It is easy to throw clothes into a washing machine without giving it a second thought, but this appliance can quickly turn into a breeding ground for mould if it is not maintained properly. Many people assume washing machines clean themselves since they are exposed to so much hot water and soap, but any moisture left behind after doing laundry can cause them to become mouldy.
However, keeping your washing machine clean does not need to be a chore, as one expert at Embury Environmental has shared you simply need to take a few seconds to leave the door open. They said: “It may seem counter-intuitive, but leaving the door open between washes allows moisture to escape and air to circulate. This step alone can drastically reduce mould growth.” It might seem simple, but the rubber lining around washing machine doors often accumulate a lot of water after a wash, and a damp surface will encourage mould growth.
Soap from detergent and fabric softener can also become trapped within the rubber seal, which gives both mould spores and germs a food source to keep multiplying.
Mould can degrade the rubber seal, leading to leaks and also cause laundry to come out the wash musty or still dirty due to the bacteria build up.
Taking the time to open the washing machine door after a wash allows more airflow to reach the rubber and dry it out, so there is much less chance of mould forming.
However, if you ever do notice any funky smells from your washing machine, then you can easily clear out any mould by wiping the insides of the rubber seal.
The expert said: “Grab a cloth or sponge, some hot soapy water (or a vinegar solution), and get to work on the rubber seals and door. This is where mould loves to hide.”
White vinegar is one of the best natural ways to kill mould, as it contains acetic acid, which helps dissolve mould spores and makes a surface too acidic for spores to regrow.
Simply wipe down the seals and then lift the edges to clean out any gunk stuck underneath the rubber, then it should be completely clean.
Maintaining a washing machine can sound time-consuming when you first hear it needs to be cleaned, but it is very easy to keep the device mould free so it stays functioning for much longer.
