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Mold inside a washing machine is one of those gross little surprises no homeowner wants to discover. If you’ve opened your washer and caught a whiff of something funky or worse, seen black patches around the rubber seal, you’ve got a mold problem. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove mold from washing machines step-by-step and what you can do to keep it from ever coming back.
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Just because a washing machine cleans laundry, this doesn’t mean it cleans itself. Mold feeds on the moisture and detergent residue that the machine produces. With this in mind, here’s how to remove mold from washing machines and how to prevent it.
If you’re in Hendersonville or surrounding Middle Tennessee and your washing machine is already past the point of DIY solutions, PuroClean of Hendersonville is here to help with professional mold removal and remediation services.
Why Mold Grows in Washing Machines
Before diving into how to clean mold from a washing machine, it helps to know why it’s there in the first place.
- Moisture + Darkness = the perfect breeding ground
- Detergent and fabric softener residue feed mold
- Seals and hoses trap leftover water
- High humidity in your laundry area worsens growth
Front-loaders are especially prone to mold because of their airtight rubber gasket, which traps moisture more than top-loading machines.
How to Remove Mold from Washing Machines Safely
Let’s start with the focus keyword: how to remove mold from washing machines. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Rubber gloves
- A mask (to avoid inhaling mold spores)
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth or old towel
- Old toothbrush
- White vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach
Mold-Busting DIY Cleaner Recipes:
- Natural Option #1: 2 cups water, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup lemon juice
- Natural Option #2: 2 cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice, ½ cup white vinegar
- Basic Vinegar Solution: 1-part white vinegar, 4-parts water
- Heavy-Duty Bleach Mix: 1-part bleach, 4-parts water (only if the mold is stubborn)
Cleaning Steps:
- Spray your cleaning mix directly on the rubber gasket.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub with your toothbrush, focusing on black spots and hidden creases.
- Wipe clean with a towel.
- Run a hot cycle with vinegar or bleach (never both together!) to sanitize the drum and hoses.
How to Remove Mold from the Rubber Seal on a Washing Machine
The rubber gasket is the usual suspect. That fold of rubber traps water, hair, detergent, and even coins.
To remove mold from the rubber seal on the washing machine:
- Gently pull back the gasket.
- Spray with your preferred cleaner.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub deep into creases.
- Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
- Leave the door open to air-dry completely.
How to Clean Mold Out of the Washing Machine Drum and Hoses
Even if the seal looks clean, mold spores may still be hiding in the hoses and inner drum. For that:
- Run a maintenance cycle on your washer’s hottest setting.
- Add 2 cups of vinegar or bleach directly into the drum (not both).
- After the cycle ends, wipe the inside thoroughly.
Doing this monthly helps get rid of mold in washing machines before it spreads.
How to Get Mold Out of Washing Machine Detergent Dispensers
Pull out the detergent drawer and soak it in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Scrub off residue with a small brush, rinse, and dry before reinserting.
You’d be surprised how much gunk builds up in these spots and contributes to that musty smell.
Prevent Mold Growth: Weekly Washer TLC Tips
Now that you know how to remove mold from a washing machine, let’s keep it from coming back:
- Leave the door open after each wash
- Remove wet clothes immediately
- Wipe down the gasket weekly with vinegar
- Use only HE detergent in HE machines
- Don’t overuse fabric softeners
- Run a clean cycle once a month
- Install a dehumidifier in humid laundry rooms
Besides mold growth, washing machines are prone to other problems, like overflowing. Learn what to do if your washing machine overflows. Take a look at how to prevent water damage from other appliances as well.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and your washer still smells like mildew, or the mold is recurring quickly, it could be a deeper issue. Mold may be growing behind the drum or in your home’s plumbing lines.
Don’t risk your health or property. Call a qualified mold remediation professional like PuroClean of Hendersonville at (615) 348-7200. We’ll locate the root cause, eliminate the mold safely, and provide long-term solutions.
Water Damage? Mold May Be the Warning Sign. Call (615) 348-7200 for Professional Mold Removal and Remediation in Hendersonville and all Middle Tennessee
Sometimes, mold in your washer is a red flag. Leaks, overflows, or unnoticed drips can lead to water damage in your walls and floors, especially around laundry rooms. That’s where PuroClean steps in again with:
- Water extraction and structural drying
- Mold remediation
- Moisture detection and leak tracing
- Full restoration and rebuild services
Trust PuroClean of Hendersonville for Mold Removal and Remediation Services in Hendersonville and all Middle Tennessee. Call (615) 348-7200 for Emergency 24/7 services.
Even with all measures in place, water damage from washing machines can still occur. If that happens to you, know that PuroClean is ready to come to your property’s rescue. For flood water damage repair and water removal services, contact your local PuroClean office. At PuroClean of Hendersonville, we don’t just clean, we restore your peace of mind. If mold from your washer has spread or you suspect hidden damage, our certified experts are ready 24/7 to help.
We proudly serve Hendersonville, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Nashville, and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region with:
✅ Advanced mold inspection & removal
✅ Water damage restoration
✅ Deodorization & structural drying
✅ Complete rebuilds after damage
Don’t let mold grow into a bigger problem. Call PuroClean of Hendersonville today at (615) 348-7200
FAQs: How to Remove Mold from Washing Machines
Q1: Can vinegar alone remove mold from washing machines?
Yes! Vinegar is a natural mold killer and deodorizer. Spray it on affected areas or run a hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar to clean your washer.
Q2: Is bleach better than vinegar for cleaning mold?
Bleach is stronger but harsher. Use it only when vinegar or peroxide doesn’t work. Never mix bleach and vinegar—this creates toxic fumes.
Q3: How often should I clean my washing machine to prevent mold?
Ideally, once a week for the gasket and once a month for the drum. Also, keep the door open between washes to dry it out.
Q4: Is mold in the washing machine dangerous?
Yes. Mold spores can trigger allergies, skin irritation, and respiratory issues, especially in children or people with weakened immune systems.
Q5: Can mold spread from the washing machine to other parts of the home?
Absolutely. Mold can travel via air or water and settle into porous surfaces like drywall, carpeting, and wood.
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