How to Get Rid of Stinky Mold in Your Washing Machine (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

1. Empty the Washer and Dispenser Drawers

   Always begin with an empty washer to prevent accidental bleaching of clothes.

   If your washer has an automatic system for dispensing detergent or fabric softener, it should be empty of product.
   

   

2. Adjust the Washer Settings

   Select a normal wash cycle for a large load so that adequate water will flow through the washer. Set the water temperature to warm or hot.
   

   

3. Add Chlorine Bleach and Start the Washer

   • Pour one cup or more of chlorine bleach into the washer drum, or, add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleachto the detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer and fill the bleach dispenser compartment with chlorine bleach to the highest level.
   • Start the washer and allow it to complete a full cycle. Running a cycle with just hot water and bleach will usually take care of any mold issues in drainage lines.

   Warning

   If you don't to use chlorine bleach, you can use one full cup ofhydrogen peroxideinstead. Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with chlorine bleach as it can cause toxic fumes.

   

4. Clean the Washer Drum and Door

   When the cycle is complete, use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry around the washer door and gaskets.

   For a front load washer, gently peel back the flexible door gasket to clean the inside. This is usually where dirt and detergent residue gets trapped and mold begins to grow.

   Wearing protective gloves, dip a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush in a solution of 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach and two cups of water to clean this area. Once all of the mold is gone, dry the area with a soft cloth.

   

5. Clean the Dispenser System

   Consult yourwasher's user manualto learn how to remove the drawer(s).

   • Rinse the drawer inserts with hot tap water to remove traces of accumulated residue. If the components are heavily coated with built-up residue, fill a sink or bucket with hot water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. Rinse well and allow the drawers to air dry.
   • Wearing protective gloves, use a cloth or soft-bristled brush dipped in a chlorine bleach/water solution to clean the drawer housing on the washer.
   • When the drawer and opening are clean, return the bleach and fabric softener inserts to their proper compartments.
   • Replace the dispenser drawer and run ashort cyclesuch without any laundry or cleaning products in the drum to completely flush the system.

   

6. Clean out the Lint Filter

   Most washers have a lint filter or trap that should be cleaned routinely as trapped lint can begin to mold and cause odor.

   • Locate and remove the filter.
   • Brush away the lint with a soft-bristled brush and wipe away any mold with a cloth dipped in a chlorine bleach/water solution.
   • Rinse well and air-dry before returning the filter to the washer.
     

   

How to Prevent Mold in a Washing Machine

Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

Using too much laundry detergent leaves residue in the washer that traps dirt and bacteria, which are the perfect food for mold and mildew spores. There are commercial washer cleaners available in tablet, powder, and liquid formulas. If you choose to use one, be sure to follow the package directions carefully.

Skip Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners can also leave a residue in the washing machine that becomes food for mold growth. Try using less or do not use liquid fabric softeners and substitutedistilled white vinegar instead to help remove detergent residue and soften clothes.

Improve Ventilation and Decrease Humidity

Add a fan or air-conditioner to your laundry room toimprove air circulation and dry the washer interior more quickly.

You might want to consider bringing in a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels lower and leave a front-loading washer door open after every load for quicker drying.

Maintain the Washer and Dryer

Be sure the fan in a front load washer is clean and functioning properly and that the vent is not blocked.

Check yourdryer ventto make sure it is tight and not leaking moist air into the laundry room.

Dry the door gasket inside and out with a microfiber towel after each laundry session and run a cleaning cycle in your washer weekly or, at least, monthly.