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Is Washing Machine Mold Dangerous? Risks, Treatment and How To Keep The Machine Mold Free

Is your washing machine giving off an unpleasant smell? Are you noticing black growth around the corners and crevices? These are common signs of mold growth in your washing machine and you may be wondering is washing machine mold dangerous.

Washing machine mold is dangerous to your health. Mold exposure can cause headaches, coughing, nausea, itching of the eyes, skin irritation, and lung problems. The mold may even lead to death in severe cases. 

Your washing machine must be kept completely free of mold for your well-being. Read on and I’ll show you how to detect and eliminate mold in your washing machine.

Is Washing Machine Mold Dangerous?

Did you know that your washing machine could be harboring mold? Though it might seem like a harmless household nuisance, washing machine mold can actually be dangerous to your health. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to get rid of it for good.

Mold loves damp, dark places, and your washing machine is the perfect breeding ground. Every time you do a load of laundry, moisture and humidity build-up inside the machine. If you don’t clean it regularly, mold will start to grow. In addition to being unsightly, mold can also cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even headaches so yes it can be dangerous.

How To Check for Mold in Your Washing Machine

First, let’s be sure your machine actually has mold. Mold growth is gradual, so you may not notice it at its early stage. Luckily, some telltale signs can indicate the presence of mold in your washing machine.

Because your washing machine tends to develop mold, I advise regular checks even when none of these signs are obviously present. 

That said, here’s how to detect mold in your washing machine:

• Look for black or colored “dirt.” Thoroughly inspect all the crevices in your washing machine. Mold usually looks similar to black or colored dirt.
• Check for unpleasant smells. Check for an unpleasant smell if you can’t find any visible growth. Mold releases a distinctly unpleasant smell, so you can’t go wrong if you keep your nose on alert.
• Observe your health. If you’re beginning to experience physical symptoms and irritation after using the washing machine, you should check for mold growth. However, note that such irritation may also signify an unrelated issue.

How To Keep Your Washing Machine Free of Mold

Mold thrives in a moist environment. That’s why it grows in the corners of the washing machine, where trapped water lingers after each wash.

Here’s what to do to keep your washing machine mold-free:

• Wash your washing machine regularly. You should wash the entire machine at least once every three months. If you leave it for too long without washing it, mold will likely grow in its corners. Wash the gasket rings at least once every two weeks to clean out any water trapped there.
• Keep the laundry room door open. Do not permanently close the door to the laundry room immediately after washing. Leave the door open to allow for sufficient air circulation to help the machine dry.
• Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer. Remove wet clothes after washing. Leaving your damp clothes inside the washing machine promotes mold growth. It also makes your clothes smell. As a result, you may have to rewash them before drying.
• Install a dehumidifier in the laundry room: Install a humidifier in your laundry room to get rid of excess moisture in the air. Without moisture, mold cannot grow.
• Do routine empty washes. From time to time, pour hot water and white vinegar into the empty washing machine and spin. Clean the glass, gasket, and all corners.

How To Remove Mold From Your Washing Machine

If you notice mold growth in your washing machine, you’ll have to deal with it immediately, for your health’s sake. While everyone won’t react the same way to mold exposure, it remains a health hazard in your home. 

Vinegar will remove the mold in your washing machine, and the pleasant fragrance of lemon wash will eliminate the bad smell. Follow the steps below to cleanse your machine of mold:

1. Assemble your washing kit. Gather all you need to wash off the mold. You’ll need a pair of long gloves, a face mask, a spray bottle, white vinegar, lemon wash, and a small adjustable brush.
2. Spray vinegar on the machine and its components. Pour the white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray it all over your washing machine, including the gasket rings, detergent can, filter, and around the machine’s door.
3. Soak the detergent cans in white vinegar. If you notice mold around the tips of the detergent cans, soak them in white vinegar. Doing so will remove all present mold.
4. Allow some time to pass. After spraying your washing machine, allow it to sit for one or two hours. This will give the vinegar ample time to act on the mold.
5. Use a towel to clean. Use a towel or a paper towel to clean every part of the washing machine.
6. Use an adjustable brush to scrub the machine. Seek out the mold and scrub off with your brush. After scrubbing, clean off with a towel.
7. Wash and scrub the filter. Mold and dirt accumulate in the filter of your washing machine. Remove the filter and take off all the debris. Scrub very well and wipe with a towel. After cleaning, put it back. When you open the filter area, place a bucket under it so the bucket will take all the bad water trapped there.
8. Clean again with lemon wash. When you’ve gotten rid of the mold, clean your washing machine again using lemon wash. The lemony fragrance will eliminate the mold’s foul smell. You can also use half a cup of baking soda and set the machine cycle to soak.
9. Clean the floor. Don’t stop with your machine—use the lemon wash to clean your floor and eliminate unpleasant smells.

Wrap Up

Is washing machine mold dangerous? Definitely! It can cause headaches, skin and eye irritation, and lung problems. Mold produces an unpleasant smell and usually appears as thick, colored dirt.

Ensure you check your washing machine regularly for mold growth. Mold thrives in a moist environment, so regular cleaning of the corners and crevices of your washing machine will keep it mold-free. 

If you detect mold in your washing machine, use vinegar and a soft brush to get rid of it. Then wash again with a lemon wash to eliminate any unpleasant smells.