How to remove mould from washing machines: 10

May 26, 2023

Washing machines are in near-constant contact with dirty clothes which is why they’re often riddled with bacteria.

The appliance’s warm, moist environment makes it the perfect environment for growths like black mould to thrive.

With this in mind, Dryzone's resident mould expert, Oscar Maltby has shared how to clean black mould from washing machines in 10 simple steps.

Oscar said washing machines can be difficult to clean because of the shape of their compartments and so problems can be easily missed.

He explained: “The challenge of the awkward shape of the washing machine seal, and given we rarely think to stick our head in the drum until we notice a problem – typically a damp, earthy smell coming from somewhere inside the washing machine – means that mould can go undetected for a while.

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“It's important to regularly wash your washing machine to ensure it isn’t harbouring harmful black mould. And there’s nothing like a deep clean to refresh your washing machine and keep it at bay.”

To give washing machines a thorough clean, homeowners will need a clean stiff scrubbing brush, a bucket of warm water, a bleach-based cleaner and a biocidal mould cleaner.

The bleach cleaner will “eliminate the immediate mould growth in as little as a few minutes”, however, it won’t stop it from coming back.

The biocidal solution is needed to kill mould and mildew spores and prevent them from regrowing.

1. Start by ensuring the machine is empty and dry. Put on protective gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals.

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2. Spray a small amount of bleach-based mould cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and start by wiping the entire circumference of the washing machine seal. Mould, fabric fibres and dirt can gather in the seal causing an unpleasant smell.

3. Homeowners need to make sure they get into the folds of the rubber seal and wipe away any black mould. Gently turn out the seal for a final inspection and remove any remaining mould and lint with the microfibre cloth.

4. Next, move on to the washing machine drum. Make sure to wipe all areas of the drum with the bleach-based mould cleaner, including the back of the machine, paying extra attention to the plastic paddles.

5. Rinse the drum thoroughly with warm water and leave the door open to let it dry for at least an hour.

6. The detergent drawer needs to be tackled next. Remove the drawer and submerge it in warm water to clean off the bulk of any soap residue. Leave it to dry before using the bleach-based mould cleaner to wipe it down.

Pay special attention to the corners where black mould tends to collect. Give the drawer a final rinse.

7. While the drawer dries, wipe down the inside of the empty compartment with the bleach-based cleaner and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

8. Rinse the microfibre cloth in water and leave it to dry.

9. Repeat the cleaning steps with the biocidal cleaner. Due to the amount of moisture in a washing machine, cleaning away the mould, fungus or mildew is not enough to ensure it does not grow back.

10. Once the entire machine has been given a deep clean, keep on top of it by giving the seal a wipe after each use with a microfibre cloth.

The detergent drawer must be cleaned monthly to remove visible soap residue. Oscar added: “Using a biocidal cleaner every six months will also help prevent further mould growth, but remember to always keep the door open after use until the seal and inside of the washing machine is dry.”