Is Mold In Washing Machine Dangerous? Check Facts

Last Updated on November 25, 2022

We all encounter molds at different places in our homes, and if inhaled, these can cause severe health problems. When it comes to the washing machine, mold becomes more dangerous as it can reach you through clothes and exposes your whole body to microbes.

Molds strongly influence the immune system of humans, leading to hazardous impacts. Therefore, it is essential to get rid of mold and prevent its growth in the future.

So, if you are wondering how mold is dangerous in the washing machine, you will get the exact idea through this post.

How Mold Grows In Washing Machine

It might be perplexing to find mold growth in something that aims to wash. While using a washing machine, we all put hot water and strong detergents in it that can easily kill any harmful object; then, how does mold grow in the washing machine?

The major reason for mold growth is moisture. The moist environment is the most favorable for spreading spores and making them live peacefully within your vicinity. 

What Type of Mold Grows In Washing Machine

A 100,000 species of mold are currently living in nature, and a few exist inside a washing machine. With a huge number of mold species, any kind of mold growth is possible in your laundry. It is all about spores that grow mold under favorable environmental conditions prevalent in moist washers.

So, it is not easy to decide the only one type and rely on just a single cleaning method. You will use several techniques, tips, and tricks to kill these microorganisms.

How is Mold In Washing Machine Dangerous

As molds directly affect the immune system, numerous health issues can arise by exposure to them. The main signs of mold exposure are headache, rashes, digestion problems, runny nose, fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, respiratory issues, and severe neurological problems.

Long-time exposure to molds is very dangerous and can worsen the symptoms. That’s why it is better to avoid their growth anywhere in your home, including the washing machine.

How to Locate Mold In Washing Machine

Mold can’t be found easily in the visible spaces of the washing machine. However, the hidden areas that get the most moisture are the main residence, such as door seals. Trapped water and washing powders inside door seals lead to mold growth if kept unchecked for a long time.

The molds can grow anywhere and are not specifically found at door seals, but the chances are higher for their growth inside the seals of doors.

How to Clean Mold From Washing Machine

To remove mold out of your washing machine, follow each step carefully:

Supplies Required for Cleaning

The following tools are needed for cleaning:

• A brush
• Rubber gloves
• Old towel
• Rag or cloth
• A bucket
• EC3 laundry cleaner
• A solution to kill molds

How to Make A Solution to Kill Mold

You can find commercially made solutions to kill mold, but you can also make one at home by using items already present in your home. The most reliable thing is chlorine bleach. You can make it by mixing a cup of chlorine bleach into four cups of water. 

A mold-killing solution can also be made by taking two cups of water, half a cup of hydrogen peroxide, and one-fourth lemon juice. 

Another way to kill molds is the vinegar solution. Though vinegar isn’t very effective in killing molds, it can provide some assistance in reducing their population.

Note: Never mix bleach with any other solution as it will produce toxic gases.

Look into the pipes of the washing machine

The pipes and tubes of the washing machine have enough area for mold growth. Follow these steps to clean them:

• Remove everything from the machine, such as detergents or softeners from the dispenser.
• Add one cup of chlorine bleach inside the drum of the washer, then turn the hot water cycle to maximum temperature. You can also use EC3 laundry cleaner for it.
• When the cycle completes, keep the machine open to air-dry completely. The water rushing through pipes will remove all drain pipe dirt.

Cleaning the Interior of the Washer

The interior cleaning varies in front load and top load washing machines. 

• In the case of a front load washer, you can use a cloth or toothbrush to wipe and scrub the areas around the drum, door, and lid.
• Do it carefully by wearing some safety gloves and then use a dry piece of cloth to clean the remaining spaces.
• Remove the drum and wash everything if you want to indulge in deep cleaning. For this purpose, you can take help from a professional.

Examining Detergent Dispenser & Lint Trap

The dispensers of some washing machines can detach easily. Check the manual guide if you don’t know how to take it out.

• Put the detached dispenser into hot water.
• If they are not removable, it is better to wipe them with a cloth or scratch them with a brush.
• Before placing the drawers back, make sure to dry them completely.

Lint filters are also present in some washing machines that collect gunk. You can clear it by scrubbing and applying a solution made for killing mold. Turn on the hot wash cycle and let all the gunk flush out.

Washing the Door Seals

The door seal is the most important part of the machine that requires thorough cleaning. First, you must clean the gasket surrounding the door seal. Then clean the exterior of the door and also scrub it if there is any need.

A safe bathroom cleaner can also e used to remove mold. Other items such as vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice are also effective against molds and mildews.

Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Washing Machine

The best way to keep your washing machine safe from mold growth is to prevent it in the first place. You won’t need to spend your precious time and money on the cleaning process, health maintenance, and remedial costs. 

• Never leave damp clothes in the washing machine for longer.
• Keep the laundry and machine fully dry when not in use.
• Get a good dehumidifier to use in the laundry area.
• Make sure the level of humidity is not more than 45%.
• Check for any leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
• To absorb extra moisture, buy a desiccant.
• If you find any mold deposits, get rid of them immediately.