Remove Mold From the Detergent Area of a Front Loading Washer
Your new, high-efficiency front-loading washer may be hiding a dirty secret: mold and mildew. A Consumer Reports survey found mold and mildew caused 8 percent of front-loading washer problems. Many new washers have this unexpected mold problem, but it can be solved, and prevented, in a few steps.
Front-loading washers use a tumbling action through multiple cleaning and rinse cycles using specially formulated high-efficiency detergent. After multiple cycles, the washer may not drain completely, or a closed washer door can trap excess water in the gasket folds, especially if the consumer is not using the proper HE detergent. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Check for Mold
1. Mix a bleach solution of 3/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water in a bucket. Wet the sponge in the solution, then squeeze dry and set aside.
2. Look for any moisture or standing water at the bottom of the front loader. Use a towel to sop up excess moisture, then wipe the area with the sponge rinsed in the bleach solution.
3. Check under and around the door gasket for actual mold or detergent residue buildup or slime.
Clean and Disinfect
4. Wipe the door gasket, including the folds, with a sponge rinsed in soapy water, then dry the seals well with a clean towel.
5. Use a cleaner like Smelly Washer or Affresh brand washing machine cleaners according to package instructions to clean any unseen or missed mold or mildew.
6. Leave the washer door open for a couple hours after cleaning to thoroughly dry the interior before the next wash.
7. Call the manufacturer or bring your washer in for service if none of these steps prevents mold and mildew in your front-loading washer.
Tags: mold mildew, front-loading washer, Area Front, Area Front Loading, bleach solution, Detergent Area
