You know that musty smell when you open the washer? That black gunk around the rubber seal? Yeah, mould in washing machines is way more common than people think. I learned this the hard way last summer when my towels started smelling like wet dog after washing.
It's not just gross—it can trigger allergies, ruin clothes, and spread spores everywhere. But why does mould grow in washing machines anyway? Simple: moisture plus darkness plus detergent residue equals mould paradise.
Why Your Washer Is a Mould Magnet
Modern front-loaders are the worst offenders. Their door seals trap water like a sponge. My neighbour's Samsung washer grew mould colonies after just six months! Top-loaders aren't immune either—mould loves detergent drawers and hidden crevices.
Top Causes of Mould in Washing Machine Units
- Cold washes: Eco-friendly but mould-friendly (mould thrives below 60°C/140°F)
- Detergent overuse: Creates sticky residue that mould feeds on
- Trapped moisture: Seals, dispensers, and hoses stay damp for days
- Lack of ventilation: Shutting the door immediately after cycles
Spotting Trouble: Mould Warning Signs
Don't wait until you see black spots. Early clues include:
| Symptom | What's Happening | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Musty smell on "clean" clothes | Mould spores transferring during rinse cycles | ⚠️⚠️⚠️ (Act now) |
| Visible black/green spots in rubber gasket | Established mould colonies feeding on residue | ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ (Emergency cleaning needed) |
| White or pink slime in detergent tray | Bacterial biofilm (often precedes mould) | ⚠️⚠️ (Clean within 48 hours) |
Fun fact: That pink slime? It's Serratia marcescens, a bacteria that thrives in the same conditions as washing machine mould.
Health Risks You Can't Ignore
My cousin developed a chronic cough last year. Turned out her mouldy LG washer was pumping spores into every load. Here's what mould exposure can cause:
- Asthma attacks (especially in kids)
- Skin rashes from mouldy towels
- Sinus infections that won't quit
- Allergic reactions (itchy eyes, sneezing)
Nuclear Option: Step-by-Step Mould Removal
When I found mould in my washing machine seal, I tried every DIY hack. Here's what actually works:
Materials You'll Need
- White vinegar (at least 2 cups)
- Baking soda (1 cup)
- Old toothbrush/stiff brush
- Microfiber cloths
- Rubber gloves (mandatory!)
Cleaning Procedure
Phase 1: Attack the Seal
Put on gloves! Mix ¼ cup baking soda with enough water to make paste. Scrub seal grooves with toothbrush. Wipe with vinegar-soaked cloth. Watch it bubble—that's the mould dying.
Phase 2: Deep-Clean the Drum
Run hottest empty cycle with:
- 2 cups white vinegar in detergent tray
- 1 cup baking soda directly in drum
Phase 3: Detergent Drawer Surgery
Remove the drawer (check manual). Soak parts in vinegar for 30 mins. Scour mouldy corners with cotton swabs.
When to Call Professionals
If mould returns within 2 weeks? Hire appliance cleaners. Expect to pay £80-£150. They use steam cleaners and EPA-grade fungicides that DIY can't match.
Prevention: Your Anti-Mould Battle Plan
Cleaning mould in washing machine units is temporary. Stopping regrowth is the real win.
| Prevention Tactic | How To Do It | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Leave door/drawer open | Prop door with towel after every wash | Reduces mould risk by 70% |
| Monthly maintenance cycles | Run empty hot cycle with 1 cup vinegar | Kills mould spores before they colonize |
| Use less detergent | Halve manufacturer's recommended amount | Prevents residue buildup |
| Wipe seals weekly | Dry folds with microfiber cloth | Critical for front-loaders |
Product Hacks That Help
- Washing machine cleaner tablets: Use monthly (Affresh is decent)
- Dehumidifier packs: Toss one in the drum between uses
- Microfiber seal dryer: FlexiDry tool (£7 on Amazon) absorbs trapped water
Mould Myths That Waste Your Time
I believed these until trial-and-error proved otherwise:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Bleach kills mould permanently" | Just bleaches surface mould – roots survive in rubber |
| "Only front-loaders get mould" | Top-loader hoses/drawers grow mould too (ask my plumber!) |
| "Hot water prevents all mould" | Seals never get fully hot – manual cleaning is non-negotiable |
Your Top Mould Questions Answered
Q: Is mould in washing machine dangerous to health?
A: Absolutely. Inhaling spores causes respiratory issues. Direct contact triggers skin reactions. Infants and immunocompromised people face highest risk.
Q: Can mouldy washers ruin clothes?
A: Yes. Mould stains fabrics permanently. Spores embed in fibers causing recurring smells. I lost three white shirts before fixing my machine.
Q: How often should I clean the washer?
A: Monthly deep cleans for maintenance. Weekly seal wipes. Immediately after spotting any mould signs.
Q: Are newer washers less mould-prone?
A: Some brands advertise "mould-resistant" seals (like Bosch's AquaStop). Reality? All washers need maintenance. My 2022 Miele still grows mould if neglected.
When Replacement Beats Repair
If you see these signs, it's time for a new machine:
- Mould growing inside internal pipes (confirmed by technician)
- Persistent smells after multiple professional cleanings
- Visible rust under mould colonies (indicates seal deterioration)
Final thought: Beating mould in washing machine drums requires consistency. Leave that door open, clean monthly, and never ignore musty smells. Your lungs—and laundry—will thank you.
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