Eliminate the Mold From Your Washing Machine

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Baking soda and vinegar clean safely and effectively

Because soap is frequently added to your washing machine, you may think it's the cleanest appliance in your home in Mount Pleasant, TN. Unfortunately, the warm and humid environment provides the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

Front-loading Machines Invite Mold

A front-loading washer is highly efficient. Because its drum rotates from an axis that is horizontal, it requires much less water to operate than a top-loading machine. Problems can occur, however, when improper detergents are used in the machine. Because less water is used, the machine can't properly rinse away all of the soap found in traditional softeners and detergents. The drum gets coated with a filmy layer of soap. When you factor in the heat and dampness inside the washer, it compounds the problem. A front-loading washing machine also comes equipped with a rubber gasket in the door to prevent leaking, which is an invitation for soap scum to build up.
If you own a front-loading machine, always purchase high efficiency detergent (marked with the "he" symbol), and stop using fabric softeners. Even if you use the correct soaps, mold can still grow to some extent, so it's important to clean the machine routinely.

Proper Ingredients Clean Safely and Effectively
The best cleaning ingredients don't contain harsh chemicals.

Baking soda - A quarter of a cup works well. Mix this with the same amount of water and add to the machine's detergent dispenser.
White vinegar - Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the drum of the unit.

Run the machine on the normal cycle with high heat, but without dirty laundry. Once the cycle is complete, clean any residue with a rough kitchen sponge that has been soaked in equal parts of vinegar and water. You should follow this routine about once a month if you detect a mold smell. If mold persists, call a mold remediation specialist right away.
Keep your washing machine free of mold and odors by following these simple steps.