Are you worried you may have discovered mold in your machine? If you’re smelling mildew on your freshly washed clothes, seeing black spots on your seal or drum, or noticing a sludgy build-up in your machine, then it’s definitely time to learn how to clean mold out of a washing machine.
Let us take you through our simple steps to remove mold from even the best washing machines, whether they be front-load washing machines or top-load washers, we have included tips from our cleaning expert, Shandel Small, and more, on which products to use, and the best techniques to get your machine fresh and clean, so it keeps your laundry spotless and hygienically clean.
Also take some time to read out guide for how to clean a washing machine and how to sanitize your washing machine.
How to clean mold out of a washing machine: What you will need
Follow these steps and expert tips to get rid of any mold your washing machine may be harboring.
It’s important to follow them all as mold spreads quickly in warm environments with limited airflow, like washing machines, and it will quickly spread from one part of the machine to the other.
Appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, Ian Palmer-Smith advocates regular cleaning of the internal drum of your washing machine, at least once a month, to maintain the best possible performance. He also advises:
"It is good to leave the door open after use to let air circulate and prevent moisture or mildew growth inside. No matter what type you have, regular maintenance is needed to prevent odors, build-up, or a costly washing machine repair."
- White vinegar
- Cleaning detergent
- Cloths and sponges
- Disinfectant spray
- Bleach (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
- Washing machine cleaner (optional)
- Hot water
How to clean mold out of a washing machine: Quick steps
- Clean the drum
- Focus on the seal
- Clean the washing machine drawer
- Wipe out the detergent drawer
- Clean the filter
Shandel Small tells us how she tackles mold in a washing machine drum: “When cleaning out a washing machine drum, you can use any disinfectant cleaner such as Lysol”
Step by step: How to clean mold out of a washing machine
1. Clean the drum
Take a damp cleaning cloth and pour a little cleaning detergent onto it. Cleaning expert Shandel uses Lysol, but white vinegar or any other disinfectant is also an option. Use this to wipe out the inside of the washing machine drum. If mold and mildew are incubating around the perforations in the holes of the drum, this should be taken care of.
Alice Lynch explains: "Use a damp cloth to remove residue, especially if the machine has a tumble-drying feature."
Alice also advises on treating limescale and mold: "For limescale on the glass or drum, spray limescale remover, allowing it to sit for the recommended time before scrubbing and wiping off. Repeat if necessary."
Ian Palmer-Smith advises that: "The easiest way to clean out the drum of your washing machine is to run a maintenance wash cycle. A maintenance wash is essentially a deep-clean cycle that helps to kill off any bacteria, mold, and any stains or sludge that has built up. This is carried out by performing a very hot ‘cotton’ wash coupled with some washing machine cleaning solution."
"It is best to do this at least once a month to keep the washing machine nice and clean which in turn will keep your laundry clean and fresh too!"
Judi Kutner also agrees that performing routine empty hot water cycles with a washing machine cleaner, as regularly as once a month can significantly reduce the potential for mold developing. Judi advises:
"To clean any washing machine, you need an empty drum to start. Use something simple like white vinegar, baking soda, or a store-bought cleaner. Run the hottest cycle your machine has to let the cleaning solution do the heavy lifting. While that’s going, take a moment to wipe down any detergent dispensers, especially if they’re removable. They tend to get sticky over time."
Thomas Oldman, Co-Founder of UK Construction Blog suggests a cleaning solution if you’re dealing with mold: "Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and spray the rubber seals. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub it thoroughly. After that, run a hot cycle with one cup of bleach, followed by a rinse. To help prevent mold from coming back, leave the door slightly ajar after each wash."
2. Focus on the seal
This next step is how to clean mold out of a washing machine seal. Rub around the rubber seal of the washer with a damp cloth and white vinegar. This should remove any black mold spots that have formed. You may need to repeat this step several times.
Alice Lynch recommends: "If the seal has mold, dilute one cup of bleach in four cups of water and carefully apply it to the affected areas. For severe cases, you may cautiously use undiluted bleach, though we advise against this as it could damage the rubber."
"Wipe the inside of the drum, rubber seal (especially the inner flap), and door. Dry the rubber seal thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Leave the door slightly ajar for a few hours to allow proper airing."
Judi Kutner also concurs, and advises: "Pay attention to rubber seals or gaskets, too—those areas trap moisture and can lead to odors. After the cycle, dry everything out and keep the door or lid open for airflow."
For cleaning the seal, Ian Palmer-Smith offers this best practice advice: "Your washing machine seal will also feel the benefits from the deep clean maintenance cycle, as it will help to tackle any dirt that has built up. However, sometimes a maintenance cycle isn’t enough as bacteria and mold can get trapped in the lip of the seal."
"The best way to clean this is with a damp cloth and disinfectant spray. Spray your product into the lip and then use our cloth to get into it and dig out any dirt that has built up."
3. Clean the washing machine drawer
Pour a cap full of bleach or Lysol into your washing machine drawer. Most washing machines have a specific antibacterial wash to wash out the drum.
Check your machine's manufacturer’s manual for details on how to find this. If your machine doesn’t have one, select a setting for a hot wash of at least half an hour.
Thomas Oldman advises: "Odors are often caused by a dirty filter or detergent drawer. Give both of these a good clean, then run an empty hot cycle with 500ml of vinegar and 125ml of baking soda. Don’t forget to dry the door gasket afterwards to prevent any lingering smells."
For cleaning out the drawer, Ian Palmer-Smith advises: "To clean the drawer, you will firstly want to remove it from the machine and then soak it in warm soapy water. Remove any small components of the drawer to make sure no area is missed."
"Once it has been soaking for a while, remove the drawer and any components from the water, rinse them off and leave them to dry. Make sure to wipe down the slot in the machine before replacing the drawer."
4. Wipe out the detergent drawer
Use a cloth to wipe the detergent drawer with a disinfectant spray and warm water. Air dry and replace. This is an important step in how to clean mold out of a washing machine to avoid any mold spores making their way back down into the drum.
Alice Lynch explains the best technique for cleaning the drawer: "Carefully remove the soap drawer from the washing machine itself and soak it in warm water with washing-up liquid. If there is limescale build-up, use a limescale remover."
"Scrub inside the compartment where the drawer sits with a toothbrush or small scrubbing brush to remove detergent residue and grime."
5. Turn to the filter
Clean out the filter. This is usually located at the bottom right of the machine. The filter will need to be emptied and then cleaned with warm water and disinfectant before replacing.
Alice Lynch says: "Check the filter quarterly for foreign objects like colour catchers, debris, or coins. A clogged filter can cause drainage issues, forcing the machine to stop mid-cycle and requiring you to manually drain the machine. Cleaning this regularly can save time and prevent incomplete washes."
Ian Palmer-Smith advises: "Filters need to be cleaned out every 4-6 weeks to avoid requiring a washing machine repair. The filter can be found at the bottom of the machine, you may need to remove the cover to get to it. When you are removing the cover, it is likely that water will leak out so make sure you lay down towels to protect your floors."
"You then need to unscrew the filter and allow the water to drain out. Once this is done, remove the filter and run it under hot water. Leave it to dry before screwing it back on. Ensure it is screwed on tightly to avoid any leaks, then replace the cover to complete the task."
How to clean mold out of a washing machine: Final Thoughts
By following our expert's advice, you can be sure to have a washing machine that is sparkling clean and free of mold and unpleasant odors.
If you're looking to purchase a new washing machine, check out the current best deals below.
