The growth of mildew requires warmth, moisture and food. Washing machines meet all these requirements, making them perfect breeding grounds for this early-stage mold. Washing machines in busy households are even more prone to developing mildew; their constant use prevents them from ever drying out, which would eliminate one of mildew's requirements. Mildew is not only unsightly and unhealthy; it also creates an unpleasant musty smell. You can eliminate both the mildew and the odor with household bleach.
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Things You'll Need
Rag
1 Cup Liquid Chlorine Bleach
White Towel
Toothbrush
Dish Soap
Step 1
Remove both the bleach and soap dispensers from the washing machine. Wash them in warm water and dish soap. Rinse the dispensers thoroughly and put them back in the machine.
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Step 2
Scrub the bleach and soap dispensers with a toothbrush if the dispensers are not removable. Put a couple of drops of dish soap on the toothbrush, scrub the dispensers, then pour clean water over them to rinse.
Step 3
Clean the seal around the opening of front-loading washers. Use a toothbrush moistened with water and a couple of drops of dish soap to scrub the seal gently. Finish by wiping off the seal with a rag moistened with water.
Step 4
Remove the lint trap and clean it of any lint or debris. Replace the lint trap.
Step 5
Pour 1 cup of bleach into the bleach dispenser and start a wash cycle using hot water. Put a white towel in the washer to provide mass that will move around during the cycle, cleaning the sides of the washer bin.
Step 6
Remove the towel when the cycle is complete. Leave the washer door open to allow the washer to dry.
Tip
Make it a habit to leave the washer door open between loads to prevent the warm, moist conditions that encourage mildew growth.
You can help prevent the return of mildew growth by running a hot-water cycle with bleach once a week.
Warning
Use caution when leaving a front-loader door open if you have young children in the house.