How to Clean Mold Out of a Washing Machine

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Washing machines, especially high-efficiency front-loading models, can be the perfect breeding ground for mold. Warm temperatures, soil and bacteria from clothes, detergent and fabric softener residue, and a dark environment can leave you with a stinky, moldy washer.

Mold often grows in a front load washer behind the rubber gasket that seals the door to prevent leaking. But, mold growth can also occur in any type of washer in drainage pipes, detergent and fabric softener dispensers, and around washer lint filters.

Fortunately, cleaning away the mold is simple and requires just one product—chlorine bleach.

Rubber gasket pulled down in washer machine with mold

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

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

Materials and tools to clean out mold from washing machine

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  1. 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.

    Washing machine and dispenser drawers emptied out for cleaning

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  2. 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.

    Water temperature and cycle set on washing machine

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  3. 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 onde-half cup of liquid chlorine bleach to 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 of hydrogen peroxide instead. 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.

    Chlorine bleach poured into washing machine dispenser

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  4. 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.

    Gray cloth drying inside of washing machine gasket

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  5. 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 your washer's user manual to 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 a short cycle such as the Pre-wash cycle without any laundry or cleaning products in the drum to completely flush the system.

    Dispenser drawer scrubbed in tub of water and chlorine bleach

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

  6. 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.

    Lint filter cleaned with soft-bristled brush over gray cloth

    The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

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 substitute distilled white vinegar instead 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 to improve 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 your dryer vent to 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.

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