Have you invested in a front-loading washing machine? Many people choose this home appliance since it uses less water and cleans clothes without producing a lot of noise.
Though such a washing machine can be a lifesaver in your home, it requires proper maintenance. If you have not been maintaining the washing machine properly, you may be faced with a mold problem. You can follow simple steps to eliminate mold for the rubber seal of such a home appliance. Start by creating a cleaning solution, then get things such as gloves and a dust mask. You can now wipe the rubber seal using a towel or cloth. An old toothbrush can help you get rid of persistent spots. Learn more!
Table of Contents
What makes a washing machine prone to mold?
The smell of mold in a washing machine can quickly put you off. From the different types of washing machines, the front-loading one is more susceptible to mold than the rest. This is due to the design of this machine. This features airtight, watertight doors that often come with a rubber seal. This seal can easily trap moisture in the washing machine.
It creates a conducive environment for mildew and mold to grow. A front-loading washing machine is more susceptible to mold than a top-loading washing machine. The second type has a loose metal door which gives the tank a chance to dry out. Apart from the design of the washing machine, your laundry preferences can also determine if mold can quickly grow in your home appliance or not.
If, for instance, you like using a lot of detergents and fabric softeners while doing laundry through a washing machine, you can easily encourage the growth of mold in it. Such substances often leave residues that promote the growth of mold. Once mold grows inside a washing machine, it starts developing a particular odor that can easily get transferred onto your clothes. If you have a front-load machine, you have to maintain it well to discourage mold growth. Though this process may take some time, you can do it on your own.
How to get rid of mold from the rubber seal of such a washer
Create a homemade cleaning solution
If you don’t want to purchase different products to help you with this, you can come up with a mold removal solution at home. Though different commercial mold cleaners can help you eliminate this problem in your washing machine, making your own can save you money. For you to create a homemade cleaner, you need water, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice.
Mixing these ingredients in the correct quantity can help you eliminate mold building up in the rubber seal of your washing machine. If you don’t have access to hydrogen peroxide, you can still use white vinegar to make the homemade solution. Once you have come up with the cleaner, put it in a spray bottle for easy application.
Take safety measures
Before you start removing mold from your washing machine’s rubber seal, you have to think of safety measures. You need to get rubber gloves that can protect your hands during spraying. Also, consider getting a dust mask since it can prevent you from inhaling the mold spores as you clean the affected area. Inhaling the mold spores can easily cause an allergic reaction in some people. Cleaning the rubber seal while wearing the dust mask can prevent you from a runny nose, red eyes, or constant sneezing.
Start wiping the rubber seal
Get a cloth or small towel that can help you thoroughly clean the rubber seal. If you notice some persistent spots on the rubber seal, you should give the solution a few minutes before wiping it off the surface. Using an old toothbrush can also help you get rid of persistent spots.
The table below can help
How to eliminate mold from a washing machine |
Additional tips to prevent mold growth |
Mix water and bleach to create a good mold remover |
Clean clothes using high-efficiency detergent |
Take safety measures before spraying the rubber seal. |
Let the door remain open after each wash. |
Wipe the surface using a clean cloth or towel |
Do not let any wet clothes sit in the machine for long after the wash. |
Run a cleaning cycle |
Use a dehumidifier in the laundry room. |
Conclusion
A washing machine may clean all your clothes, but it cannot clean itself. You have to maintain correctly to discourage the growth of mildew and mold. If the rubber seal of your washing machine has mold, you need to follow the simple steps above.
FAQs
How much of each component should I add to create a homemade mold cleaner?
You need to mix a half cup of hydrogen peroxide, 2 cups of water, and a quarter cup of lemon juice to create an effective solution for mold cleaning.
Why should I avoid using a non-high efficient detergent while washing clothes?
Such detergents are not the best for cleaning clothes through a washing machine since they leave behind suds that encourage mold growth.
Dennis Vaughn
Dennis Vaughn is a certified plumber and has been offering apprenticeship experiences to most of his employees for the past 12years. Dennis owns and runs an appliance store, and has a team made of different expertise from electricians, appliance repair individuals, and plumbers. According to him dealing with appliances is one thing but the after-sales services are what makes for the loyal clients. Many people don’t know who to call when their appliances break or become faulty, and a good number are not aware of the varieties of appliances in the market tailored to fit their expectations. The above is what necessitated the creation of the extensive excerpts on the washing machine units, which come complete with directions on the simple home repairs.