- Mold and mildew refer to fungi that grow in damp, dark environments, such as a load of wet clothes in a sealed washing machine. Mold and mildew grow in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white and green, and textures that range from fuzzy to cottony and granular. Mold and mildew damage cloth and can exacerbate allergies and cause other health problems, so eliminate any mold or mildew growth as soon as possible.
- Get that funky odor out of your washing machine by pouring a cup of white vinegar into the soap dispenser and running one load on the hottest setting. The vinegar and hot water remove the mold and neutralize the odor. Keep the door open after the washing machine finishes running to let it dry completely and air out.
- If you washed clothes in a musty-smelling washer, you need to wash them again to remove the smell. Putting the clothes in the dryer does not eliminate the smell. Wash the clothes as soon as possible to prevent excessive mold growth, which may damage or stain your clothes. Adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle can help get the smell out of the laundry.
- Prevent washing machine odors by always removing wet laundry promptly. Do not let wet laundry sit in the washing machine overnight, especially in hot weather. In addition, only use the recommended amount and type of detergent; using too much detergent may leave buildup that encourages mold and mildew. Clean the filters regularly, wipe dry the door gasket and leave the washing machine door open when not in use. Finally, make sure the washing machine pipes aren't twisted or kinked, which could lead to stagnant, smelly water.
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