The washing machine has long been an integral part of any home. The basis of its long-term operation is periodic maintenance and constant cleanliness and mold in washing machine is dangerous.
Like any other household appliance, the washing machine requires some care and a very unpleasant moment is the mold that appears on the rubber.
This article will be about is mold in washing machine dangerous, how to remove mold in a washing machine on rubber/gum, as well as prevent its occurrence.
Mold In Washing Machine Dangerous: Causes of Mold In Washing Machine
The main consequences of mold: the appearance of dark spots on the sealing rubber and an unpleasant mold smell in the washing machine drum, which is subsequently transferred to the washed items.
Mold cannot be ignored, as it is a direct breeding ground for various diseases. Several common causes of mold and mildew include:
- Washing clothes at low temperatures . This is strictly prohibited, it is better to alternate both operating modes and the temperature threshold.
- Remaining water inside the drum . Liquid can remain in the washer only if its drain system is not properly serviced and clogged. A simple button will result in permanent moisture in the drum.
- Uncovered door . The sealant not only prevents water from leaking out during washing, it also prevents air from entering the machine after the process itself. A little liquid and excess oxygen are a favorable environment for the appearance of harmful microorganisms.
Leaving water in the drum even once can lead to rapid mold growth. Therefore, the washing machine requires constant care and periodic inspection.
Read Best Natural Mold Cleaner Recipes For Home.
remove Mold In Washing Machine
The first thing to start fighting mold with is a thorough examination of all work surfaces to identify any foci of mold.
Such surfaces include:
- drum door seal,
- washing powder tray,
- filter,
- water inlet and outlet hose.
In general, places are in constant contact with water. After processing and cleaning, these places should be re-inspected.
Before using even safe products, you must wear household gloves.
Vinegar is the main enemy of bacteria
Many housewives choose to use table vinegar as a practical and inexpensive remedy to combat harmful microorganisms. In terms of its effectiveness, vinegar is not inferior to expensive household chemicals.
Vinegar cleaning sequence:
- Pour at least 200 ml of table vinegar into the bleach container. For convenience, you can use a measuring glass.
- Start the longest operating mode and set the maximum temperature. Make sure the water in the washing machine is hot and the heating element is working properly.
- After the end of washing, 200 ml of vinegar must be poured into the container again. If desired, vinegar can be replaced with citric acid – it leaves a pleasant and fresh smell inside the drum. Start rinsing.
- After the end of the washing machine, you need to repeat the process, and re-enable the rinsing mode. Now you don’t need to pour vinegar or add citric acid, just rinse everything with plain water.
- The second rinse is over, you can open the door and wipe the inside of the drum clean with a dry cloth. Leaving wet spots is strictly prohibited.
The method is simple, fast, and does not require any expenses. The main thing is to subsequently follow the rules for operating the washing machine and prevent the recurrence of mold on the rubber.
Lemon acid to remove mold in washing machine
The sequence of simple and quick cleaning of the rubber of the washing machine with citric acid:
- Preparation of the work surface. To do this, wipe the rubber seal over the entire surface with an ordinary damp cloth. You can also use a soft dish-washing sponge and mild soap and water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe off dirt and debris on the seal.
- Coat the seal with a cleaning agent. It is best to use a denser cloth, soak it in a surface cleaner, then rub liberally around the drum lid.Hard-to-reach places should not be overlooked, this is the first breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- Close the door tightly and leave the machine for at least 2 hours. After the end of the specified time, the seal can not be wiped, but simply run the washing machine in the “Rinse” mode. Better to do it a couple of times.
- Add citric acid and turn on short-term operation with maximum temperature. After making sure that the heating element is working properly.
After the above steps, the purity of the rubber seal is guaranteed, you can safely start washing your clothes.
Peroxide and boric acid
You can clean the rubber of the washing machine using the products sold in every pharmacy: hydrogen peroxide and boric acid.
Hydrogen peroxide should not be applied directly to rubber; before the process, it must first be cleaned of mold. This drug is very effective – it kills the remnants of bacteria that are not visible to the human eye, and then whitens the surface.
Hydrogen peroxide is the first enemy of paintwork. Do not apply to enamel or paint.
Before using boric acid, it must be diluted with plain water. After dilution, the solution should be applied to the rubber seal with cotton wool and left for 1-1.5 hours, then rinsed.
Before applying boric acid, it is necessary to protect the skin, for this simple household gloves are suitable.
Baking soda
Baking soda is an inexpensive and practical way to remove mold from both rubber surfaces and paintwork.
Soda diluted in water (one teaspoon per glass of water is enough) will not harm paint or enamel.
It is enough to wipe the contaminated surfaces with a sponge or household rag several times, then rinse the solution with plain water.
Readout guide Is Black Mold Dangerous To Humans.
How to prevent mold in washing machine?
The washing machine is free of harmful microorganisms, but if used improperly, mold and mildew can come back again.
To prevent this, you should follow a few useful tips:
- Even if the washing machine is properly drained, after washing the surface of the drum should be wiped dry with a dry cloth. Excess moisture not only leads to mold growth, but also shortens the life of metal parts.
- The ideal condition for the emergence of microorganisms is wet laundry left for an hour or two. To avoid this, the laundry should be taken away immediately after washing.
- Do not leave water in the powder and bleach tray. After washing, the tray must be removed and wiped dry with a cloth.
- The filter of the washing machine must be changed according to the instruction manual for the household appliance. The minimum delay will create a favorable environment for mold growth.
- Periodic preventive maintenance is a prerequisite for the long-term operation of the washing machine. Therefore, the laundry should be washed 2-3 times a month, turning on the maximum temperature regime.
Even if there is no mold on the rubber seal of the drum and other parts of the washer, it is necessary to rinse with citric acid and vinegar every six months.
This will help remove the breeding ground of harmful microorganisms in the bud, as well as clean all surfaces of the household appliance from scale and other deposits.
Tried everything to remove mold in washing machine
If all methods, methods, and means have been tried, and the mold still remains on the seal, then the only way out is to replace it.
It is better to do this in a specialized center, or by calling the master at home.
Improper replacement of the seal will lead to constant water leakage during washing, which will not have a very favorable effect on the further operation of the household appliance.
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Summing up
The article discusses the most practical and effective methods for cleaning the sealing rubber of the washing machine, as well as its internal parts.
The most effective are traditional methods to remove mold in washing machines: table vinegar and citric acid. These products not only destroy mold and mildew but also descale the surfaces of the parts of the washing machine, which has a beneficial effect on its operational life.
