Don’t Let Mold Call Your Washer Home

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Serious mold problems often get their start with moisture from the laundry area.

To thrive, mold needs someplace dark, damp, and at room temperature. It also needs a food source. In your home, a washing machine provides the darkness and dampness and the soap residue provides the food source. This is true for all washers, even in Deerfield Beach, FL, but front-loaders are particularly susceptible.

Cleaning Your Washer to Remove or Prevent Mold
There are several steps you can take to remove or prevent mold and mildew. This should be repeated occasionally. Don’t wait for the mold smell to return or the residue to build back up. You can get special products to clean the washer, but the following home remedy should work just fine.

1. Clean the gasket with a solution of equal parts of water and white vinegar.

2. Make a solution of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup water and put it in the machine’s detergent dispenser.

3. Add 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum and run a full cycle with hot water.
When this process is complete, any residue and odors that were present in the washer should be gone. Repeat if necessary.

Keep Mold Out of Your Laundry Area
When you are finished washing your dirty laundry, there are a few simple precautions that can keep mold away.

1. The presence of soap residue means that you’re are using too much or the wrong type. When it comes to soap, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Leave the door open to let the inside of the washing machine dry. You can also wipe down the drum with a dry cloth.

3. If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on or at least make sure it is set to keep your laundry area humidity at an acceptable level.

Don’t Let a Mold Problem Get Away From You
Serious mold problems often get their start with moisture from the laundry area. If you discover that mold has spread beyond your washing machine, consider contacting local mold removal specialists to address the problem before it gets worse.