How to Clean a Washing Machine & Kill Mold Too
Front loading washing machines are greener than top load machines (see why here), but they rely on watertight rubber gaskets on their doors to keep the water in (top loading machines don’t need one).
Sadly, those gaskets may be prone to trapping moisture.
Which means you might get mould in your machine – and that’s not good.
Luckily, it’s easy to fix.
Clean a Washing Machine Step 1: Clean the Gasket or Seal
You don’t have to do this very often, but it does need to be done, just like any part of your home needs to be kept clean.
But don’t use bleach – it’s harmful to the environment and to us humans too.
Just use vinegar and water, or a little mild detergent in water and clean the rubber gasket or seal with a rag or sponge.
Clean a Washing Machine Step 2: Run an Empty Wash Cycle
- Put a quarter cup (50g) of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) into the detergent dispenser of the washing machine.
- Put 2 cups (240ml) of vinegar in the drum itself.
- Set the machine to the hottest temperature, normal load. Or choose a cleaning cycle if the machine has one.
- Close the door and start the machine.
It will do all the hard work for you! The baking soda and vinegar naturally break up mineral deposits and any mold growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.
Now that your machine is sparkling clean, repeat this cleaning process 3 or 4 times a year as a preventive measure.
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Which Detergent is Best?
Here are some useful tips:
- You probably don’t need to use as much detergent as the manufacturer says you do!
- Try to use only high-efficiency (HE) detergents that don’t make a lot of suds. Excess suds can leave behind a film that mold just loves!
- And if you’re buying detergent, buy a brand that is suited to washing in cold water, as this will reduce the environmental footprint of your laundry.
- Check out this list from the EWG of the safest and least toxic laundry detergents here.
- Or even better, DIY! Here’s how to make your own laundry detergent
Each Time You Use The Machine
To keep your machine mold-free, try to always remove wet clothing promptly. Leave the door open between washes to keep it aired (lock the laundry room door if you have children or pets who might get stuck inside it).
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Do you have a front load washing machine? Have you had mold problems? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download “Live Well, Live Green” for FREE here!
Related:
[…] Front loaders use rubber gaskets or seals to keep the water in (top load washing machines don’t need one), and those gaskets can get dirty and need to be cleaned. They may also attract mould. Luckily this is an easy problem to solve – see here. […]