You probably already know that where there is moisture or dampness, there is a potential for mold.

With that said, the laundry room is a prime location for mold to thrive. Not only is this bad news for the structural components of your laundry room, but also for your washing machine and clothes.

Learn how to keep your washing machine and laundry safe from active mold.

Damp Laundry

Most people throw soap and dirty laundry into the washing machine, hit the button, and forget about it until it’s time to toss everything into the dryer.

It’s not uncommon for folks to forget about the laundry and leave it sitting inside the washing machine for hours or a day or two.

When opening the washing machine door, you’re greeted with that unwelcome musty smell. What this means is that you’ve already got mold in your washing machine and on your clean laundry.

Even re-washing your laundry may not get rid of the mold because it grows very quickly and feeds on some ingredients found in your detergent.

Mold spores are very small and easily become embedded in clothing fibers. Eventually, you may notice holes in your clothing which is the result of mold eating away at these fibers.

Any clothing with visible signs of mold damage – like holes or black stains – should be discarded.

Washing Machine Mold

Removing mold from your washing machine can be challenging because you’re dealing with a lot of moisture on a regular basis.

When checking for mold in your washing machine, especially front-loading models, be sure to inspect the following areas:

  • Inside drum
  • Soap or fabric softener dispensers
  • Rubber seals

To get rid of existing mold, clean the machine thoroughly by running a cup of white vinegar through the wash cycle.

To eliminate a strong musty smell, stop the wash cycle and let the vinegar water sit for 30 minutes before finishing the cycle. If you still smell a musty odor, repeat this process as necessary.

Wash all rubber seals and soap dispensers with full-strength vinegar prior to running the vinegar wash cycle.

Preventing the Return of Laundry Room Mold

You can take measures to prevent future laundry room mold problems by taking advantage of these preventative tips:

  • Check for mold as you do laundry each week.
  • Once a month, use cleaning tablets meant specifically for cleaning washing machines.
  • Keep rubber seals and soap dispensers clean.
  • Leave the door open after finishing your last load of laundry to let the inside drum air out and dry.
  • Move freshly washed damp laundry into the dryer as soon as it’s done washing.
  • Make any improvements to ventilation in the laundry room to ensure good air circulation.
  • Keep humidity levels at or preferably below 50% with the help of a dehumidifier.

Conclusion

Finding mold in your laundry room, on your clothes or anywhere in your home is nothing to ignore. The evidence is stacking up as to the health hazards of black mold.

To schedule a mold inspection and put together a solid action plan to get rid of active mold in your Santa Rosa area home, call RCS today.