Keeping on top of laundry can sometimes feel like a never-ending chore, which can make it easy to overlook cleaning other areas of the home, like a washing machine. Not many people realise that washing machines should be cleaned regularly, as leftover detergent and moisture can lead to mould growing inside the machine door.
Mould will look like a slimy residue around the edges of a washing machine door, but it will also cause clothes to smell sour and musty, even if they have just been cleaned. However, Kendra Cosenza, an expert from Heritage Park Laundry, explains that mould can be easily prevented by simply leaving the washing machine door open for a short period after each wash.
She said: “Keep the washing machine door and the detergent dispenser drawer open for at least an hour after you move your load to the dryer to air out the machine.”
The absolute best way to keep a washing machine clean is to make sure there is no excess moisture after wash as mould can also grow in a humid environment.
Most people close the washing machine door out of habit, but keeping it closed will trap moisture which keeps the area wet for a long period of time.
This not only encourages mould growth but also bacteria, so it is best to keep the washing machine door and detergent door open to air them out after each wash.
However it should be noted that letting soap accumulate in the washing machine can also cause mould as the leftover residue give it something to feed on.
Soap residue will stay in a washing machine if you overload them or use too much fabric softener, but there is a simple way to get rid of mould if you do notice any.
How to get rid of mould
Preventing mould is obviously much easier than cleaning it away, but if it does appear in your washing machine then do not worry as you just need a little bit of white vinegar and baking soda.
All you need to do is place some white vinegar on a cloth, and then wipe down the rubber seals around your washing machine.
White vinegar is naturally antibacterial so will kill mould spores, and it is really common for mould to grow around the rubber seal as moisture can easily become trapped in the material.
After cleaning the rubber seals, pour a little baking soda into the washing machine drum and run a empty wash cycle on a hot temperature.
Baking soda is the best natural cleaner for ovens and showers because it is a alkaline product, which means it dissolve grease and soap without having to scrub at it.
Once the wash is done, your washing machine should now be completely clean and mould-free.
However, if mould is still an issue, then run another wash cycle, pour white vinegar into the detergent drawer, and put on another hot wash.
White vinegar and baking soda are both effective at removing mould, but they should not be used together, as the chemical reaction between them neutralises their cleaning power.
Run a cycle using either white vinegar or baking soda on its own, as using both at the same time will simply cause them to fizz and produce lots of bubbles.