How to Get Mold Out of Washing Machines

If you don’t clean your washing machine properly from time to time, the chances of it getting moldy can be quite high. If it’s already moldy, don’t worry, 5-Minute Crafts has created a list of steps you can follow to get rid of the mold growing in your washing machine.

1. Create a mold removal solution.

There are several mold removal solutions that you can make at home to successfully clean your machine.

Here are some examples:

• 2 cups of water, ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide, and ¼ cup of lemon juice: The mixture of lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove mold and prevent its growth.
• 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of lemon juice, and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar: This mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice can work as well as hydrogen peroxide and has the same effects.
• 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water: If there isn’t too much mold present, just vinegar and water will do the trick.
• 1 part bleach and 4 parts water: If the above methods don’t seem to work, try bleach.

2. Spray the solution over the mold.

Add one of the solutions mentioned above to a spray bottle. Spray it over the mold on the washing machine’s gasket. Don’t forget to use gloves and a dust mask so you don’t inhale any mold spores.

3. Clean it out with a cloth.

After spraying the areas of the gasket where the mold is, use a cloth or towel to clean it thoroughly.

4. Use a toothbrush.

If the mold spots are persistent, let the solution sit for a few minutes and then use an old toothbrush to remove them.

5. Purify the drum and hoses.

Once the gasket/rubber seal is cleaned, it’s time to clean the drum and hoses. Spray some mold removal solution inside the washing machine and run a cycle on the hottest setting. This will remove any mold traces and odors that are inside the machine.

6. Clean the detergent drawer and its housing.

• Remove the detergent drawer from the machine and clean it. Soak it in warm water to help soften whatever is stuck in the dispenser. Gently clean it with a stiff nylon brush.
• Make sure to also clean the top and bottom of the dispenser’s housing by using the same brush you cleaned the drawer with and some warm water.

Note: Don’t use detergent or bleach to clean this type of drawer.

7. Seek professional help.

If you’ve tried everything mentioned above and it still isn’t working, you may have a clogged drain or filter or even mold growing back behind the drum. If this is the case, only a qualified person can help solve these types of problems, so you should seek professional help.