Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid environments. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can cause respiratory problems in some people. While mold is a natural part of the environment and plays an important role in breaking down dead organic matter, it can also be harmful if it grows indoors.
The effects of mold exposure can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s sensitivity to it. Some symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin irritation or rashes. For people with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies, prolonged exposure to mold spores could lead to more serious health problems like pneumonia or lung infections.
When it comes to washing machines, mold growth is common due to the constant moisture and warmth. If not properly maintained, mold can accumulate inside the machine and cause unpleasant odors that may transfer onto your clothes during wash cycles. If you suspect that your washer has mold growth, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further spread and potential health risks.
Washing machines have a rubber gasket that seals the space between the unit’s body and the drum assembly. It is one of the essential parts of the unit, engineered to keep water in the system. Rubber is one of the materials that can be easily affected by mold.
To prevent mold from forming on your washer gasket, you should always leave the door of your unit open after each use. Doing this regularly can ensure that your washer remains dry and free of bacteria-causing mold. If you’re concerned about leaving your washing machine door open for safety reasons or small children in the house, consider purchasing a specially designed latch or lock that will keep it closed but still allow air flow inside.
Next, you’ll need to clean the washing machine gaskets. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge and soap solution. Pay close attention to areas where mold may have grown deep into crevices and cracks to remove all traces of it. Rinse off any remaining soap residue with a clean damp cloth. Make sure to allow the area to dry completely before running the next load of laundry.
Once done, clean the washer drum with vinegar. It is a natural cleaning agent that can help remove bacteria and other organic matter from your washing machine. It also works to deodorize and soften fabrics while removing any lingering odours.
To start, pour two cups of vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Switch on the washing machine on the hottest cycle and let it run for about a minute to circulate the vinegar through the drum. Stop the cycle and leave it for one hour, then restart and let it finish. This will help to keep your washing machine clean and protect it from mold growth.
Another way to prevent this problem is by using a dehumidifier in your washing machine’s room. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels, preventing condensation that facilitates mold growth on surfaces such as your washer’s gasket.
If the mold is already deep inside your gasket, it might be too late, but there is still a chance to stop it from spreading with powerful chemicals. Chemicals such as bleach will be your friend against mold.
Start by wiping any debris from the surface of the gasket with a paper towel. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe off any surface mold from the pad or other areas inside the machine.
Then mix one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the affected area and leave it on for at least 15 minutes, then gently wipe it off with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Make sure that you reach all accessible areas, including the difficult sides. Rinse off any residue with water.
After rinsing, wipe the surface with a dry cloth and check for any mold. If there is, repeat this process until all traces of mold are removed. It is important not to leave the bleach on for too long, as this can further damage the washing machine gasket and cause corrosion over time.
It may also be necessary to replace some of the sealing material around the washing machine if there are signs of damage.
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