Maintaining a laundry routine can often feel like an unending task, making it easy to neglect cleaning other parts of the home, such as the washing machine. Few people are aware that washing machines need regular cleaning, as residual detergent and dampness can foster mould growth inside the machine door.
Mould appears as a slimy residue around the edges of a washing machine door, and it can also cause freshly cleaned clothes to smell sour and musty. However, Kendra Cosenza, a specialist from Heritage Park Laundry, explains that mould can be easily prevented by simply leaving the washing machine door open for a brief period after each wash. She explained: “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 most effective way to keep a washing machine clean is to ensure there’s no excess moisture after washing, as mould can also thrive in a humid environment.
Many people habitually close the washing machine door, but keeping it shut will trap moisture, maintaining a damp environment for an extended period, reports the Express.
This not only promotes mould growth but also bacteria, so it’s best to leave the washing machine door and detergent door open to air them out after each wash.
However, it’s worth noting that allowing soap to build up in the washing machine can also lead to mould, as the leftover residue provides a food source.
Soap residue can linger in a washing machine if it’s overloaded or too much fabric softener is used, but there’s a straightforward method to eliminate mould if you spot any.
Preventing mould is certainly easier than removing it, but if it does show up in your washing machine, don’t fret – all you need is a bit of white vinegar and baking soda.
Simply dampen a cloth with some white vinegar and wipe down the rubber seals around your washing machine.
White vinegar is naturally antibacterial, so it will kill mould spores. It’s quite common for mould to grow around the rubber seal as moisture can easily become trapped in the material.
After cleaning the rubber seals, sprinkle a little baking soda into the washing machine drum and run an empty wash cycle on a high temperature.
Baking soda is the top natural cleaner for ovens and showers because it’s an alkaline product, which means it dissolves grease and soap without the need for scrubbing.
Once the wash is finished, your washing machine should now be completely clean and free from mould.
However, if mould is still a problem, 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 shouldn’t 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.
