Did you know that your washing machines can get dirty easily? It may even be stuffed with hidden molds (moulds) that you are not aware of. But how do you know? The smell of a wet sock or rotten egg in your laundry room or clothes is the biggest sign.
Molds typically form on the rubber gasket or silicon seal of your washers. It naturally forms from forgetting to clean it frequently or improper usage. To maintain the fresh and clean scent of your washing machine and clothes, here are a few reliable suggestions:
Open the Cover if not in Use
Mold form, grow, and survive in dark, wet areas. After unloading your clothes, the inside of your washing machines can be the best environment for molds to grow and thrive if left uncleaned. It helps if you leave the door open to permit ventilation inside the washer.
Remove Wet Clothes Right Away
Avoid loading your garments in your washing machine if you intend to go outside for some time or sleep and can not attend to it when the timer goes off. This does not only prevent molds from growing but also helps maintain your clothes from mildewing.
Make Sure to Clean Your Washer Every After Use
Each time you’re done using your washing machine, make sure to wipe it down from top to bottom until the last part that’s damp. Take note of the drum, lid, rubber gaskets, and detergent dispenser (if your machine has this feature). Wash the gaskets or seal around the door regularly and keep them dry.
The gasket seals moisture that helps mold develop and functions to prevent water from leaking out around the door. On top of these, it’s important to quickly remove crumpled papers, pet hair, or any kind of dirt in your washing machine.
In Case of Mold Growth, Follow These Steps to Get Rid of Them
- For safe mold removal, start by putting on gloves and get an old towel you don’t use.
- Make a solution from materials found in your home. For example, you can combine bleach and warm water or vinegar and warm water. Never try to mix vinegar and bleach because this can produce a chlorine gas that may pose a hazard.
- Get the towel and dip it in the solution and use it to scrub away any noticeable mold. Next, focus on the gaskets and detergent dispenser. Dry them.
- With the hottest setting of your washing machine, run a wash cycle with a cup of vinegar or bleach, but not both. For vinegar, pour it in the detergent slot and in the compartment designated for bleach if you’re using bleach. You may also use your machine’s self-clean cycle if it has this function.
- Utilizing another old, dry towel, wipe away all moisture in all parts of your washing machine.
- Leave the door open to let air circulation dry out areas you might have missed. This should stop mold growth, especially if you do this every month. In case of severe mold issues in your home, you might need to start looking for local reputable restoration companies. The biggest advantage of working with professionals in your area is that they can attend to your problems right away. For example, if you live in Ottawa, there are many restoration companies Ottawa area.
Clean the Other Parts of Your House
You may not be aware, but molds may be coming from the other parts of your house, like your bathroom, kitchen area, and so on. Like most fungi, they reproduce and move from one place to another by producing spores that can spread through water, air, and animals. Be sure to clean the other parts of your home, especially after water or fire damage.
If you don’t see any visible signs but suspect the presence of molds, look for mold testing companies near you. They have specialized equipment and training to carry out this job. Ask for recommendations from people you know who have used these services before.
You can also go online and search “mold testing Ottawa” if, for instance, you’re from the place. This way, your search is narrowed down to companies near you.
