LifestyleBeat mold and nasty smells: Simple home remedy for your washing machine

Beat mold and nasty smells: Simple home remedy for your washing machine

How to remove mold from the washing machine drum?
How to remove mold from the washing machine drum?
Images source: © Adobe Stock

12:54 PM EDT, August 19, 2024

Is there a gray, foul-smelling residue in the detergent compartment? That’s mold. You need to get rid of it as soon as possible. You don’t need any specialized products for this. Two ingredients, which you most likely already have at home, will be enough.

The washing machine is one of the most frequently used appliances at home. It requires regular cleaning. If not, it may emit an unpleasant odor over time. This is a sign that mold has appeared inside the appliance. It is most often noticeable in the compartment designated for detergents. How do you remove mold from the washing machine drawer? Learn a simple way.

Dip a sponge and place it in the washing machine drawer. You’ll get rid of the mold

Regular cleaning is necessary for the washing machine to function properly. To this end, you need to thoroughly clean both the drum and the detergent compartment, as this is where the most dirt accumulates.

If a gray or green foul-smelling residue has appeared, it’s a sign that mold has entered the interior, which then transfers to the clothes. This causes an unpleasant smell and, in extreme cases, can cause a skin allergy.

How do you get rid of mold from the washing machine compartment? Reach for a product that you already have in your kitchen cupboard. You will need two clean sponges, vinegar, and water. Mix vinegar with water in a 1:2 ratio and soak the sponges in this solution. Place them in the drawer. Leave them there for 15-30 minutes, depending on the level of dirt. After this time, thoroughly wipe the compartments with sponges soaked in vinegar, and finally, dry them with paper towels. Vinegar has a whitening and disinfecting effect, so it will quickly get rid of the residue.

If you don’t have vinegar at home, you can replace it with citric acid. Dissolve a package of citric acid in warm water, then soak the sponges. In the case of heavy contamination, the solution can be heated. It will then work even faster and more effectively.

How to avoid mold in the washing machine?

Experts recommend cleaning the washing machine at least once a month. This applies to both the drum and the detergent drawer. If you want to limit mold formation in the washing machine, remember to let it dry after each completed cycle. How to do this? After taking out the washed clothes, simply open the door and drawer of the washing machine. This will prevent excess moisture from accumulating inside, which promotes mold growth. Stick to these two rules, and you’ll forget about the unpleasant smell from the washing machine.