If your washing machine smells or you notice dark spots around the seals, it is likely that there is mold in it. You might not expect this from a cleaning appliance, but its warm, moist environment is the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
You may have seen videos online of people using natural solutions like white vinegar to solve this common household problem and wondered if it really works. After weeks of frustration over damp-smelling clothes, I decided to give it up Mold removal.
Below, I reveal whether it’s really as effective as Instagram makes it out to be and call on device experts to share their thoughts on whether it’s a good long-term solution.
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Can you use vinegar to clean washing machine mold?
Yes, white vinegar can be a good short-term solution for removing mold from your washing machine – but the keyword here is ‘short-term’.
“Cleaning the surface with white vinegar can certainly remove what you can see and smell, but it won’t completely eliminate any microbial growth embedded in the rubber over time,” explains Jag Sandhu, national account manager and appliance specialist. a lot. “Its mild acidity helps break down surface mold and neutralize odors.”
While it won’t solve the root cause, white vinegar can be an inexpensive and effective way to remove soap scum and lint that feeds on mold. Here’s how to use them effectively, according to Gwill Snook, laundry appliance expert at from.
- Place cotton pads soaked in vinegar in your washing machine rubber
- Let them sit for about two hours
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the area
- Put on a high-temperature maintenance wash to clean off any residue
Buy this cleaning hack
Aksoy Distilled White Spirit Vinegar
I chose this budget-friendly white vinegar to clean my washing machine, which costs less than £4 for a large bottle.
HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cloth 12 Pack
Microfiber cloths always come in handy – whether you’re cleaning washing machine mold or carrying out general household chores.
Jag Sandhu is the National Account Manager and Appliance Expert at ASKO, a premium Scandinavian brand. Jag’s expertise spans the full spectrum of appliances, from built-in to freestanding, with a thorough perspective of what really matters to homeowners.
Gwill has worked as part of the AO family for the past four years with a special focus on the laundry category. He is the company’s in-house expert with a wealth of experience and knowledge in various types of home appliances.
My results cleaning with white vinegar
As you can see from the images below, my washing machine was long overdue for a good cleaning, but I was hopeful that this cheap hack would work.
After waiting to wipe it down with a damp cloth, as instructed, I was pleased to see that a fair amount of the mold was cleaned up.
However, I found it more difficult to remove stubborn stains that have been there for a while, and I would recommend using something stronger for that.Like this cleansing gel from Amazon).
Image credit: Future/Megan Milstead
I should have tried this cleaning hack before long!
Image credit: Future/Megan Milstead
I put a cotton pad soaked in vinegar into the mold seal and crossed my fingers that it would work.
Image credit: Future/Megan Milstead
The vinegar removed a decent amount of mold from the seals on my washing machine
How can I prevent washing machine mold?
If you’re looking for more of a long-term solution, Jag Sandhu and Gwill Snook both recommend good maintenance habits, such as:
- Leave the washing machine door slightly ajar after each cycle
- Clean the bottom of the door and seal regularly
- Running regular hot maintenance washes
- Using the right amount of detergent for each wash
- Clean the detergent drawer and filter once a month
- Remove wet laundry as soon as the cycle ends
- Do not overload the washing machine
In conclusion, while white vinegar can be effective at gently cleaning your washing machine at the surface level, the best way to remove mold is by following the best practice maintenance above.
If you found this helpful, you may also want to know about different Types of mold You can find in your home and How long does a washing machine last?.
