High-efficiency (HE) washers are designed to use less water and energy than traditional top-load washers. While this makes them more environmentally friendly, it can also lead to mold growth if not properly maintained. Mold spores thrive in the damp, warm environment inside an HE washer. Left unchecked, mold can damage the machine and contaminate clothes. Fortunately, with some preventative care and regular cleaning, you can avoid mold in your HE washer.
Cleaning and Maintenance to Prevent Mold
Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to preventing mold in an HE washer. Here are some tips:
Leave the Washer Door Open Between Loads
One of the easiest ways to prevent mold is to leave the washer door open after each load finishes so the interior can fully dry out. Moisture trapped inside the machine promotes mold growth.
Wipe Down Interior Surfaces
About once per week, use a soft cloth to wipe down the rubber door gasket, dispenser drawers, and any other visible surfaces inside the washer drum. This removes any residue or moisture buildup where mold can form.
Run Cleaning Cycles
Many HE washers have a special tub cleaning or sanitizing cycle. Run this monthly with bleach or other washing machine cleaner to disinfect and deodorize the interior. Always follow the product instructions carefully.
Clean Detergent Dispensers
Residue from laundry detergent and fabric softener provides food for mold. Every few weeks, remove the detergent dispensers completely and wash out any buildup. Let them dry fully before replacing them in the machine.
Inspect Door Gasket
Pull back the rubber door gasket and inspect under it for any black mold growth. Carefully clean any you find with a bleach-based cleaner. Make sure the gasket is fully dry before running the next load.
Dry Out Drum
If you won’t be using your HE washer for several days, prop the door open to allow air circulation. You can also place a fan nearby to blow air into the drum and dry it out fully between uses.
Maintain Exterior
Keep the top and sides of your machine free of dust and dirt that could harbor mold spores. Wipe down with a damp cloth periodically. Avoid spraying water directly on the machine’s controls or exterior.
Vent Properly
Make sure your HE washer vent hose is functioning properly to exhaust moist air and lint outside. Inspect for kinks or clogs. Clean the exit point outside your home to remove any debris.
Cleaners to Prevent Mold
Using the right cleaning products helps eliminate mold and prevent it from returning:
Bleach
Liquid chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant against mold. Dilute 3⁄4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water and run through a clean cycle monthly. Never mix bleach with other cleaners.
White Vinegar
The high acidity of white vinegar kills mold spores. Fill your detergent dispenser with 1 cup vinegar and run an empty wash cycle. Rinse with a plain water cycle afterwards.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a gentle abrasive that scrubs away mold residue. Sprinkle 1⁄2 cup baking soda directly into the drum. Run a hot water cycle to clean.
Hydrogen Peroxide
At higher concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can act as a strong disinfectant to sanitize the washer of mold. Use care when handling. Never mix with vinegar due to chemical reaction.
Affresh
Affresh and other washing machine cleaner tablets can disinfect and remove odors. Use monthly according to product instructions. Affresh also makes cleaning wipes specifically for washing machine interiors.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach powder contains sodium percarbonate which releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. It cleans and whitens without leaving bleach stains.
How to Remove Existing Mold
If mold has already taken hold inside your HE washer, eliminating it completely will take some extra work:
Run a Hot Wash Cycle
Start by running the hottest wash cycle possible with detergent and 1-2 cups of white vinegar or bleach alternative. This should loosen and clean away much of the mold.
Scrub With Baking Soda
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush or other soft brush to manually scrub stained areas inside the drum, gasket, and detergent dispensers.
Clean Exterior
Remove mold growth on exterior surfaces like the detergent drawer by scrubbing with baking soda paste or an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Disinfect All Parts
Remove any removable parts from the washer that have mold growth. Soak or spray them heavily with full-strength white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Vacuum Inside Drum
Use a skinny vacuum attachment to suck up any loosened mold and debris from inside the washer drum. Reach into crevices and corners.
Allow to Dry
After thorough cleaning, prop open the door and allow the washer drum and all parts to dry completely for at least 24 hours before using again.
Repeat and Maintain
You may need to repeat the washing, scrubbing, and drying process a few times to fully rid the washer of stubborn mold. Stay on top of routine maintenance to prevent it from returning.
Preventing Mold When Not in Use
To keep mold out of an HE washer that won’t be used for an extended time:
Empty All Water
Make sure to drain out any residual water left in hoses or the drum. Allow the drum to fully dry before closing it up.
Unplug Washer
Disconnect the power cord before leaving the washer unused for several days or longer. This eliminates any electrical risk.
Leave Door Ajar
Open the door wide to promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup during storage.
Clean Thoroughly
Run a sanitizing wash cycle and clean all surfaces right before the washer will be shut off for a while.
Add Preventative Tablet
Place an Affresh or other washer cleaner tablet in the drum before closing it up to continually fight odors and mold growth.
Cover Exterior
Throw an old sheet or lightweight plastic cover over the washer to keep out dust and dirt. Avoid completely sealing up the machine.
Store in Dry Area
Don’t leave a washer unused in a damp basement or garage where mold is likely to grow. Store in a dry utility room or climate-controlled area if possible.
When putting the washer back into service, run it empty on the highest heat setting before washing clothes again. This ensures any mold is killed before using the machine again.
Troubleshooting Mold Issues
If you continue battling mold no matter what you try, look into what factors may be contributing to the recurring problem:
Review Detergent Use
Using too much or too little detergent can leave residue that feeds mold. Review the detergent guidelines for your machine and stick to the recommended amounts.
Evaluate Ventilation
Poor airflow and ventilation around the washer is one of the most common causes of mold. Ensure exhaust hose is clear and there is plenty of dry air circulating.
Check Water Supply
Hard water and mineral deposits left on the drum can promote mold. A water softener system or filter may be necessary if you have hard water issues.
Test Door Seal
If the main door gasket is cracked or otherwise compromised, it allows moisture to get trapped. Carefully inspect the gasket and replace if worn out.
Consider Machine Age
Older washers are more prone to mold problems as parts like gaskets wear out over time. Replacement may be needed if the washer is over 8-10 years old.
Review Usage Habits
Washing too infrequently or not allowing full dry out time also encourages mold growth. Modify how often you run loads and dry out the washer fully between uses.
Regularly maintaining and cleaning your high-efficiency washer is the key to preventing annoying mold problems. With some consistent preventative care, you can keep mold at bay and extend the life of your HE machine. Implement a routine using the cleaning tips and products outlined here to protect your investment and keep your laundry mold-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Mold in HE Washers
Here are answers to some common questions about avoiding and eliminating mold growth in high-efficiency washing machines:
Should I leave the HE washer door open all the time?
It’s recommended to leave the door open whenever the washer is not in use. This allows air flow to dry out any moisture inside the drum and prevents the warm, humid conditions mold needs to grow.
How often should I clean my HE washer to prevent mold?
Aim to thoroughly clean the gaskets, dispensers, and drum about once per month. You can spot clean problem areas more frequently if you notice mold developing in between.
What is the best HE washer cleaning cycle?
Most HE washers have a tub clean or sanitize cycle that runs very hot water through an empty cycle. Using this monthly along with bleach or other washing machine cleaner helps kill mold.
Can white vinegar or baking soda really kill mold?
Yes, white vinegar and baking soda are very effective at killing mold spores and preventing regrowth. The high acidity in vinegar destroys mold while baking soda scrubs away residue.
Do Affresh tablets really work to prevent mold?
Affresh tablets contain special disinfecting ingredients designed to sanitize washing machines and prevent odors. Using them monthly cleans hidden mold that forms in the drum, gaskets, and pipes.
Should I run a rinse cycle after cleaning with vinegar?
It’s a good idea to run a plain water rinse cycle after washing with vinegar. This ensures no vinegar residue is left that could affect fabrics in the next load.
What temperature water should I use to clean mold out of the washer?
Always use the very hottest water setting possible when trying to kill stubborn mold in an HE washer. Hot water helps dissolve and flush away mold growth.
Why does mold keep coming back in my HE washer?
If mold persists after cleaning, it usually indicates an underlying issue like poor ventilation, leaky gaskets, or hard water buildup. Review troubleshooting tips to identify and fix the root cause.
Is mold in a washer dangerous to your health?
Inhaling or touching mold spores can potentially irritate allergies and asthma. Take care when cleaning heavy mold in an appliance and consider replacing parts that are badly contaminated.
Conclusion
Mold loves the dark, moist environment inside high-efficiency washing machines. But with some diligent preventative cleaning and maintenance, you can avoid the headache of dealing with laundry ruined by mold growth. Regularly wipe down surfaces, leave the door open between washes, and use cleaners like bleach or vinegar to kill spores. Addressing factors like poor ventilation and hard water will also lower mold risk. Stopping mold before it starts is easier than eliminating a full-blown infestation. Implementing these tips will keep your HE washer fresh, clean, and mold-free for years to come.