Having a washing machine in your home is convenient, but it also means that you need to be extra aware of mold growth. Mold tends to grow in warm and humid conditions while spreading their spores, making your washing machine an ideal host. To avoid future washer repairs or a replacement, learn how you can keep your machine mold-free.

4 Ways to Keep Your Washing Machine Free From Mold

1. Clean Regularly

Wherever water goes in your washing machine, there are higher chances of mold growth. Under the right conditions, mold can take only up to two days to grow and colonize. Prevent this by cleaning and drying your gaskets—the rubberized seal around the door—after every wash. Dispensers are also another place where mold can lurk, so make sure to clean and dry this area. Cleaning your machine regularly also reduces your chances of needing washer repairs.

2. Use Bleach

The inside drum is another ideal place for mold growth but can be hard to clean manually. One way to clean it is to use hot water during a clothes-free wash. For more effectiveness, add bleach to one hot water wash every so often. The bleach will disinfect the inside of the machine while neutralizing mold spores.

3. Keep the Door Open

If you’re like most people or have kids, you close your machine door after each wash. However, closing a warm and damp machine attracts mold easily. Get into the habit of leaving the door open to get rid of excess moisture and allow the inside of the machine to air-dry faster.

4. Pick the Right Products

Find the right products for your machine, including detergent and fabric softener. Using the wrong products can damage your machine and speed up the need for washer repairs. Different detergents have various levels of suds, which often encourage mold growth. Use a powder detergent to minimize suds. Alternatively, you may also use less of your liquid detergent. For the same reason, skip the liquid fabric softener and use sheets instead.

If you need washer repairs, look to Complete Appliance Service in Cincinnati, OH, for quality service and support. For 36 years, they have provided the quickest and best solution for satisfied customers. Repairing stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and garbage disposals, their highly trained, licensed, and bonded technicians aim for same-day service, using updated equipment and knowledge for all of your appliance problems. Call (513) 661-3708 today to schedule repairs, or visit their website to explore their services.