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Choosing Appliances You Will Adore

When it comes to appliances, most people have a tendency to pay more attention to anything else when they shop: price. Unfortunately, finding cheap appliances doesn't always mean you will find good appliances. As an income property owner, I have purchased several different appliances over the years, and I can tell you first hand that not all brands are created equal. My blog is dedicated to helping you to find appliances that you will actually be able to use, abuse, and love for a long time. Check out my blog for information on what to look for, how to shop, and where to get great deals.

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Choosing Appliances You Will Adore

How To Remove Mold From A Front-Loading Washing Machine

by Melanie Hanson

Front-loading washing machines are prone to mold and mildew. You'll know if your machine has a mold or mildew problem, as your clothes will begin to smell. You can also see the mold inside your machine on the rubber seal. If you pull the seal back, you'll see mold underneath as well. This mold can be removed with a cleaner that you probably already have in your laundry cupboard. See below for instructions on how to remove mold from your front-loading washing machine.  

Here's What You'll Need:

  • 3/4 Cup Bleach
  • 1 Gallon Water
  • Bucket
  • Old Rags
  • Rubber Gloves

Instructions:

  1. Be sure to ventilate the area where you are working, as the bleach fumes may get overwhelming. Also be sure to wear old clothing, as you may get bleach on your clothing, which can ruin it. Combine the bleach and water in the bucket while wearing your rubber gloves. 
  2. Using your old rag soaked in the bleach/water solution, begin wiping the inner seal of your washing machine. Be sure not to rub too hard that you damage the seal.
  3. Gently lift the seal to clean the area below the seal as well. Dip the rag in the bleach/water solution often to get more bleach on your rag. This will help remove more of the mold.
  4. Once you have the seal clean, use your rag to clean the inside of the door and the seal around the door as well.
  5. Wipe the inside of the drum thoroughly to remove any mold and mildew that has built-up inside. Also clean the detergent drawers as well with your bleach/water solution.
  6. Keep the machine door open and allow the bleach to remove any odors and to kill the mold spores. Leave the machine overnight and don't use it again until the following morning. This will allow the machine to dry thoroughly.
  7. If you still notice a smell, you may need to repeat these steps again.

Other Tips:

  • Always keep your front-loading machine door open when not in use. Keeping the door open allows the machine to dry out thoroughly between uses, which will help prevent mold growth.
  • Take your clothing out of your washing machine right after the cycle ends. If you keep your clothing inside, mildew can build up, which makes your clothing smell.
  • Use the "Clean Washer" cycle on your machine at least once per month. Add bleach to the detergent drawer to help clean your washing machine. 
  • Be sure to use High Efficiency detergent only in your washing machine. These detergents are specifically made to work better with front-loading washing machines, as front loaders use less water in the wash and rinse cycles. High Efficiency detergents are made to have less suds according to the American Cleaning Institute. More suds can hinder your front-loading machine's performance.

Cleaning the mold and mildew from your front-loading machine will help keep your machine working like new and will also help keep your clothing fresh and clean after every wash. For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from Lewis Appliance Service LLC.

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