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

Cleaning

Cleaning How-Tos

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 11/24/23

Reviewed by

Melissa Homer

Reviewed byMelissa Homer

Melissa Homer is a trained cleaning professional, consultant, and educator with a two-decade career spanning commercial and professional residential cleaning.

Learn more about The Spruce'sReview Board

Fact checked byMarcus Reeves

How Often to Clean Mold Out of a Washing Machine

Clean a washing machine monthly, or more often if you have exceptionally heavily-soiled clothes or live in a hot, humid area. Always give it a good cleaning if odors appear.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Microfiber cloth
Sink or large plastic bucket
Small, soft-bristled scrub brush
Protective gloves

Materials

Chlorine bleach

Instructions

How to Get Rid of Stinky Mold in Your Washing Machine (4)

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.
Select 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.
Add Chlorine Bleach and Start the Washer
Pour one cup or more of chlorine bleach into the washer drum, depending on its size.
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.
Warning
If you do not want to use chlorine bleach, you can use one full cup ofhydrogen peroxideinstead. Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with chlorine bleach because that can cause toxic fumes.
Running a cycle with just hot water and bleach will usually take care of any mold issues in drainage lines.
Tip
There are commercial washer cleaners available in tablet, powder, and liquid formulas. If you choose to use one, follow the package directions carefully.
Clean the Washer Drum and Door
When the cycle is complete, use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry around the washer door and gaskets.
These areas should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure a watertight seal.
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.
Clean the Dispenser System
Detergent and fabric softener can build up in the dispenser drawers and act as a food source for the odor-causing mold.
Most drawers can be removed easily for cleaning, but 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. Remove any residue from the upper and lower parts of the recess.
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 as the Pre-wash cycle without any laundry or cleaning products in the drum to completely flush the system.
Clean out the Lint Filter
Most washers have a lint filter or trap that should be cleaned routinely. 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.

Skip Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners also leave a residue in the washing machine that becomes food for mold growth. Use less or do not use liquid fabric softeners and substitutedistilled white vinegarinstead in the fabric softener dispenser 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.

Consider bringing in a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels lower and leave a front-loading washer door ajar 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.

FAQ

What causes mold in a washing machine?
The inside of a washing machine is dark, damp, and warm. Laundry products can leave a residue inside the washer drum and door that traps soil and bacteria that are the perfect food for mold along with the dark, damp conditions.
What is the best product to use to remove the mold?
Chlorine bleach is the most effective mold remover to use in a washing machine. If you are sensitive to chlorine bleach, you can substitute hydrogen peroxide. Do not mix the two chemicals.
What can I do to prevent mold in the washing machine?
To help prevent mold in the washer, don't use excessive laundry products, improve ventilation and air circulation in your laundry room, and clean your washer regularly.

The 5 Best Mold Removers of 2023

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Dangers of mixing bleach with cleaners. Washington State Department of Health

As a seasoned expert in the field of housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation, with a particular focus on efficient cleaning practices, I bring forth my wealth of knowledge to shed light on the comprehensive guide provided by Mary Marlowe Leverette. With over 40+ years of experience as a Master Gardener and 20+ years of writing expertise, Mary is a highly-regarded authority in the industry.

The article delves into the critical topic of cleaning washing machines, specifically addressing the challenge of mold growth, a common issue in high-efficiency front-loading models. The thoroughness of Mary's insights and the detailed instructions provided showcase her practical understanding of the subject. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:

1. How Often to Clean:

Expert Advice: Clean the washing machine monthly or more frequently if dealing with heavily-soiled clothes or residing in a hot, humid area. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent odors.

2. Prevent Mold:

Expert Tip: Mold often thrives in the rubber gasket sealing the door of front load washers. However, it can occur in any washer's drainage pipes, dispensers, and lint filters.
Evidence: Mary recommends a simple and effective solution—chlorine bleach. This demonstrates practical knowledge and a commitment to straightforward, accessible cleaning methods.

3. Project Overview:

Expert Guidance: The step-by-step guide details the cleaning process using chlorine bleach. Emphasis is placed on starting with an empty washer to prevent accidental bleaching of clothes.

4. Materials and Equipment:

Expert Selection: Mary suggests using a microfiber cloth, a small scrub brush, and protective gloves, showcasing her understanding of the right tools for the job.

5. Cleaning Steps:

Expert Methodology: Mary advocates for using chlorine bleach in the washer drum and dispenser, with specific instructions on settings and quantities. Cleaning the door gasket and dispenser system is detailed, demonstrating a hands-on approach to mold removal.

6. Preventing Mold:

Expert Recommendations: Mary provides preventative measures, such as using the correct amount of detergent, avoiding fabric softeners, improving ventilation, and maintaining the washer and dryer.

7. FAQs:

Expert Clarification: Mary addresses common queries, explaining the causes of mold in washing machines, the best products for removal (chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide), and preventive measures.

8. Related Topics:

Expert Integration: Mary connects the article to related topics, such as laundry appliances, providing a holistic approach to home care.

In conclusion, Mary Marlowe Leverette's expertise shines through in this comprehensive guide, offering valuable insights and practical solutions to tackle mold in washing machines. The evidence-based approach, coupled with a depth of knowledge, instills confidence in the reliability of the information provided.