Front-loading washing machines are eco-friendlier and more efficient than top loaders, making them more convenient in laundry rooms. But front-loading washers are prone to mold growth. The waterproof design that hinders leakage from it prevents the leftover moisture inside the unit from escaping. Therefore, front loaders become mold and mildew's perfect breeding ground.
Homeowners don't often see the actual growth of mold. The first sign of mold issue in their washers is a musty smell.
How Mold Grows in Your Loading Washer
The front-loading machine's door seal has rubber gaskets. It traps moisture inside and forms a suitable home for unwanted mold. On the other hand, top-loading washers do not close tightly, so air circulation goes well, preventing moisture buildup and mold growth.Residues from liquid detergent and fabric softener become mold's sources of food. You are mistaken if you think that cold-water washes can kill mold. But with constant maintenance, you can safeguard your washing machine from the invasion of mold spores.
You May Do the Following Steps to Remove Mold from Your Washing Machine
You can use a mold-and-mildew cleaner to eliminate mold from your loading washer. But if you prefer to create your own mold-removal solution, you may choose from the following options below: Combine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, then mix with two cups of water. Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice are great and effective cleaners that prevent mold and hinder its growth.
- Combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and two cups of water. White vinegar is known as an all-around cleaner. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide in the home, you can use it as an alternative.
- Merge four parts water and 1 part vinegar. Generally, white vinegar and water do the trick if the mold patches in your washer's rubber gasket are small or few.
- Combine four parts of water and 1 part of bleach. You can use bleach if the above-stated natural cleaning solutions do not work well.
Follow these tried-and-true steps:
Step #1: Always remember to protect yourself first before doing a mold-removal task. Put on your rubber gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
Step #2: Clean the rubber gasket on the door of your washer with your chosen mold-removal mixture. Begin by pouring some into a spray bottle, spray the solution directly onto the mold, then leave it for a couple of minutes. Rub it away with a towel or rag.
Please make sure to clean the whole gasket and even beneath it.
Step #3: Remove the dispensers and clean them properly to clear away all leftover residues that can be food sources for mold.
Step #4: Run the hottest and longest cleaning cycle in your washing machine. Add your preferred mold cleaner (such as a cup of bleach, 1/2 cup of enzymatic cleaner, or a cup of baking soda) straight to the water. This action will get rid of any mold odors and marks from the loading washer's drum and hoses.
If you haven't cleaned your washing machine for a long time, you may need to repeat the above-stated steps more than once. However, if a moldy odor still persists, you may have to seek assistance from your loader's maker (if your unit is still under warranty) or a mold removal expert. Professionals can check your loading washer and eliminate the mold issue for you.
How to Prevent Mold Development in Your Washing Machine
Once your laundry washer is free from mold and mildew, consider doing the following preventative measures:
1. Improve air circulation. Leave the door open after every cycle to let the air move around in your washing machine. Doing so hampers moisture buildup in your unit. If there are little kids or pets in your home, ensure they don't climb inside to avoid unwanted accidents from happening (like getting them trapped).
2. Bring out your wet clothes at once. If you toss a load of laundry in the loading washer, make sure to bring them out as soon as the timer stops. This action inhibits moisture buildup and mold development and keeps your fabric items from getting contaminated with mold.
3. Select an appropriate detergent product and the right amount. To avoid accumulating residues in your loading washer, use high-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent instead of a regular liquid one because an HE detergent doesn't make as many suds as an ordinary liquid detergent product. Powder detergent is highly recommended. Follow the suggested amount for your load sizes.
4. Do not use liquid fabric conditioners as much as possible. Fabric conditioners also leave some residues in the loading washer, which may cause mold growth. As an alternative, use dryer sheets or reusable dryer balls to soften your fabrics.
5. Dry your moist gaskets regularly. Dry the lid, rubber gaskets, drum, and dispensers by wiping them with a clean towel or rag. Do it after each load to hinder the accumulation of moisture that entices mold to live and flourish.
6. Run a white vinegar or bleach cycle. Once a month, run a hot-water cleaning cycle with one cup of bleach or white vinegar in your loading washer. This activity will remove any unwanted growth that may have started.
7. Place a dehumidifier in the laundry room. If the laundry area is highly humid, use a dehumidifier to control the humidity level.
Seek Assistance from Water Damage and Mold Remediation Specialists
Indeed, mold issues in the home are annoying, especially if you notice them in your washing machine. If the mold-removal job is difficult for you to handle, delay not to seek help from Superior Restoration's team of trained specialists.Mold flourishes in moist areas. So we use effective and safe cleaning products to eliminate mold spores thoroughly and mend damaged surfaces.
We are always here to assist you 24/7, particularly in your time of need. Feel free to contact us today to know more about our water damage and mold remediation services.
