Washing Machine Mold: The Perfect Cleaning Formula for Mold Stains and Odor Removal
🦠 Musty Smell After Washing? The Perfect Cleaning Formula for Mold and Grime Inside the Washer
If your clothes smell musty after washing or come out with black mold residue, it''s a sign that the inside of your washing machine is full of mold and grime. The rubber gasket in front-load washers and the drum of top-load washers are particularly favored environments for mold growth due to constant moisture. For the cleanliness of your laundry, I''ll share the perfect cleaning formula to completely remove mold and grime from inside your washing machine.
🔑 Key Ingredients for Drum Cleaning: Chlorine Bleach vs. Oxygen Bleach
Washing machine cleaning primarily uses chlorine bleach (like Clorox), which is powerful for mold removal, or oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate), effective for bacteria and odor removal.
| Category | Chlorine Bleach (Clorox, etc.) | Oxygen Bleach (Sodium Percarbonate) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Most powerful for destroying mold spores. | Effective for removing bacteria, odors, and grime. |
| Cons | Strong odor, requires mandatory ventilation. Risk of stainless steel corrosion. | Mold removal power is weaker than chlorine bleach. |
| Caution | Never mix with acidic cleaners (vinegar, etc.)! Chlorine gas will be produced. | Must be dissolved in hot water (50–60°C / 122–140°F) for maximum effectiveness. |
🫧 The 3-Step Formula for Perfect Mold Removal
1. Run the Tub Cleaning Cycle (Using Oxygen Bleach):
- Fill the drum with hot water (above 50°C / 122°F) or select the ''Tub Clean Cycle.''
- Add 500g of sodium percarbonate, soak for 1–2 hours, then start the Standard Cycle. (The oxygen bleach loosens and separates the grime and bacteria.)
- Caution: If excessive foam occurs during the wash, pause the operation and leave the lid open temporarily.
2. Clean the Rubber Gasket (Using Chlorine Bleach):
- For front-load washers, the inside of the rubber gasket must be thoroughly cleaned.
- Soak a paper towel in undiluted chlorine bleach and apply it to the moldy part inside the gasket. Leave it for at least 1 hour.
- Caution: Ensure thorough ventilation and be careful not to splatter the bleach elsewhere.
- After removing the bleach-soaked paper towel, meticulously wipe the gasket with clean water and a cloth.
3. Separate Cleaning of Filters/Detergent Dispenser:
- After washing, disassemble the drain filter and detergent dispenser to check for mold.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub away mold and grime from every nook and cranny.
Tip: Prevention is Key: Simply leaving the washer door and detergent dispenser open after washing to fully dry out internal moisture can prevent over 90% of mold growth.