Washing machine mold can make clothes smell musty, damage your washer, and even impact your health. Luckily, common household items can help keep your machine clean and mold-free. From white vinegar to lemon juice, these unexpected solutions offer an easy and effective way to maintain a fresh washer. Discover how to use these items and ensure your laundry stays fresh and clean.
The Importance of Preventing Washing Machine Mold
Did you know that mold can grow in your washing machine? It’s true! Mold loves damp, dark places, and your washer is the perfect spot for it.
Mold in your washing machine can be bad for your health. When you breathe in mold, it can make you sick. You might get a stuffy nose, a cough, or even a headache. If you have allergies or asthma, mold can make your symptoms worse.
Mold from washing machines can also make your clothes smell bad. Have you ever worn a clean shirt, but it still smells funny? That’s because mold can leave a musty odor on your laundry.
Mold can even damage your clothes. It can leave stains and make your favorite outfits look old and worn out. Nobody wants that!
But wait, there’s more! Mold can also harm your washing machine. Over time, it can eat away at the rubber seals and plastic parts inside your washer, causing it to break down sooner than it should.
So, what can you do to stop washing machine mold? Don’t worry, it’s not too hard! In the next part of this article, we’ll discuss some easy things you can use to fight mold in your washer. These are things you already have in your house.
Preventing mold in your washing machine is important for your health, clothes, and washer. So, let’s learn how to keep that mold away!
7 Unexpected Household Items for Combating Washing Machine Mold
Are you ready to fight that washing machine mold? Great! Let’s explore seven things you can use to keep your washer mold-free. The best part? You probably already have them in your house!
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is like a superhero when it comes to fighting mold. It’s a natural cleaner that can absorb moisture and cut through grime.
Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of baking soda into your washer’s drum. Then, run an empty hot water cycle. Do this once a month to keep mold away. Easy peasy!
2. Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Lavender, or Eucalyptus)
Did you know that some oils can fight mold, too? Tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus oils are all great at stopping mold growth.
You can add a few drops of your favorite oil to your laundry detergent. You can also put a couple of drops on a damp cloth and wipe down your washer’s drum.
But be careful! Some people can be sensitive to these oils. If you have sensitive skin, skip this one.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another mold-fighting champ. It’s a natural bleach that can kill mold and bacteria.
To use it, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. Then, apply the mixture to your washer’s drum with a spray bottle. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it down with a clean cloth.
Just be sure to wear gloves when you use hydrogen peroxide. It can be harsh on your skin.
4. Lemon Juice
When life gives you lemons, use them to fight washing machine mold! Lemon juice is acidic, which means it can stop mold growth.
Add 1/2 cup to your washer’s detergent dispenser to use lemon juice. Then, run an empty hot water cycle. The lemon juice will help freshen your clothes, too!
5. Borax
Borax is a powdery substance that’s great at fighting mold. You can find it in the laundry aisle at most grocery stores.
To use borax, add 1/2 cup to your washer’s drum. Then, run an empty hot water cycle. Borax can be harmful if swallowed, so keep it away from kids and pets.
6. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural mold-fighter. It’s made from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit.
Add 10-15 drops to your washer’s detergent dispenser to use it. Then, run an empty hot water cycle. You can find grapefruit seed extract at health food stores.
7. Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is different from regular chlorine bleach. It’s a powder that uses oxygen to break down stains and kill mold.
To use oxygen bleach, add 1/2 cup to your washer’s drum. Then, run an empty hot water cycle. Oxygen bleach is safer for colors and fabrics than chlorine bleach.
Best Practices for Using These Alternatives
Now that you know what household items you can use to fight washing machine mold, let’s talk about how to use them the right way.
First, it’s important to use the right amount of each item. Too much can be wasteful, and too little might not work. Here’s a quick guide:
| Item | Amount |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 cup |
| Essential Oils | A few drops |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 1 part peroxide to 4 parts water |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 cup |
| Borax | 1/2 cup |
| Grapefruit Seed Extract | 10-15 drops |
| Oxygen Bleach | 1/2 cup |
Remember, these amounts are for one treatment. You’ll want to use these items regularly to keep mold away.
So, how often should you treat your washer? A good rule of thumb is to do it once a month. But if you live in a humid area or have a lot of family members using the washer, you might need to do it more often.
Another tip is to combine a few of these methods for even better results. For example, you could simultaneously add lemon juice and baking soda to your washer. Or, you could wipe down your washer with hydrogen peroxide and then run a cycle with oxygen bleach.
Just be sure to run an empty hot water cycle after each treatment. This will help rinse any leftover residue and keep your washer running smoothly.
Also read How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine Agitator
Conclusion
Fighting washing machine mold doesn’t have to be a big, scary task. You can keep your washer fresh and clean with a few simple household items and some regular maintenance.
Just remember to use the right amounts, treat your washer regularly, and run an empty hot water cycle after each treatment. Following these tips will help you get well on your way to a mold-free washing machine.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, just refer to this article for a refresher. We’re here to help you every step of the way!