How to Clean Mold Out of a Washing Machine

1. Empty the Washer and Dispenser Drawers

   Always begin with an empty washer to prevent accidental bleaching of clothes. Empty out the compartment where detergent and fabric softener goes.
   

2. Adjust 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.
   

3. Add Chlorine Bleach and Start the Washer

   • Pour one cup or more of chlorine bleach into the washer drum. Alternatively, add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer, then fill the bleach dispenser compartment with chlorine bleach to the highest level.
   • Start the washer and allow it to complete a full cycle with just hot water and bleach to take care of any mold issues in drainage lines.

   Warning

   If you don't to use chlorine bleach, you can use one full cup of hydrogen peroxide instead. Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with chlorine bleach as it can cause toxic fumes.

4. Wipe the Door and Gasket With Bleach Solution

   When the cycle is complete, use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry around the washer door and gaskets.

   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 2 cups of water to clean this area. Once all of the mold is gone, dry the area with a soft cloth.

5. Deep Clean the Dispenser Drawer

   Consult your washer's user manual to learn how to remove the drawer(s).

   • Rinse the drawer inserts with hot tap water. If there's heavy buildup, soak the drawer in a bucket of hot water for 10 minutes. Rinse and let air dry.
   • Wearing protective gloves, clean the drawer housing on the washer with a cloth or soft-bristled brush dipped in a chlorine bleach/water solution.
   • 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 without any laundry or cleaning products in the drum to completely flush the system.

6. Empty the Lint Filter

   Most washers have a lint filter or trap that should be cleaned routinely as 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.
     

How to Prevent Mold in a Washing Machine

Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

Using too much laundry detergent in a machine leaves residue in the water that traps bacteria and dirt—mold and mildew's preferred food sources. You only need about two tablespoons of liquid detergent for a normal-sized load of laundry.

Skip Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners can also leave a residue in the washing machine that becomes food for mold growth. Try using less or do not use liquid fabric softeners and substitute distilled white vinegar instead to help remove detergent residue and soften clothes.

Improve Ventilation and Decrease Humidity

Leave the door of your washer and its drawer open so it can air dry once you're done using it. Add a fan to your laundry room to improve air circulation and dry the washer interior more quickly.

You might want to consider bringing in a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels lower.

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.