washing Machine?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a safe, natural alternative to bleach. It is effective at killing mold and removing stains without the harsh fumes associated with chlorine bleach.
Does Hot Water Kill Mold?
Hot water alone can kill some mold, but it is most effective when combined with a cleaning agent. To effectively kill mold spores, the water usually needs to be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
How Often Should I Deep Clean My Washing Machine?
You should perform a maintenance wash or deep clean once a month. If you live in a humid climate or wash heavily soiled items frequently, you may want to clean it every two weeks.
Bye, Bye, Mold!
With these steps, you can banish that swampy smell without hiring a repair pro.
Remember, the key to a mold-free machine is keeping it dry. Leave that door open and wipe down the seal after wash day.
While distilled white vinegar is a fantastic eco-friendly maintainer, bleach is the heavy hitter you need if the mold is already established.
If you have scrubbed the rubber gasket repeatedly and the black stains won’t budge, the mold may have penetrated the rubber. In that case, replacing the seal is your best bet.
