How to Rid Your Washing Machine of Mold -- The Doctors

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Mold expert Samuel Dixon shares three tips to rid your washing machine of mold. Plus, find out what black mold can do to your health.

[@twiggycomp]

Although this gentleman in not wrong, he is very misleading. First of all, he is an expert on mold. NOT on washing machines. Washing machines in general are probably the dirtiest appliances in our homes. It is easy to think that water + soap (detergent) = clean. This absolutely is not the case. But the biggest misleading part about this is that the top loading machines are just as bad. The front loaders are easier to find and remove some of this mold which also gives the perception that they are inferior to the top load units. In some top load units, the agitator plate at the bottom can be removed with one screw. If you look under that plate, you will find the mold and gunk built up underneath. This sits in the same water as your clothing. Just cause you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Both the top load and front load units will be caked with crud on the surface of the stainless steel drum that you can’t see. There is no way of getting away from it. Both styles of units need regular maintenance to lessen this buildup but in some different and some of the same ways. Running atleast a monthly clean cycle with a washing machine cleaner is the best way to lessen the buildup. As I previously said though, you will not get away from it on either style of machine but with regular maintenance, you can lessen it. Another piece of advice is to use powder rather than liquid detergent. The enzymes added to the liquid and powder is to help breakdown stains but an enzyme is very close to the same makeup of mold itself and in turn adds to that creation of mold in the right environment. If you are allergic to mold, you are bound to suffer symptoms from the enzymes in the detergent. Using a powder detergent lessens the chance for mold to have a “food” source to build from as the liquid detergent leaves a film that can feed the mold growth. I find it better to spray stained clothing with a pretreatment such as shout rather than filling the detergent drawer with liquid detergent. Just my two cents. Comment please for or against. My experience comes from buying laundry machines to refurbish and resell to supplement my income. I have done plenty of research to learn how to best clean them before resale.

[@johndoe-vc1we]

Excellent advice. Maybe share some tips on what you use for maintenance

[@barbiebaker769]

Yes, please share! I just realized the used but high-end 6 year old washing machine and dryer I just purchased from FB marketplace has black mold in the seal. I cleaned it out with paper towels at first, thinking it was just grim. Then a bleach wash. A large section is clean, but not all of it. Ugh!! Is this safe to use?

[@JKele]

Bleach is very effective with mold. I used to use much more bleach to wash whites and never had mold problem. Since I stopped using bleach, now I have mold around the door. I always keep the door and dispensers open, still there is a problem. Who on Earth has the time to wash everything and the top of it the washing machine too. Makes me sick how much these washers cost and have this kind of design fault. I think who design this junk, never did laundry.

[@lorim2000]

Judit K. Juhasz i think mold grows with bleach, it doesn’t kill it.

[@bentresham6776]

I feel sorry for the seals in your machine, bleach kills them and the planet! 2 washes at 90, one with bi card and one with vinegar, sorts it out every time

[@farilaklak]

@@lorim2000 nonit kills mold

[@bbvv2967]

@@farilaklak it will also weaken the rubber fun fact. same with vinegar.

[@INJURYCOMP]

Bottom line ▬ Leave your washer lid open between washes. The washer bin cannot get dry if the lid is closed. The washer bin and things you can't readily see will grow mold and/or mildew if the lid is closed. If you have a top-loader washing machine, leave the washer lid open in-between washes. If you have a front-loader, leave the washer lid open in-between washes (I don't buy front-loaders for this very reason). The same principle goes for the dishwasher. The lid should always be left open slightly or you will grow mold and/or mildew in the dishwasher. The same principle goes for the bathroom. If the door is always closed (and there is no window to allow moisture to dry) the moisture will mold and/or mildew. The same principle goes for your coffee makers. Leave the lids closed and nothing dries. The lids must be left open. Running clear water through the cycle after making your coffee(s) in the morning won't hurt the cause either. He tells you right here that mold needs moisture to thrive. If the lids are always closed, nothing can ever get dry. Think about it!!

[@sadahrose3349]

My adventuresome grandson managed to crawl all thé way Into their top loader and got stuck. It took several hours to get him out of their

[@sadahrose3349]

(there). She almost had to call 911. Be very careful with babies and pets!

[@seatime674]

💥💥What people don't realize is most of these modern front loaders have a 3 hour tub clean cycle, use that once a month with bleach and vinegar you'll be fine it uses extreme hot water melts all the garbage away💥💥

[@volcrazy89]

@@seatime674 That's for the drum only. The rubber seal needs to be kept dry. My mom wipes hers down at the end of every day when the laundry is finished. Mold can grow on the underside of the pull-out dispenser, too. That's something that people tend to neglect on these machines.

[@seatime674]

@@volcrazy89 Yup, always leave the drum door and the soap drawer cracked an inch and everything always dries within 2 or 3 days youl never have mold issues

[@robwhiff3411]

wow this to be one of the least looked over issue people dont see ...this the best video i watch so far in youtube in years

[@andrewjackson6917]

Rob Whiff TO PLAY

[@Tom-oz7iy]

Sorry to bust this guys b's but top loaders have the same issue. Once you wash your clothes that were contaminated by your old washer, the mold spores end up in the new washer. Also, you have to move the clean wet clothes to the dry soon after they have been washed or else the mold multiplies like crazy. This is the same reason why you shouldn't leave water on your floors when you wash them, you should follow behind with dry old towels to sop up the water. One good tip with this, lay out the dry towel on the wet floor and then flip it over, now stand on the towel with bare feet and slide around the floor with the towel, it is like a chamios. Basically all surfaces you clean with water should be dried immediately.

[@kanealson5200]

No thorough explanation of how to clean mold on this video. Lots of talking though.

[@RBryant]

It's pretty obvious that you "peel back the lip" on the rubber seal; then use a product that kills mold. I got a very nice LG used machine for $200 bc the previous owners had fixed everything they could to make the 'smell' go away. Including replacing the seal. When I got it, I realized what they were talking about bc it had been used by a relative to make sure it worked, so the scent - although faint - was apparent. I cleaned every part I could get to, including pulling the seal back. I saw buildup of blue (fabric softener) caked around it. So I cleaned it. Dish soap works just fine. Go to the top, all around the seal inside of it. Then use vinegar only thru the washer with a few towels on the hot or sanitizer cycle, several times. Make sure to do what he said about wiping it out once a week or so. I use white vinegar 5% (regular cooking) or 6% (cleaning), thru EVERY wash cycle. I very rarely use liquid fabric softener. Anecdotal evidence points to vinegar playing the role of fabric softener anyway, so you get two for one. Good luck.

[@RBryant]

I forgot to add you can use bleach to kill it initially and that it's not like you can take a baby wipe to it. You have to use your muscles.

[@kanealson5200]

Roni B Thanks Roni B

[@pasekmi]

Bleach doesn't kill mold. I always thought it did as well, but apparently not. Borax or Vinegar.

[@annv1169]

Its impossible to clean it. The whole thing becomes infested!

[@Smellymellie53]

My sister bought a set of these very expensive washer dryer set and she hates it. The one she bought can wash a very big load of clothes, like double the clothes and less soap. Simple science will tell you this will not work. She complained right away about the moldy smell all her clothes would give off. Found out she has to clean out that rubber lip all the time and leave the door open. They do last a very long time it has been about 8 years since she bought them so they do last a long time, but she still hates them and wish they would break down so she can justify buying a new top loading set; especially now that it is just her husband and herself, Kids all moved out. Now I was directed to this site to talk about Finaly Fresh tablets that you put in these type of washers to see the reviews of consumers. So you got 3 educated men talking about mold, and how bad it is; but never talked about how to get rid of it. What should a person do to get rid of the problem. Booooo on this particular episode.

[@Tigerroux]

These HE machines are horrible. Not made to last either. People shouldn't have to spend time cleaning or preventing a mold problem with their machines. So ridiculous!

[@butternutyeeetsbanana.-.5389]

Tigerroux and it’s expensive buying a washing-machine and getting it clean

[@RebelAlliance42]

Ok, so I shouldn't clean my fridge, oven, dishwasher etc...?? Lol you have to clean these things, top loading washing machines too!

[@rileyesposito3043]

@@RebelAlliance42 it is much easier to clean fridge and oven. And they wouldn’t have mould and smell bad like washing machine.

[@rileyesposito3043]

@@butternutyeeetsbanana.-.5389 agree, the old top load machine is much easier and efficient. The washing machine industry is making things complicated and worse with new technology.

[@rickslife]

Top loaders are just as moldy except you can’t see the mold. What’s worse seeing it and cleaning or not doing any because you can’t see it. Out of site out of mind.

[@edge1307]

After an hour I removed the towel strips, rinsed them good and then repeated the process of saturating them in the cleaner he again. After a total time of 2 hours I removed the towels, rinsed the area with paper towels and water. I then ran a washer drum sanitize cycle. What a huge improvement!I have a Bosch Vision 500 washer.I used almost all of the cleaner in the container. The cleaner was $2.29. It was a different brand than in the video, but it looked very similarThis method really works. It worked for me. I wish I saw this video years ago.

[@prhudy1854]

We have a nice GE Front Loader and we always leave the door open when not in use. I just replaced that seal because it was kinda stinky and becoming a little brittle. But definitely leave the door open and you won't have these issues with mold. The Vinegar trick is a good idea too.

[@quinten4214]

1. Let the washer air out after each use 2. After so many washes rinse the washer 3. Wipe out the washer with bleach every week. 4. Use Affresh once month 5. Mix warm water and bleach in a bowl, soak a rag in it and wipe it down and leave if for 15-30 minutes. Next do a wash cycle with bleach and then let the washer air out.

[@Masterlowen21]

Thank you for this video, very important information, thanks again...

[@eileenfb1948]

I have a combined washer dryer, front loading. I always dry the clothes at the end of the wash cycle. This heat kills any bacteria. Immediately after taking out the clothes I wipe down the door and around and into the seal AND soap dispenser drawer with a dry cloth. Always leave the door and soap dispenser open. Even my old machine after years of use never had mold of any kind. Once mold occurs use a dishwasher tablet either in the drum or in the dispenser drawer and wash at 60C.

[@teresasheldon2871]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Thank you that was very helpful!!

[@rbr4155]

Have you guys checked out the Holdy Moldy?! It’s amazing for this issue propping the door open perfectly to help machine air out after every wash!

[@celticrose2]

Time saver, Keep the door open so it will stay dry. Wipe around the opening to keep it clean. You can use vinegar. 👍🏻😊

[@osrea8924]

I have the classic washing machine. NICE

[@edge1307]

I recommend a utube video posted by "limitless"This method worked extremely well for me in getting rid of a really nasty moldy door seal.The woman used makeup remover pads, but my wife suggested to use strips of an old towel insteadI used a toilet bowl gel cleaner made with bleach. My wife cut up strips of an old towel about three to four inches wide. I moiseded the strips with a little water, then put the strips into a small plastic pail and squeezed in enough cleaner to totally saturate the towel strips.I then placed the strips in the folds of the door seal all the way around. About forty five minutes I removed the towel strips, rinsed them off good and then reapplied the cleaner and repeated the application because I had a lot of mold.In total about two hours. I then removed the rags, wiped the area with water soaked paper towels. Then I performed a drum sanitize cycle.This made a night and day difference. This method worked for me. The toilet bowl cleaner gel was a bit over two dollars. I used almost the whole container.I have a Bosch vision washer

[@TheRealHeavenlyHands]

Thank you for this comment and throughout detail in your post we have it in our Samsung washer we bought in 2017 /2018 and just noticed black mold after getting it out of storage. With the sensitivity and allergies this is a must get rid of. Thank you😊

[@farilaklak]

very helpful

[@bbvv2967]

bleach erodes rubber

[@johndoe-vc1we]

Toilet bowl cleaner is hydrochloric acid. It's too strong for a washing machine

[@chrisjones7205]

I would reccomend to do a wash per week (without laundry present) usingt 1/2 cup of bleach in the soap drawer and also some in the fabric softener drawer. That will keep it mold free and fresh. And I also reccomend that after using the machine, dry out the door rubber with something absorbent like paper towels.

[@asingleton8295]

For all of the efficiency touted about these machines, these machines certainly create a lot of work for consumers making washing clothes even more of a chore than it once was. It is not customary to clean a washing machine regularly with this much rigor. Additionally, people are storing these machines in tight closets with no room to keep the doors open. The space efficiency and time efficiency lost (i.e., problems created) offset the energy efficiency savings materially.

[@catkicked]

+A Singleton had my speed queen top load for 5 mouths don,t have this problem don,t thing I will

[@catkicked]

+A Singleton if the washer were made better maybe it would not happen

[@catkicked]

sorry to hear that that's why i like my speed queen top load washer

[@catkicked]

now you knew had my speed queen top load washer litte over a year works great so far

[@900Yugo]

My friend has a speed queen front loader. There is no mold and they wash really good. These fancy machines often use cheap materials and designs,therefore mold and mildew will build up. Plus they use very little water which makes the problem worse

[@tiffanyguldi7564]

I have been ill for as long as I’ve owned my front loader! The mold goes much deeper than just the gasket where you can’t reach until you take the machine apart! Getting rid of it ASAP!

[@Krzrrazrrokr]

What brand machine did you have

[@TG-nh2be]

@@Krzrrazrrokr Whirlpool duet

[@rhyoliteaquacade]

Even the old top loaders get moldy. I have taken my 15 year old Kenmore apart twice to find moldy scum above the water line on the outside of the basket and inside the tub. That is above the water line at maximum fill, The front loaders probably have mold on the upper tub liner as well as the door. That is why the technician quoted $300 to fix one you have to totally disassemble.

[@annv1169]

Best way to keep it away, run the cycle with the most water, like perm press, or bulky, and ALWAYS run the EXTRA RINSE!

[@jcarrolljr3052]

Ann V - Front loaders use the same amount of water regardless of cycle. All washers use a pressure activated diaphragm wich shuts off water when it is full. One thing to remember is DO NOT STUFF THE WASHER! LIGHTLY LOAD CLOTHES into the washer until 3/4 full. That will leave room fir more water and allow items to tumble through the water as required.

[@twiggycomp]

@@jcarrolljr3052 it is incorrect to say they use the same amount of water. Each style of unit uses a pressure switch to stop the tub from adding more water. The front loaders were always touted in advertising to use less water.

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

DO NOT OVERLOAD. I make smaller loads, for example my king size sheets I divide into two loads and run 2 loads on speed wash, choose more soil, extra rinse; takes 28 minutes total. I wipe the inner seal every few washes. I use vinegar sometimes on athletic wear for odor control. Sometimes I add extra water if I have quilts or blankets as they hold the water and don’t slosh around in the washer adequately.

[@barbiebaker769]

​@@carylhalfwassen8555Thank you for the tips!

[@turtlefromthenorth]

This is storm in a teacup LOL. Coose a cycle with higher water levels when needed; use maximum temperature once a week or so. Now and then do a vinegar or citric acid was on hot temperature; it will remove mildew spores and soap build up; in extreme cases you might have to do it two and three times. Don't use too much fabric softener, and make sure you know the difference between prewash, main wash and fabric softener in the dispenser drawer.

[@Sabrositaricanat40]

I had that same problem with my front loaders... I couldn't understand why my clothes was smelling horrible especially the color clothes I did some research on KZbin and I found out the problem they sell these tablets or even powders to clean your washer and kill the mold

[@scogsvlogs8053]

Once the mould gets on the seal you won't be able to get it off. On instruction manuals they will tell you how to care for the door seal but as an appliance engineer when I go to these issues when I ask for the instruction manual to show them the proof they are still in the unopened packaging 😂

[@dorothyandrews8872]

So what is your recommendations? I just checked mine and it really needs work so what do I do please

[@322cheryl]

Thank you for all this wonderful information!! I will be keeping my front loader clean until I can afford to go back to a top load machine. In my opinion, they wash clothes better.

[@catkicked]

+322cheryl your right about that speedqueen does great job

[@davidandersen9186]

top load machines have the same problem

[@brohemian]

@@davidandersen9186 Not really, nothing like front loaders

[@BeautyofIslamSadaqahJariyah]

Just wow 😳

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

Good video

[@jameswrape6759]

THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS NOT ALL THIS INFO.. it is that the latest of washers use porous rubber and plastics which HOLD the detergent and then the mold grows on it!!!! Old washers had metal coated CERAMIC which is not porous!!! Manufactures KNOW THIS and intentionally make washers out of the cheap plastic and rubber that causes problems. Also many detergents have ingredients that are designed to "stick" and not wash out. FABRIC SOFTENERS ARE VERY BAD FOR THIS as they intentionally stick to clothes and don't wash out ... they also don't wash out of the washer. Top Loaders and Front Loaders BOTH have this problem. Usually a new washer will begin to smell within 2 years and less if the users are not careful about how they wash clothes. REAL SOLUTION - disassemble the washer and scrap out the crud from the drum liner and other parts.... the rubber gasket mentioned in this article is only the tip of the issue. Water quality can also contribute to this.

[@whichwasher2007]

i refurbish washers every day and in the UK, we did not have that problem untill the 00's. up until then we have always had front loaders and thats all we have. Your right about everything you have said but the other problem is people using low temperatures. i have no mould in my washer at all, i use powder detergents 95% of the time, and wash at warm to boiling temperatures, no cold washing for me.

[@Lowe2165]

Hi

[@Claudiapa1974]

right now there is a recall on some washing machines for this problem. i hope samsung make this recall too because my washing machine is samsung and i just saw it has mold, now i understand the bad smell on my clothes. :(

[@melindadenham8039]

I keep my front loader very clean

[@barbaratetreault1303]

Let me know if you got this if you could open it or not

[@ryantoomey611]

Can you get rid of the mold by running an empty load in the washer with bleach, to clean the inside of it? Bleach kills mold doesn't it?

[@mylove5103]

That is why I do not do laundromats or apartment buildings laundry machines. I wipe down my washing machine after using it the end of the day after my washing is all done washing machines are not self cleaning

[@bryannadefalco706]

I have a Electrolux front load after about 6 months of use it started to smell. I called the place I purchased from. I had asked about the mold problem prior to purchase because I have had so many friends have the mold problem. They assured me that this was all taken care of 1st lie. Once I had the machine I used very little soap as recommended by the installer. 1 table spoon. When I called to let them know my washer was smelling and making my cloths smell they sent a repair man. He told me I must be very sensitive as he had never seen such a clean washer he did nothing. Then the washer stopped spinning out the water. They came out again took it apart and found a small sock had got behind the gasket and plugged the drain. It had also broken some plastic parts along the way. The washer they said smelled because of the sock. Ok they fixed it told me to put all small sock and things in wash bag. Ok did that. What I can say is this machine is flawed the gap that things can get back into the drain is way to big I keep a stand fan in the door of the washer we never leave damp cloths in the washer. We bag our socks and wipe out the gasket at every load. This is plain BS I have never had to work so hard to wash my cloths. To date we have had the Washer and Dryer for less then 2 years and the washer has been broke down no less then 5 times the laundry mats know us. It is broken again. We had a Meila for years and never a problem. I will purchase speed queen as the repair man told us they are the best all these other machines suck....

[@traceycancio1795]

What about top loaders?

[@DanielGarcia-ky7cp]

we have the same problem

[@tonyarice2877]

I have been deathly sick and I believe it’s from the mold in my washer!! Everyone in my house is getting very bad headaches and sick!

[@kennyplay5982]

Many Front loader washers have "Fans" in those to help dry out the tub. But ALWAYS leave the door open

[@rayamundson8394]

GET 1 POUND BAG OF CITRIC ACID. Pour into washing machine AFTER it has filled up with water and stir into water as you dump it in the water. Leave lid open and Let sit in water for 1 or 2 hours then shut lid and let washer run its cycle. CLEANS and KILLS MOLD INSTANTLY. Watch how it cleans your toilet tank out. 1/4 cup of citric acid in toilet tank mix stir into bowl and let sit for an hour. THEN FLUSH , AMAZING. This is how it cleans inside your washer. THIS stuff is AMAZING.

[@ChrisJohnson-ht3gx]

When I pulled out the dispenser it had black stuff under and above it. Very hard to clean.

[@pauletteispassingiton943]

Stop using liquid detergent....that is the culprit....Start using powdered detergent and the mold will no longer be the problem....

[@annettezaleski]

Out dishwashing detergent (

[@joshuamast5128]

Best advice is use the right amount of HE detergent and to use the tub clean cycle regularly

[@estycki]

I have a top loading washer. We just took the drum out to have a look see because we kept getting residue on our clothes. The bottom under was covered in black grime and gunk was hanging off it. Well we never ran a wash cycle for this thing itself, and they sell washing machine cleaner packets you can pour in and let it run with the hottest water you can. We're going to be doing this every month now and inspecting it yearly. It wasn't that hard to take it out, but really makes you think how clean are washing machines...

[@johndoe-vc1we]

How did the last inspection go then?

[@estycki]

​@@johndoe-vc1we the cleaning tabs didn't help because we were getting residue on our clothes again. we are suspecting that because a "welder" in our household is bringing home his clothes to wash, and his clothes are covered in industrial fallout, that it's likely getting stuck in the machines and rusting. Washing machines were not designed to clean wood and metal off your clothes, just to get out stains and odours, so we're looking for alternatives for him.

[@johndoe-vc1we]

@@estycki that's something else. Which cleaning tabs did you use and how often? Black grime is usually fabric softener. Do you use much of that

[@estycki]

@@johndoe-vc1we the package said affresh washing machine cleaner. We don't use fabric softener.

[@johndoe-vc1we]

@@estycki affresh is the one to use. It should work to loosen the gunk on the hottest setting if used regularly. That means every 40 washes. If it didn't then maybe there is something else going on like you said

[@wolfschindler8921]

You only need an ounce of powder detergent for a normal load. Do not always wash at 40C or less.

[@kathitaylor6007]

It is also all over inside the sliding soap/fabric softener drawer. They didn't even address that.

[@hayliphelps5327]

Yes I just found that out tonight:( ewwwww gross

[@tassymccormick]

Yes. I take mine out and clean it regularly

[@daswerck91]

@@tassymccormick yea but how do you clean it?

[@tassymccormick]

daswerck91 pull the tray out and wipe it down. While the tray is out wipe the inside where the tray goes.

[@daswerck91]

@@tassymccormick ah ok thanks, i wasn't sure about what to do with mold, never encountered mold before. I used a couple cleaning products in the tray but it didn't do anything. Thank you!

[@traceycancio1795]

What about top loads?

[@lorim2000]

We have a ton of mold inside our gasket but the replacement gasket is $60 and we can do it ourselves. It’s been impossible to clean, we’re just going to replace it. It’s disgusting and ruins our towels, keeping the door open and using the machine mold cleaner did nothing.

[@nortontoo]

You can actually clean out your washing machine rather easily. To do so, you’ll need the following: Liquid cleaning detergent with chlorine A sponge Rubber gloves 25 grams of salt of lemon or potassium hydrogen oxalate To clean your washing machine with these ingredients, begin by wiping the inside of your washing machine with your sponge to remove any dirt. Next, apply your chlorinated detergent over your rubber ring, making sure to distribute it evenly. Leave your washing machine after doing this, with the door closed, for a few hours. Then, set your washing machine on a ‘rinse’ cycle and pour some salt of lemon or potassium hydrogen oxalate in the detergent compartment and set your washing machine as high as it goes. Once you do this, your washing machine will look brand spankin’ new! I like to do this every few weeks to ensure my washing machine stays fresh. I also leave my washing machine door open after each cycle.

[@johndoe-vc1we]

Is salt of lemon the same as citric acid?

[@irenec1167]

What is a regular load of laundry? How much kilos? 5 or 6 or 7 ?

[@BeautyofIslamSadaqahJariyah]

I keep mine open.

[@debralounder3810]

Thise areas had no mold .. nor the filter. Running clean cycle helps minimally . It’s got to be in the back of the machine or in the hoses . Note I was given this machine from a son.

[@annangus6806]

Can this be cleaned with vinegar, has anyone tried it?

[@idacardenas7884]

I had the same ugly smell in my machine n clothes were starting to stink, even after washing it twice. But I fixed the odor problem with my front loading washing machine. It no longer smells n ALL the mold is dried up. Now every time I wash a load I add about 3 gallons of water with extra detergent to every load n then add more water again when it goes into the liquid fabric softner cycle too. It's extra work for me but I don't mind it cause all my clothes come out so clean n soft n smell so good n the thing I like best is since I add more water I can add more clothes. I'm washing up to 15 blue jeans n 20 towels now. I can really stuff the tub n it all washes better with extra water n extra detergent. This next step is very important.....When I'm done with all the washing I end it with a Bleach cycle on hot n leave Door OPEN ALL THE TIME so it ventilates. I wipe away any mold when it's still wet inside the rubber seal that's around the door n absorb what little water is left behind that rubber seal with paper towels. N now the problem is fixed. I will continue to do this until machine breaks down or something n then I'll buy a regular washing machine that uses lots of water. Those are really the best ones to use, in my opinion. Hope this helps cause it sure is working great for me.

[@salde386]

you say you use extra detergent,the soap is what causes the stink,it coats everything inside the washer,also it eats at the metal on the spin basket or spider gear,go here to see it kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqangpR-nqqZmKM you should use 1 to 2 tablespoons of soap that's it and you'll never have a problem with smell or mold

[@brohemian]

Its the scrubs guy that started crying when someone talked about injections or something lol

[@jerrykelley2651]

I had to take my Front Load GE apart due to a bearing failure which destroyed the outer drum. That part was over $400 so I scrapped the whole thing. We always kept our door open, and routinely wiped the gasket, even ran cycles with special cleaning tablets. Between the stainless drum you see, and the plastic outer drum you can't see are very cavernous textured surfaces that it takes about 1.5 hours to get to. I'm sure that if your seeing mold/mildew on the door gasket, there is 100 times more of it in areas you just cannot clean, no matter what chemicals, vinegar, bleach, tablets, baking soda, etc. There is just no way for that low amount of water to reach all those little mold breeding niches, and even the occasional splash that gets there doesn't have any scrubbing power. I couldn't even get the grey slimy muck off when wiping with a paper towel.

[@amyk9126]

Top loaders get mold too. All the washers have to be cleaned inside the actual drum

[@chrisjones7205]

kathi taylor....If you get mold inside the softener drawer....fill it with bleach and put the machine on a quick wash. Any mold above the softener line remove with bleach and toothbrush. ☺

[@torridtiger]

woops. we now opperate in San Diego area. Call and ask for Wayne. I will take good care of you.

[@aoronqui1]

you should look at some videos on KZbin and check the mold that is inside the tub behind the spider (balance bar). u will be surprised at the amount of mold in there.

[@es7140]

Adrian Ronquillo doe it happen on the speed queen too?

[@Commentator541]

Some already said it, but baking soda will disinfect it pretty good. Just place it inside the machine and turn on the high heat program. Use like a table spoon full, more if you havea large drum. And buy a washing machine, not a steaming machine and the clothes will get washed.

[@GetH0NEY]

Can any of the washer cleaners I purchase kill the mold?

[@RBryant]

Don't ever purchase a washing machine cleaner, or dishwasher, etc. Use bleach to clean manually, then run thru a couple sanitize cycles with vinegar. Baking soda helps to run thru but not with the vinegar in the same ports lol

[@Barbarabearwoman]

Sad part is…. It didn’t use to be like this! I bought a front loader around 1990 and it NEVER had mold!!! Finally had to get a new washer in 2019…. Pittiful…mold…mold…mold! The gasket material or placement is probably the culprit.

[@artugert]

@@biggybiggy84 Really? Washers used to have fans, and they just stopped adding them, for some reason? Weird.

[@kansasthunderman1]

"He" washers don't use enough water to wash anything and they're an incubator for mold, mildew, and norovirus.

[@Commentator541]

Agreed. Total crap. And if you think about it they are NOT good for the environment. Concentrated detergent is much worse for environment then diluted detergent.

[@marcenalamb7294]

What? This is a 2013 video! Just learning about this in 2018.

[@21cuma]

Marcena Lamb same here 😄

[@cristinamelchor]

2020🤭

[@charreed8727]

You have to wipe the gasket after each load and leave the door open.

[@warbyothermeans6732]

I hate these machines so much it's unreal

[@GamerGrit86]

is there a chemical that i can use in the machine to clean the outer part of the drum, not the side but the part between the plastic drum and the metal drum where you put you clothes

[@user-tc2ue5xy4h]

Citric acid

[@elevatorproductionsbymaxpassa]

I'm glad I don't have a front loading washer because the rubber door gasket gets very moldy.

[@marcoaurelionunes8031]

In europe there are only front loading washing machines never had that problem and its not a design flaw. Just leave the door open thats it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is it that hard?????????

[@carolynpeterson1743]

PROBLEM SOLVED: You could take the front lower cover off and the top cover depending on what brand of front load washing machine you own and replace the rinse hose, (yes, it can be done easily) or you can have someone else do it and pay them lots of $$$. I did this and I added a Washer Fan, and Problem solved. Truly worth trying, unless you want to buy a new washer. PS. My Mom has a top load washing machine, and it too has an area that needs to be cleaned out periodically.

[@glenfaughtjr1663]

We were frustrated with the odor issues too until we discovered and installed the Washer Fan and keep the door open when not in use.

[@HAIRHOLIC_1]

So he told us everything a part from how to remove the mold 😑 I knew all these things my mother always tells me to open the door after washing and wash the soap container and let it dry hanging out, then to wipe the silicone tongue by opening it and wiping the inside as well and the door, this way you prevent mold from happening but now I’m moving into this condo with shared washing machine and their washing machine tongue is full of mold and it makes my clothes smell bad

[@HAIRHOLIC_1]

@@biggybiggy84 thank you so much for all of your advices🙏 I live in Switzerland, unfortunately I can’t find most of these products you’ve mentioned here, however I’ve managed to clean the tongue off of the mold with bleach only. I’ve filled a bucked with water and plenty thick bleach, then I’ve immersed and old small towel in it, I’ve let it become completely soaked, then without squeezing it I’ve rolled the towel inside the tongue of the washing machine and I’ve left it there for a day, the day after I’ve repeated the process until the tongue was completely clear, took me only three times. Then after I’ve finished this process, I’ve filled the washing machine with bleach and run the highest temperature wash, after that my washing machine was completely clear and clean, no more mold or smelly clothes 😃. I’ve done this last year and till this day the mold hasn’t come back but if it does I’m prepared 😂

[@mistykaine276]

Front load washers need to be dried out. This is something our moms may not have mentioned because it we just part of the experience and assumed. The rubber gasket that lines the opening traps water in the folds. This has to be pulled back and you have to remove whatever is in there (hair ties, gunk build up, etc). Keep in mind the gunk build up is from your previous washes and liquid detergent - this yuck will be incorporated back into your clothes with future wash cycles if it is not removed regularly. Do yourself a favor and use a powder detergent and don't use a lot. Powder detergents do not adhere to the rubber gasket and less build up is found when it is used over liquid detergents. As always - bleach kills mold. I ran my washer with just bleach and hot water which helped but didn't resolve the smell issue entirely. I had not discovered the mold in the gasket folds yet and ran my washer 5x's before figuring out there was standing water in the folds and in the base where there is a catch all. Once you've cleaned the parts of the washer - a forgotten chore - the smell starts fading with each scrub. For your sake remember to dry the rubber gasket out after each future use once you have a clean washer and leave the door open. Clean the trap in the base of the washer now and regularly. If done monthly it will take about 3min. Have a towel and a drainage pan ready before opening. Open the tube and unscrew the plug - a lot of water will come out if you've not done this before as water from each wash cycle collects after each wash. Clean these out as well. When you have your washer clean and it still probably smells go get powdered dish washer detergent and put a cup of it in the soap dispenser. Run it on the hottest water and longest cycle without anything else in the washer except the soap and hot water. Powder dish washer soap is not going to create too many suds and it is designed to clean pans and silverware and plastics so it will clean the metal and rubber of your washer. The lye will do a good job. If you're afraid of lye use a full cup of baking sofa and dump it directly into the wash bin, not the little tray where the soap and fabric softener goes. Then add 2 cups of white vinegar. Let that run for a full hot water wash. Dry out your washer when complete. Dry out the machine bin if you really want to prevent future mold developments. Lastly leave the door open and let the moisture evaporate and let the drier completely air dry.

[@chrisjones4779]

Doesn't tell you how to rid the machine of mold other than calling repairman

[@RoriRebel]

Use a cloth with bleach and clean the door n rim. I always dispose of the cloth i used since it has mold. Leave the door open to dry :)

[@RoriRebel]

You can also use white vinegar n run a cycle. Up to you

[@archanagiri1313]

@@RoriRebel nothing helped... Lot of black chocolatey particles are still floating in washing ... Making cloth cleaning a tough task...

[@reneemanchik5248]

How do you keep the door open when you are constantly walking by the washer? What a PAIN!

[@melindadenham8039]

Clean LG front load washing machine every day

[@georgialiacopoulos1053]

im so frustrated my washed clothes smell like doritos. (smelly feet) i always knew it was my washing machine bc when i owned a top loader i never had this problem maybe a lint problem but never this. to think that i wash every day sometimes twice and have a stinky problem. thank you the doctors. better get out my vinegar. hope it helps

[@yorkshirehousewife784]

+Georgia Liacopoulos : Run a boil wash once a week. use biological wash powder instead of liquid and clean out the dispenser. there is nothing wrong with the machine.

[@georgialiacopoulos1053]

+Lilly Lap thanks Lily ive been running in on hot wash with just vinegar. seems to help. i am also keeping it as dry as possible after each wash. but its still doesnt wash the best. but the smell improves sometimes. cheers

[@newharmony85]

+Georgia Liacopoulos run several sanitize Cycles with cheap powdered dishwashing detergent like Cascade. Do not use Liquid laundry detergent or fabric softener.

[@georgialiacopoulos1053]

+newharmony85 thankyou i tried everything. helped a little but in the end i now own a large top loader. so happy no more smells. i think the clothes softener did the damage to be honest.

[@RBryant]

+Georgia Liacopoulos yes... I agree!

[@melindadenham8039]

Clean my front loader. Everydays

[@RebelAlliance42]

The rubber gasket is not a design flaw, lol, it's necessary for a waterproof seal. Clean My Space has videos on how to clean your washing machine.

[@MrNeptunebob]

The Westinghouse front loaders had a rubber gasket yet did not seem to have mold issues. I think it is so much plastic in current machines that causes so much mold.

[@artugert]

A top loading machine does not need it. Front loading machines are a flawed design altogether.

[@Fart-Master-God]

do not use white vinegar to clean your washing machine, even on a hot wash with white vinegar, this knackers your pump seals and door seal, whixh turns it into a acid which rots the rubber seals

[@nc8642]

yeah the top loaders get it under a plastic lip that you CANNOT peal back. How do you clean under this lip???

[@peteaiello1784]

You cannot clean it with just cleaners. Have tried a lot of different ways. Gotta love the net! You have to take it apart and take the drum out. That is the only way. Just did this yesterday.

[@johndoe-vc1we]

You can get it clean 90% with just cleaners if you're regular. That means every 40 washes. Not use fabric softener or liquid detergent and stick to powder. Leave the door wide open for ten hours after a wash and wipe the gasket dry after every wash. My machine is 8 years old and the gasket looks like new

[@sherryb5369]

Can you remove the gasket to scrub it thoroughly? If so, how?

[@sherryb5369]

Myk Niki I did watch the video. It tells you where the problem is and how to avoid it in the future but not how to clean it up yourself. I need to know if I can remove the gasket to clean it. Thank you 😊

[@sherryb5369]

Myk Niki Thank you ☺

[@darkdemonqueen]

my b/f and i just bought a front loading washer... i was pretty annoyed when i learned that you have to leave the door open in between washes(?!?! ) it just seems like something the manufacturer would have addressed BEFORE mass producing a product. and not only that but this a flaw that makes ppl sick if overlooked and its not a commonsense thing (leaving the door open between washes) i miss our old washing machine already.

[@RBryant]

You know that mold builds up in top loaders as well, right? You just need to run vinegar thru it every cycle & you'll likely learn to love your FL. I do.

[@RBryant]

And you should leave the top open on your TL as well. Corporations sell you washing machine cleaning products, which cracks me up. Use vinegar & hot water, you'll be fine. Costs pennies.

[@darkdemonqueen]

Roni B cool! thanks for the tip! i just bought a gallon of vinegar the other day for this very purpose.

[@ariesgirl.]

I will NEVER purchase a front loader again! I just knew it would wash my clothes like the ones do at the laundry mat that has lots of water and suds. WRONG! I got a top of the line HE front loader washer and dryer that measures the amount of water needed by the weight of the load. HA! Most of the time some clothes are wet and some have dry areas. These things are just pretty they do NOT get the job done. I find myself having to run it again just to make sure the clothes are clean. SMH!

[@al3645]

The problem is in the water pump that’s low in the washer. After a load the left over water runs down the drain hose and settles in the pump. The pump doesn’t pumps SLL the water out, so water sits in there and stagnates, molds. Then the next load, especially if done days later, gets stinky. After a day of washing empty the pump of water from the little hose in the front of machine. It empty’s the water so it can’t sit and stagnate.

[@ryantoomey611]

Best solution, buy a top-loader, and you will never have this problem. I will never buy front loading for this reason. My co-worker has a front-loading machine at home and complained that his clothes come out with a mildew smell and that water sometimes leaks out on his floor because of a bad door seal. On a top-loading machine there is no door seal to worry about, less complicated, less to go wrong!

[@dt8787]

Not everyone is made of money. Some of us have to use the machine we have and would like to clean it properly.

[@mcuevas2]

Ryan I have a top loader machine, and I do have the same mold and smelly problem...reason why Im watching this video...😞😞😞

[@Pronoodleeater126]

You should see the washers in the army barracks.. mold mold mold..

[@okengineers]

How to get rid of mold please! It does not say.

[@Summerof-dh4re]

i need to know how to clean the mold in the drawer.

[@ian9037]

They’re usually removable, remove and soak in bleach and scrub

[@Summerof-dh4re]

@@ian9037 Thanks. I mean its inside the walls of the drawer cavity and I've put bleach in there, but its not getting rid of it. I've even tried scrubbing it.

[@Summerof-dh4re]

@@biggybiggy84 thank you. Very kind of you

[@KaileyB616]

CAN CONFIRM: it’s absolutely DISGUSTING behind that gasket, and in the detergent tray too. You can run the washer with baking soda and vinegar in the detergent tray, and I used a bristle brush/toothbrush to scrub and sprayed mold/mildew cleaner all behind the gasket. These front loading machines suck.

[@crazydoglady5]

I use baking soda and vinegar. not at the same time. to clean my top load HE washer.

[@darkdemonqueen]

+xena3546 how do you do that exactly? just got a front loading washer (Maytag Maxima) and trying to learn everything i need 2 do to keep it on the up and up.

[@crazydoglady5]

+michael p , i was told by the repair man to buy 409 plus and fill the detergent cup up with it. then turn on the tub clean setting. i did do that but that smell came back not long after. the 409 cleans out the oils but i think instead of using all those chemicals, that you can accomplish the same by using cheap white vinegar and baking soda. i know you can put both in at the same time...really doesnt matter. but what i do is i will just pour in a crap load of vinegar..say half a bottle...of the smaller containers...and turn on tub clean. then i will come back with baking soda and run the tub clean again. i was told by the repair man to use the 409 after every laundry time that i do..and i did till the bottle was empty. now i have reverted to the vinegar and baking soda. it works just fine. but i know you should use the tub clean after washing your loads. in other words, if i wash 3 loads of clothes..then i will clean it afterwards using the baking soda and vinegar. and make sure you leave the lid/door open when not in use. if you cant leave the door open..then leave it open over night to let it air dry then close. front loaders will build up mildew around the door much faster than top loaders. you may want to wipe down the door seal with vinegar after using as well. also you can always do an occasional bleach run through also using the steps above to kill any mold as well. i clean my carpets using vinegar and baking soda as well. i use vinegar in my steam cleaner and use baking soda like for a carpet deodorizer before vacuuming. Having 5 dogs that run in and out, i am pretty busy steam cleaning (and doing laundry washing dog bedding) and i do not want to use any harmful chemicals that me or my dogs will walk or lay on. they are toxic. not even chemical fertilizers on the yard.

[@darkdemonqueen]

thanks for the tip! i will definitely try the baking soda and vinegar steps.

[@crazydoglady5]

michael p , you are welcome.

[@crazydoglady5]

one more thing.. Borax will also kill mold. it will also kill termites and ants. make sure no pets get into it.

[@swiperboysb6897]

this is why i BROUGHT A TOP LOADER over a sexy and better cleaning front loader

[@PexusFilms]

My machine started having mold issues almost immediately (no smell, though). I always wipe the machine dry after using, and I leave the door open and still the mold persists. And I have tried EVERY method of removing the black spots already there. Nothing works. Also can't really pull the gasket back without breaking it. If I didn't have to stack my washer dryer due to space restrictions, I would never buy a front loader again. Funny, I never had this problem when I lived in the U.K. for 3 years and had a front loader.

[@reneemanchik5248]

+PexusFilms I am not happy with my front loader either. When I stick my head into the inside of my machine, it doesn't smell but my towells do after you wash and dry them. I keep my door open but am tired of hitting it when I walk by. Do you have that problem?

[@newharmony85]

Scrub out the gasket and behind the soap tray with bleach. Use powdered dishwasher detergent like cascade in the soap dispenser of the washer and run on tub clean or sanitize several times. Clean out the filter and drain the water after. switch to powdered laundry detergent only and use vinegar as fabric softener. There is an animal fat in the liquid detergent that the mold feeds on. Hope this helps.

[@RBryant]

+newharmony85 nice tips!!! thanks!!!

[@johndoe-vc1we]

Am curious too why the mold problem did not happen in the UK. We're you using powdered detergent in the UK and then switched to liquid detergent in the US?

[@tannerwells8187]

Simple common sense would be enough for people to realize all washing machines are not self cleaning. Best to run a simple mix of 1 1/2 gallon of distilled vinegar and two cups of baking soda through your machine every 3 or 4 weeks depending on use. Leave door open when not in use and wipe down interior gasket and outside with vinegar.

[@SupaD77]

Leave door open when not in use??? What a load of bull. How very awkward to have to leave the door open all the time. I'm renting and my place has this Frigidaire washer/dryer. The first time I washed clothes, the whole laundry room smelled like mold. I kept thinking it must be some of the clothes I had stored in my old place's basement. Then I discovered the black mold all around the door gasket. Cleaning this washer and getting rid of that mold is going to be major freaking problem. I"m so done with this piece of crap appliance. I'll NEVER buy one of those, especially a Frigidaire. NEVER. I'm going to look for an old-school top load washer.

[@nicholaslandolina]

The plastic bubble should push in

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Wow! This one drew an army of YT certified armchair laundry experts to share their wisdom!

[@roberthenry8000]

What if yours is really bad?

[@artugert]

Replace it