Almost everyone has had to deal with mold on the rubber gasket of their front-loading washing machine at some point in their lives. The warm, damp environment inside your washer can still allow mold to grow. But don’t worry, there are some simple steps you can take to remove mold and prevent it from returning.
What Causes Mold on Washer Gaskets?
Because mold prefers warm, damp environments, it is so common in bathrooms and kitchens. Your washer’s gasket is constantly in contact with water and detergent, making it an ideal environment for mold to grow. Even if you keep your laundry room clean and dry, mold can still get into your washing machine.
How to Remove Mold from Washer Gaskets
There are a few simple steps you can take to remove mold from washer gaskets:
Fill your sink with hot water and add a cup of bleach. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that will kill mold spores. Soak a sponge in the bleach solution and scrub the moldy areas of your washer’s gasket. Make sure to rinse the area well once you are done. You do not want bleach residue left behind. A spray bottle filled with equal parts vinegar and water can be used to disinfect your washer’s gasket. Vinegar can also kill mold spores effectively. After letting the vinegar solution sit for a few minutes, scrub the area with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth. Mold grows when moisture is present, so it’s crucial to completely dry the area after cleaning.
Preventing Mold in the Future
Mold is best avoided by preventing it from forming in the first place. Here are a few tips for keeping your washer’s gasket mold-free:
The gasket should be cleaned after each use with a clean towel or cloth. This will remove detergent or water residues that could cause mold growth. Leave the door open after each use so that air can circulate and the gasket can dry out. If possible, store your washing machine in a location with good ventilation. In order to avoid mold growth, run an empty load of hot water and bleach once a month to disinfect it.
It is common for mold to grow on the rubber gaskets of front-loading washing machines due to their warm, damp environment. But don’t be alarmed, there are a few simple things you can do to get rid of mold and keep it from returning! If you want to remove mold, follow these steps: fill your sink with hot water and add bleach, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and run an empty load with hot water and bleach once a month! We’re here to help you if you have mold in the Tampa area. Call us at (813) 437-5133 or contact us online to schedule your washer repair.