When it comes to washing machines, the front-loading variant is the leader. They are known for being gentle on clothing while working quietly and efficiently. At the same time, they are notorious for producing nasty mold and mildew. They clean clothes well, but allow mold to thrive on detergent residue and moisture.
You can easily spot mold growth by the foul smell coming from the washing machine and even from washed clothes. With that in mind, we're sharing a simple technique for removing mold from your front loader.
Why do front loaders develop mold?
It is the basic design of the front loaders that makes them prone to mold. For this reason, the sloshing of detergent and water against the door is a characteristic feature. Consequently, front loads need to be watertight to block leakage and that is the rubber seal. Most of mold and mildew thrive between and under the seal, where detergent foam and moisture become trapped. These serve as fodder for mold. Top loads don't develop as much mold because they have a loosely fitting door that doesn't require a rubber seal.
Preparing the mold removal solution
The first thing you would need is a mold removal solution. You can get it ready from the market. Otherwise, you can prepare any of these DIY mold removal solutions at home.
- Mix a quarter cup of lemon juice and half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water and pour it into a spray bottle. The solution cleans and inhibits the growth of mold.
- If hydrogen peroxide is not readily available, use white vinegar in the same amount in the above solution. Cleaning would be just as efficient.
- With sparse molds, a solution of one part vinegar and four parts water works great.
- For stubborn mold, a mixture of one part bleach and four parts water can be used.
Remove mold from the front loader
Now, let's get to the actual removal of mold from your washing machine. Therefore:
- Open all doors and windows in the room where the machine is located to remove odors and air.
- Wear suitable gloves for protection and have some clean, soft towels ready.
- Take one of the mold cleaning solutions in a spray bottle and spray well on the door and rubber seal. Also make sure to spray the solution underneath and also between the gasket. Also, spray some solution generously into the drum and soap dispenser.
- After about 10 minutes of soaking, the mold would be easy to remove.
- Now take a soft, clean towel and wipe off all of the rubber gasket, door and inside of the drum. Make sure you stretch the gasket and thoroughly clean underneath and in between.
- All mold should be cleaned up, but you may find some stubborn mold that won't move. For them, soak a soft towel in equal parts in a mixture of bleach and water and place it over the mold. Leave on for 30 to 45 minutes.
- The shape should come out by wiping it off. If necessary, you can easily scrub it with an old toothbrush.
- Now wipe the entire area with a clean, dry cloth.
- Then similarly clean the soap dispenser area. If it does come out, you can clean it with a soapy solution and then under running water. Otherwise, if necessary, it can be cleaned with a soft towel and an old toothbrush.
- Now is the time to disinfect or clean the machine. When your front loader has the disinfect cycle, you can run it. Otherwise, the hottest temperature settings will leave it empty the longest. To make cleaning more efficient, you can put the following directly into the drum. However, never use vinegar and bleach together as this will damage the machine.
- A cup of baking soda.
- A cup of bleach.
- Two cups of vinegar.
- Half a cup of powder detergent.
- Any reputable and effective front loader machine cleaner.
Allow the machine to dry completely or wipe it with a dry cloth and let it air dry. Your machine should smell fresh as new. If not, you can repeat the entire process. The odor should be eliminated. If your problem is not resolved; For professional cleaning, you would need to call in an experienced technician.
last words
Following these methods will help effectively eliminate the mold in your front loader. If you clean it monthly as mentioned above and always dry the machine after each use, you can solve the mold problem with ease. Let us know if you know of any other mold cleaning techniques.
