Mold is a common problem in households. If you’ve found mold growing in your washing machine, you may wonder if running a normal wash cycle will kill it off. The good news is that yes, using your washing machine appropriately can get rid of mold and prevent future growth.
How Washing Machines Develop Mold
Washing machines provide the perfect warm, damp environment for mold to thrive. Mold spores floating in the air can get inside your washer and start growing on rubber seals or folds in the drum where water collects. Some common causes include:
- Forgetting wet laundry in the machine for too long before running a dry cycle
- Using too much detergent, which can leave residue
- Not properly drying all areas of the machine between loads
- Leaks that allow moisture buildup
If the mold growth is significant, you’ll start to notice black or white spots, and a mildewy or musty smell coming from your washer.
Killing Mold with Laundry Cycles
The normal operation of your washing machine will help eliminate mold. Here is how:
Washing with hot water – Heating water to 140 F or higher will kill mold and mold spores. Most washers reach these temps. Using a hot water wash setting paired with bleach or another antimicrobial is best.
Agitation from the wash cycle – The mechanical action of the washing machine drum spinning and clothes rubbing helps remove mold residue clinging inside.
Spin dry cycle – Spinning out all excess moisture deprives any remaining mold of needed water. Fast spins up to 1100 RPM or more provide extra mold removal power.
Heat from the dryer – Tossing washed clothes in the dryer, especially on high heat, provides a final mold killing blast. The extreme 180-200 F temps inside remove moisture mold needs.
Adding these all up combines for excellent mold murder inside a washing machine!
Maintenance to Prevent Mold Regrowth
Running a hot wash cycle with towels or rags alone once a week is a good idea. The heat and mechanical action will remove mold before it can gain a foothold again.
Be sure to also:
- Leave the door open to allow inside drying between uses
- Quickly fix any leaks that could lead to moisture buildup
- Consider occasionally running an empty sanitize or vinegar wash to deep clean
- Use less detergent to prevent residue left behind
- Always promptly remove finished laundry so it won’t sour
Following proper care procedures will help ensure no mold takes hold inside your washer.
When to Call a Repair Professional
If you’ve washed a few loads on the hottest setting possible and mold still persists, it may require professional cleaning. Signs your washer needs heavy-duty service include:
- Visible mold covering large areas of the drum, door, or dispensing drawers
- Strong mildew odors that linger despite your best efforts
- Leaks causing additional moisture allowing mold colonies to thrive
- Errors, jamming or other odd mechanical issues arising
Many appliance repair technicians offer deep cleaning services to properly extract mold buildup at the source. They have tools like special vacuums, non-toxic antimicrobial sprays, and stiff scrub brushes to thoroughly remove contamination inside washing machines.
While diy white vinegar or baking soda rinses may help, difficult mold may need professional strength chemicals like ammonium chloride to kill and prevent regrowth. Techs also fix leaks, replace worn out moldy seals, and identify any fundamental operating problems contributing to moisture issues.
The Bottom Line
Running regular laundry loads with hot water makes it unlikely mold can survive inside your washing machine. Paying attention to proper maintenance helps prevent mold growth in the first place. But if you already see dark mildew stains and smelly residue, the machine may require a deep professional cleaning to fully eliminate the mold and stop it from coming back.
References
American Chemistry Council. (2022). Fight Mold & Mildew. https://www.americanchemistry.com/fight-mold-and-mildew
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Mold and Dampness. https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/a_z/mold.html
Roto-Rooter Plumbers. (2022). How to Clean Mold Out of Washing Machines. https://www.rotorooter.com/plumbing-blog/how-to-clean-mold-out-of-washing-machines/
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.