Unfortunately, the laundry room is one of the most common rooms for mold. While this may seem surprising, most laundry rooms are warm and humid. Those conditions are perfect for mold growth. From leaky washing machine connections and clogged drains to dryer vent problems, we look at what causes mold in the laundry room. Plus, we explain how to clean mold in the washing machine and offer ways to prevent it as well.
How to Clean Mold From the Washing Machine
If you already have mold, here are a few simple steps for cleaning it from your washing machine. Mold is usually found in washing machines in three areas: the washer basin, the detergent drawer, and the washer gasket. We cover how to clean mold from your washing machine, no matter where it is located.
How to Clean Mold From the Washing Machine Basin
The washing machine basin is the most common place for mold. As soap and minerals from your water build up, mold will grow and can even cause stains or smells. The process starts differently depending on the style of your washer.
For top-loading machines, start your washer on the hottest setting you have and allow it to fill completely. Then stop the machine and add a cup of bleach. Allow it to soak for an hour, then let the washing machine run for a full cycle.
For front-loading machines, spray the entire basin with a bleach solution and allow it to sit for one hour. Then run a full cycle on the hottest wash setting you have.
Regardless of what type of machine you have, run another cycle on the hottest setting. Add two cups of white vinegar either directly to the basin for top loaders or to the detergent drawer for front loaders.
Once that wash cycle is done, run your machine a final time without adding anything. This last cycle will help rinse away any remaining detergent or mold inside your washer.
Then check your washing machine for mold. If you still see some, spray it with a bleach solution and scrub lightly with a rag or brush. Then rinse a final time with a hot water cycle.
How to Clean Mold From the Detergent Drawer
Cleaning mold from the detergent drawer depends on whether it can be removed from the washing machine. If you can remove the drawer, take it out and soak it in hot water to dissolve mold and soap build-up.
Then soak it in warm water and bleach for thirty minutes to kill the mold. Use a rag or scrub brush to clean it, then rinse it with warm water and put it back in your washer. Run a hot cycle with no soap to help rinse out the drawer.
If you cannot remove it, pour in hot water and let it soak for half an hour before running a hot water wash cycle. Once the cycle is done, add a bleach solution to the drawer and run another hot water cycle.
Then scrub the drawer to remove any build-up and pour in more hot water. Finally, run another hot water cycle to rinse it out. For really dirty detergent drawers, you may need to run more than one cycle to rinse it clean.
How to Clean Mold From the Washer Gasket
Another place to find mold in the washing machine is in the washer gasket on front-loading units. Because of the way the gasket works, it can hold dirt and water that allows mold to grow. Some gaskets are removable, but most are not.
If you have a removable gasket, pull it out and rinse away dirt in your sink. Then sprinkle on baking soda and pour in some vinegar to clean it. Let it soak for thirty minutes, then rinse it clean and put it back in your machine.
If you cannot remove your gasket, start by cleaning it out with a rag and warm water. Make sure you get into all of the folds to clear dirt and soap build-up.
Once it’s clean, wipe it dry and sprinkle in some baking soda. This can be hard in some spots, so move in small sections and rub it in with your hand. Then spray on some white vinegar and let it foam for half an hour.
Using warm water and a rag, wipe away the vinegar and baking soda. Check that all the dirt and mold are gone, and repeat the process if necessary.
Regardless of the type of gasket you have, run a wash cycle on the hottest setting to help rinse away any remaining dirt or soap build-up.
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local mold removal specialists offer fast, free quotes.
How to Prevent Mold in the Laundry Room
You can prevent mold in your washing machine and throughout your laundry room with these nine steps. Most of them are pretty simple, and you are probably doing them already. However, a few of them may take a little time and effort. Still, they are easier and less expensive than mold removal.
1. Use the Right Amount and Type of Soap
Always use the right amount and the right kind of laundry detergent for your machine. It’s a common misconception that more soap means cleaner clothes. But the truth is, using more soap will build up inside your washing machine and allow mold to grow. Your instruction booklet will list the right type and amount of soap for your machine. Not only will this prevent soap build-ups, but it will keep your washer working smoothly too. Also, check the measuring scoop that comes with your soap and make sure it’s the right amount.
2. Empty the Lint Trap on Your Dryer
You can also prevent mold in the laundry room by emptying the lint trap on your dryer after every load. This may seem odd, but a lint build-up in your exhaust pipe will trap excess moisture in your laundry room. With higher humidity, mold is then more likely to grow either in the exhaust pipe itself or on the walls or ceiling near your dryer. In addition to cleaning your lint trap after every load, you should vacuum it out every few months. Also, check your exhaust pipe for a build-up as well.
3. Hang Non-Dry Clothing in a Well-Ventilated Space
We all have those clothes that we don’t like to dry. But instead of hanging them in the laundry room, move them to a larger room with better airflow or even outside to dry. This helps limit the humidity in your laundry room and can prevent mold in your laundry room. If you have to hang them in your laundry room, use either a fan or dehumidifier to circulate air and help keep the room dry. Also, space out the hangers or lay clothing flat on a drying rack.
4. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Even if you use the right amount of laundry soap, it can still build up in your washing machine. The soap build-up can allow mold to grow, so run a cleaning cycle to rinse it away. To clean your washer, run it without any clothes. Choose the hottest water temperature and the longest wash cycle when cleaning your machine. Some washing machines may even have a cleaning cycle. It’s best to do a cleaning cycle once every other month. If you see mold or have smells, run a second cleaning cycle with bleach to disinfect it.
5. Clean Soap and Fabric Softener Dispensers
In addition to running a cleaning cycle, you should clean the soap and fabric softener dispensers too. If you can remove the dispenser, take it out and wash it with warm, soapy water. If you can’t, rinse it with hot water and then wipe out dirt with a rag. For really stuck-on soap, use nearly boiling water to dissolve the build-up. Run another cleaning cycle afterward to rinse the dispensers.
6. Clean Your Washing Machine Lint Filter
If your washing machine drains to a utility sink, there is probably a lint filter on the drain hose. Clean the lint filter on your washing machine drain hose at least once a month to prevent mold in the laundry room. If you do a large amount of laundry, clean the filter more frequently to prevent a build-up of lint that can lead to mold. To clean it, remove the filter and shake it out in your compost pile or trash. Turning the filter inside out first makes it easier to empty. In some cases, you may need to replace the filter.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity is a common problem in many laundry rooms. As the dryer runs, it pulls moisture out of your clothes. Even with proper ventilation, this extra moisture can still settle on the walls or ceiling and allow mold to grow. You can help prevent this by using a dehumidifier. Ideally, choose one with a drain hose so you can keep it running constantly. If yours doesn’t have a drain hose, make sure you empty it before every load of laundry.
8. Check Water Hose Connections
Although unlikely, a leaky water hose can cause mold in the laundry room. Check that your water hose connections are tight every few months. Hand-tight is usually good enough, but you may need one twist with a wrench in some cases. However, avoid overtightening the hoses. This can strip the threads and cause leaks. Some hose connections have gaskets inside to help form a good seal. If your hoses have gaskets, check them every year and replace them if they are dry or cracking. You should also replace the hoses themselves every three to five years to prevent leaks. Remember to shut off the water before removing the connection hoses.
9. Improve Ventilation
Since dryers produce steam, make sure your laundry room is well-ventilated to prevent a build-up of moisture. If you have an exhaust fan in your laundry room, turn it on when washing clothes. Otherwise, open a window or use a fan to promote air circulation. Your drier should always vent to the outside through a rigid metal exhaust pipe. While accordion-style foil vents are very common, they are more likely to collect lint and allow mold to grow inside. Smooth-sided metal exhaust pipes are only slightly more expensive and do a much better job of preventing mold growth. They also significantly reduce the risk of dryer fires.
What Are the Main Causes of Mold in the Laundry Room?
Mold is always caused by some source of water and will grow on most organic materials once they get wet. From clothing to drywall, many household items are perfect for mold growth. Here are some of the reasons for mold in the laundry room.
- Humidity Mold will grow if the humidity is above 60%. Due to both washing and drying, many laundry rooms have the right amount of humidity for mold growth.
- Temperature Temperatures above 70°F/21°C are perfect for mold growth. Even if the room is cooler, the motor of your washer or dryer can boost the temperature into the right range.
- Damp Clothes Whether from clothes drying on the line or accidentally left in the washing machine overnight, wet clothes provide both of the primary needs for mold growth.
What Do I Do If I Have Mold in the Laundry Room?
If you have mold in the washing machine or laundry room already, there are a few steps you can take to remove it. You can safely clean and remove surface mold as long as it is less than a few square feet. For larger areas of mold or if mold is growing in flooring, walls or ceilings, consider hiring a mold removal company for proper cleanup.
Here are some tips for removing mold in the laundry room:
- Mold is a symptom of a water source. You can clean mold, but it will return if you don’t address the water source.
- Wear personal protective equipment, including pants, long sleeves, gloves, goggles, and a face mask during mold cleanup.
- Throw any item that cannot be easily cleaned and disinfected or that cannot be dried in a reasonable time after cleaning and disinfecting.
- Never mix cleaners. They can produce potentially fatal gases.
- Always work in a well-ventilated space to avoid breathing in fumes from cleaners.
- Scrub surfaces with a mild cleaner to remove the visible mold, then wipe dry with clean towels. For larger areas, use high-volume fans and dehumidifiers to speed drying.
- Disinfect using a cup of bleach per gallon of water. For the best results, use a spray bottle or other spray dispenser to evenly spray the entire area.
- Never paint or caulk over mold. This will only cover the mold, not kill it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mold in the Laundry Room
These are some of the most common questions we get asked about mold in the washing machine and laundry room. If you still have questions, call us today, and one of our mold removal technicians can help.
Is it safe to remove mold in the laundry room by myself?
As long as it is smaller than a few feet, yes, you can safely remove mold in the laundry room. However, you should hire a restoration company for larger areas or if the mold is growing inside walls.
How long does it take for mold to grow on wet clothes?
It can take as little as 12 to 24 hours for mold to grow on wet clothes. The temperature, humidity, and ventilation also play a role in how fast mold grows. If you already have mold in your laundry room, it can grow even faster.
Can a dryer vent cause mold?
Yes, a dryer vent can cause mold if it is blocked with lint. Not only does the lint prevent the steam from flowing away from the dryer, but it also absorbs the moisture. Depending on the conditions, mold can grow in the dryer vent in 12 to 24 hours.
If you have mold in the washing machine or laundry room, our restoration technicians are here to help. Restoration Local offers a free in-home estimate on mold remediation and removal services. Call 888-681-1071 now to schedule your free estimate. In most cases, we can get rid of the mold permanently and completely restore your home in less than a week.
