Mold in the washing machine: how to get rid once and for all

Modern housewives very seldom wash their dirty laundry by hand. Why waste time and energy if the purchase of a washing machine can afford today each family? But do not forget that any home appliances need regular care. What if mold appeared in the washing machine? How to get rid of the fungus?

Mold is what?

Usually "moldy diagnosis" we put our washing machine after detecting an unpleasant smell and a dark plaque on the parts of the unit. Mold is the simplest fungal microorganisms. You will be surprised, but their disputes are in the air even the cleanest houses. Their normal number is about 500 units per 1 m ³ , provided that only recently a high-quality cleaning was carried out. Good news: for a healthy person, fungus spores are completely harmless.

Once in a favorable environment, the mold begins to develop on all available surfaces. Optimal conditions for the existence of fungus: high air temperature, musty air and high humidity. If you want to learn how to permanently get rid of mold in a washing machine and a house, it makes sense to take care of the microclimate in a dwelling. Good ventilation and regular airing in conjunction with normal humidity and air temperature will prevent the appearance of the fungus.

Defining the scale of the problem

A washing machine is a rather complex device, consisting of many different parts. With regular use, contaminants can appear not only on the visible elements of the unit. If you find an unpleasant odor or mold in the washing machine, you must first thoroughly inspect the home appliances. Be sure to check the filters and hoses. Most often, mold appears on plastic and rubber parts. In 70% of cases, the problem of the hostess is discovered by noticing the stains on the door rubber band. Often the fungus appears in the tray for washing powder.

Cleaning the appliance should be started with the removal of the surface coating. Rinse with any detergent eraser, powder tray, hoses and filters. After that, dry (preferably under direct sunlight) all removable elements. Now you can collect a washing machine and start an active fight with a fungus. Normal washing is not capable of defeating mold in a washing machine. How to get rid of the fungus without harming the household appliance?

Chlorine against mold

One of the best tools in the fight against black mold is chlorine. Any household chemicals based on this substance, available in your home, will do. It is most convenient to use bleach and cleaning agents for plumbing. Do not forget to read the composition before use. Make sure that the chosen solution does contain chlorine. Apply generously in undiluted form to stains. Leave the dirt "soak".

If the mold marks are barely visible, the result can be estimated after 30 minutes. Strong soiling is recommended to soak in chlorine for 1-2 hours. How to clean the washing machine of mold with the help of bleach or a means for plumbing? Usually mold spots disappear by themselves. It is only necessary to wash off the active solution. After cleaning with chlorine, it is recommended to start the washing program at the maximum temperature without laundry.

Lemon acid

Citric acid is deservedly considered one of the cheapest home remedies against scale and limescale. Effectively, this substance and in the fight against mold. To clean a standard machine you will need two bags of citric acid. Fill them in the detergent compartment or directly into the drum, then run the longest program at maximum temperature. Strengthen the effect, if in the middle of the wash cycle (before rinsing) put the machine on pause. After 1-2 hours, restart the washing process and wait for it to finish. This method, most likely, will not help, if on visible details there are stale spots that left mold in the washing machine. How to get rid of such pollution, we will tell you further.

Can soda remove traces of mold?

Baking soda is available in any modern kitchen. It is used in cooking and in the household. How to remove mold in the washing machine with soda? In a separate bowl, dilute the powder with water until a gruel is formed and mix well. The resulting mixture is applied in places of congestion of mold and leave for 30 minutes. With a soft brush or sponge for washing dishes, rub the mush on the surface, then rinse with water.

There is another interesting homemade recipe with soda. Pour 1 liter of vinegar into the powder compartment and pour 400 grams of soda. Put the empty washing machine on a wash at maximum temperature. This method is very effective, but, unfortunately, it can not be called completely safe. With a large wear of individual parts of the device or non-compliance with proportions, the probability of breakage of a washing machine is high.

Integrated washing machine washing

Very unpleasant looks like black mold in the washing machine. How to get rid of such a fungus, if it did not work out with the help of the means described above? Have enough patience and complete the cleaning of the device. Dilute a weak solution of copper sulfate and treat them with an elastic band, as well as all visible mold stains on other parts of the washing machine. Leave the solution for a day, then rinse it thoroughly, using non-aggressive detergents. The gel for washing dishes or a washing powder will perfectly cope with this task. The next step is cleaning the internal elements of the washing machine. Wash at the maximum temperature with citric acid. As in the previous cases, the drum must be empty.

When do you need professional help?

The fungus can be fought in a washing machine with the help of special household chemicals. On sale today you can find solutions and sprays "from mold" and "for disinfection." Most often, such funds are designed to care for plumbing and tiles. Before use, carefully read the instructions of the selected product. Apply the product to mold stains following the time specified for basic cleaning. Usually in the composition of such household chemicals are a variety of acids.

Do not mix a few different means. After each cleaning, empty laundry. What if you can not get rid of the dirt yourself and mold appears again in the washing machine? How to get rid of dark spots and a nasty smell? To solve these problems, you can always call a household appliance repair technician. The master will disassemble your machine and perform a thorough cleaning of all its components. Be prepared for the fact that, perhaps, some parts will have to be replaced.

Secrets of operating a washing machine without mold

Now you know how to clean mold in a washing machine. To prevent the appearance of fungus again, remember a few simple rules for using this household appliance. Be sure to take out the laundry immediately after the end of washing and never put it in the drum beforehand. In order to collect all the dirty things together, there is a laundry basket. After the washing is finished, wipe the elastic with a soft dry cloth and leave the door open until it dries completely.

In most modern homes there are significant problems with ventilation. If you have the opportunity, put the washing machine in the kitchen or in the corridor / pantry. The classic option of placing this household appliance - in the bathroom - significantly increases the likelihood of mold. This problem can be solved by installing a forced draft on the vent. If possible, ventilate the bathroom in addition, leave the door open. Many specialists in the repair of washing machines recommend the use of classic washing powders, and conditioners and gels for laundry use as rarely as possible. It is also useful to wash regularly (at least 1-2 times per month) at high temperature. All these manipulations are an excellent prevention of mold.