Mold and mildew are not just inconveniences; they can pose serious health risks. They typically thrive in areas with water damage or consistent dampness, and surprisingly, even washing machines aren’t exempt from their presence. In this blog, we’ll discuss how mold and mildew can find their way into washing machines and share practical methods to eliminate them.

But before we explore solutions, let’s address an important question: How can you determine if your washing machine has mold?

Despite the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly advantages of front-loading washing machines, they are susceptible to mold growth. Initially, you might not visually detect the mold, but a noticeable musty smell emanating from your machine can be a clear sign. This guide aims to connect the dots between potential risks of mold and mildew in washing machines, offering straightforward steps to identify and eradicate these undesirable odors.

What Kind of Mold Grows in Washing Machine?

Various molds can thrive in washing machines, each with its distinct characteristics:

1. Cladosporium: This mold, displaying hues of brown, green, or black, flourishes in both warm and cool environments. Notably, Cladosporium has the potential to release toxic mold spores when the washing machine is opened and closed.
2. Penicillium: Recognizable by its fuzzy texture, Penicillium manifests in shades of blue, green, or yellow. Some variations of Penicillium, such as Penicillium digitatum, are associated with the development of citrus green mold.
3. Aspergillus: Exhibiting colors ranging from green to white or gray, Aspergillus is characterized by dark spots and a powdery appearance.

Knowing the unique characteristics of these molds is important for taking the right steps to clean and maintain your washing machine, preventing their growth.

How Mold Develops in a Washing Machine?

Mold development in washing machines is a common issue that can arise due to a combination of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

1. Warm Temperatures: Mold thrives in warm and humid conditions. The residual warmth from previous wash cycles, especially in the confined spaces of a washing machine, creates an environment conducive to mold growth.
2. Soil and Bacteria: Clothes, especially those soiled with organic matter, can introduce soil and bacteria into the washing machine. These organic substances provide nutrients for mold, contributing to its proliferation.
3. Residue Buildup: Accumulations of detergent and fabric softener residues can form a sticky film on different surfaces inside the washing machine. When these residues come into contact with moisture, they create an ideal environment for mold to thrive and multiply.
4. Dark Environment: The interior of a washing machine, particularly when not in use, tends to be dark. Mold thrives in dark, damp conditions, making the interior of the machine an ideal habitat for its growth.
5. Moisture in Hard to Reach Places: Washing machines have crevices, seals, and gaskets where moisture can become trapped. These hard-to-reach places may not dry completely between wash cycles, providing a persistent source of moisture for mold development.
6. Mold Behind Rubber Gasket: Front-load washers commonly have a rubber gasket that seals the door. This area is particularly prone to mold growth as water can get trapped in the folds and crevices. The warm and dark environment behind the gasket is an ideal breeding ground for mold.
7. Irregular Cleaning: Many people neglect the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning of the washing machine. Over time, this neglect can lead to the accumulation of mold and bacteria.

Tip: Laundry soap and fabric softeners can leave residue behind that act as food sources for mold spores, and cold-water washes don’t kill mold growth. Fortunately, with regular maintenance, you can prevent mold in your washing machine and protect your investment in your appliance.

How to Clean Washing Machine with Mold?

As soon as you discover mold in your washing machine, do not delay—follow the guidelines below to effectively remove and clean out the mold, ensuring a fresh and hygienic laundry experience.

Follow these tips to learn how to clean mold from your washing machine quickly and easily:

1. Clean the gasket. Mold and mildew tend to accumulate in the gasket, especially in front-loading machines. Take a cloth or brush and dip it in warm, soapy water to scrub the gasket thoroughly, eliminating any mold or mildew. Alternatively, use paper towels for cleaning, allowing for easy disposal after use.
2. Clean the Washer Door: Give your washer door a thorough cleaning by wiping it down meticulously. Extend your attention to the front and sides of the washer, and don’t forget to include the top and underside of the lid. Take a moment to clean beneath the inside lip of the lid where lint and lingering soap can find their way.
3. Trap or Drain Pump Maintenance: Check and clean the trap or drain pump regularly. Coins, lint, bra wires, and screws can get lodged in these areas, potentially leading to clogs and fostering mold growth.
4. Hot Wash Cycle: Run a wash cycle on the hottest setting available on your washing machine. Add a cup of either bleach or vinegar to the cycle. If using bleach, pour it into the designated bleach compartment; for vinegar, use the detergent slot. This helps sanitize the machine and eliminate any lingering odors.
5. Baking Soda Application: Baking soda is a natural abrasive and deodorizer. Sprinkle it in the drum of the washing machine to break up mold growth and mineral deposits. This also contributes to a fresher-smelling interior.
6. Washing Machine Cleaner: Consider using a specialized washing machine cleaner, such as Affresh. This eco-friendly cleaner is designed to remove mold, fungus, and other buildup. For optimal results, use it with hot water according to the product instructions.
7. Clean soap/softener dispensers. Remove the dispensers and clean them thoroughly to remove all traces of residue that can serve as food sources for mold. If the dispensers in your machine don’t come out, use a cloth to clean what you can reach and use a bottle brush to reach deep inside the dispensers. Rinse thoroughly.

You may need to repeat these steps more than once to remove all traces of odors, especially if your machine hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. If you still have a moldy washing machine after several cleanings, you may need professional mold removal assistance. A repair professional can disassemble the machine to look for mold in other places and remove it for you.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Washing Machine?

Once your washing machine is free from mold growth, take these preventative measures to keep it from coming back:

1. Let air circulate. Leave the door open between uses to let air circulate and prevent moisture from building up inside the machine. Do not do this if you have children and/or pets who could climb inside, pull the door closed, and become trapped.
2. Remove wet clothes as soon as possible. Don’t let wet clothes stay in the washer for extended periods of time, especially overnight. Many washers have alarms that sound when the cycle is finished, so if yours does, make sure to use it and remove the clothes as soon as the alarm goes off. Make a habit of checking the washer every night before bed to ensure there isn’t a load still inside.
3. Choose the right products and the right amounts. High-efficiency (HE) laundry soap doesn’t create as much suds as regular soap, so it won’t leave as much residue. Use powder when possible; liquid detergents tend to create more suds. Use only the amount recommended for your load sizes, or even less than what the label says. Modern detergents are stronger than the ones in the past, so you might not need as much as you did even five years ago.
4. Skip the liquid fabric softener. It can leave a residue in the washer that leads to mold growth. Dryer sheets or reusable dryer balls soften clothes just as well; woolen dryer balls can cut overall drying time by absorbing moisture.
5. Dry gaskets on a regular basis. Keep an old towel on hand to wipe around the door and around the gasket. They should be dried regularly, preferably after every load, to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
6. Run a bleach cycle. Run a hot water cycle with a cup of bleach through the washing machine once a month. This will kill any growth that may have started or that you may have missed with other cleanings.

Call the Professionals for Mold Removal

Finding mold in your home or business is upsetting, but it’s important to remember that mold remediation is something that’s best left to professionals.

The mold cleanup technicians have the training and equipment to safely remove all traces of mold without contaminating the rest of the area or exposing themselves and others to toxic spores. At RestorationMaster, we know that mold can hide almost anywhere, so we use effective but safe products to remove them at the source, as well as repair or replace damaged surfaces. For mold remediation and cleanup, reach out to our professionals today.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.