Black mold lives in damp, warm places with insufficient ventilation: in the bathroom, toilet, in places of leaks between the ceiling and walls. If, when opening the door of the washing machine, a putrid smell spreads around, and a black coating is visible on the inner surface of the rubber seal, the machine is infected with mold. Mold in the washing machine is a serious problem and is very difficult to remove. Therefore, it is better to install the washing machine not in the bathroom, but in the kitchen, where the air is drier. It is more convenient to clean the inside of the washing machine in a spacious room than in a cramped bathroom. In this article we will show you how to get rid of mold in a washing machine, because it is dangerous to human health.
How to start fighting mold
It is very difficult to remove mold in the washing machine, so first we check the parts outside, and then inside:
- rubber seal (hatch cuff);
- container for powder, conditioner and bleach;
- inlet hose, filter on it;
- drain hose, filter on it;
- drain filter located at the bottom of the machine.
If gray deposits or black spots are visible on these work surfaces, they must be cleaned with a chlorine cleaner. You can use a special anti-mold detergent to clean washing machines, or you can use traditional methods. People use vinegar, a solution of copper sulfate or "Whiteness". Processing must be done carefully so that strong chemicals do not damage the cuff of the washing machine.
Getting rid of fungus is much more difficult when it has spread inside the washing machine tank. It is very difficult to disassemble a washing machine and clean it at home. If you do not have the necessary skills, then it is better to entrust the professionals to disassemble the washing machine. Another cleaning method is required.
Advice:
Read also: How to clean the drain and inlet filter of the washing machine
Where is the mold in the washing machine
There are a number of reasons why mold can form in the washing machine:
- the room where the washing machine is installed is infected with mold;
- the room is damp, hot, there is no ventilation;
- the door of the machine is always closed when not in operation;
- washing is carried out at a temperature below 60 degrees;
- when washing, rinse aid, fabric softener are often used;
- do not use bleach when rinsing;
- no descaler is added to the powder;
- damp laundry is often left in the washer.
The rinsing mode included in the washing programs is not able to remove the softener residues from the laundry and from the walls of the tub. Over time, the washing machine tank becomes overgrown with plaque, which is difficult to get rid of. This plaque serves as a breeding ground for black mold. In this case, regular cleaning of the mold will be required. What to do to clean the car and always get rid of new attacks of the fungus?
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Fighting mold: ways and means
Bleach and high temperatures will help remove mold and protect the washing machine. Cleaning sequence:
- Pour 1 liter of "Whiteness" into the powder tray.Set the mode "heavy pollution" and the maximum temperature.
- After 2-2.5 hours, when the water in the washer heats up to 90 degrees, pause the program control for 1-2 hours. This will help to radically clean the tank.
- Continue washing.
- Pour 1 liter of 9% vinegar into a container for detergents, start rinsing.
- After cleaning, dry the machine by leaving the door wide open for several days.
This method of cleaning leaves the fungus colonies no chance of survival. It can be used no more than once every six months. After cleaning, dry the washing unit thoroughly, leaving the door open for 2-3 days.
Citric acid helps to get rid of mold. It is softer than chlorine, but at the same time it can clean the heating element of the washing machine from scale. For cleaning, 400 g of acid is enough. The wash cycle starts at 60-90 degrees. Instead of citric acid, you can clean with vinegar, 1 liter is enough for washing. Preventive antifungal cleaning is performed 3-4 times a year.
How to get rid of mold forever
The rules will help to get rid of mold forever:
- after washing, it is better to keep the door of the machine open until it is completely dry inside;
- do not leave washed laundry in the washing machine;
- after washing, thoroughly remove moisture from the drum and rubber seal outside and inside;
- at the end of washing, it is necessary to wash the detergent dispenser and dry it;
- run the machine every month without clothes at 90-100 degrees, using a bleaching agent for cleaning;
- required 3-4 times a year clean the washer with citric acid or vinegar in hot water;
- use water improvers (conditioners, rinses) as rarely as possible - after them it is difficult to clean the tank from the fungus;
- Regular cleaning of the filter and hoses helps to get rid of mold.
When these rules are followed, it is easy to clean the fungus from the walls of the tank and rubber at the time of its appearance - the spores will not have time to multiply and spread throughout the car. Regular cleaning and drying will extend the life of your washing machine. Disease-causing spores, bacteria will not get on the linen and into the respiratory tract of family members and pets. Fighting mold will preserve both the equipment and the health of the inhabitants of the house. Now you know what to do if mold appears in the washing machine and how to get rid of it forever.
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