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What does mold look like in a washing machine? If a damp and musty smell hovers around, and black spots have formed on the rubber band of the seal, this is it, ordinary mold. It is not easy to remove it: the result will be if the fungus has not spread throughout the machine. And if the parts are already affected – a hose, a cuff, a cuvette, then they will have to be replaced.
We will talk more about the fight against mold in the automatic washing machine below.
Why does mold appear in the washing machine
The fungus, or rather its spores, is in almost every home, and in large quantities. Even after general cleaning, about half a thousand spores per 1 m remain in the air.3. Inhaling spores, people with a weak immune system can pay with their health and get asthma, chronic headache or rheumatic pain, at least an allergic reaction.
The fungus multiplies rapidly under comfortable conditions:
- at high humidity and dampness;
- at elevated air temperature;
- if there is no or no ventilation in the room.
It is not difficult to “cure” the walls, but it is difficult to get rid of the fungus from SMA – special methods and “chemistry” will be needed.
If the mold appeared in the machine on its own, and did not move from the walls, then this may be due to the following reason: washing at a low temperature in order to save money. When it doesn’t use bleach powders, a generous dose of conditioner, and no products like Descaler, consider mold getting a personal invitation to your CMA.
At temperatures up to 60 degrees, microorganisms do not die, and colonies that have already started to start do not overheat. If there is no bleach in the powder, this creates additional conditions for the fungus. And if rinse aid remains on the walls of the drum, in the tray or on the elastic band, then this slimy coating will become a real “lullaby” for new colonies of parasites.
Important! If you are reading this article, the trouble has already happened. Therefore, first inspect the drum inside and out (rubber cuff). Stains are perfectly hidden on the rim of the hatch in the folds of the seal and deep in the detergent compartment. An unpleasant smell will also help you find mold. By determining the location of the mold, you can choose a method of struggle.
What to do to clean your car
Before you get rid of mold, you need to deprive it of comfortable conditions. To fight the enemy, tough measures are needed – high temperature, dryness and an acidic environment. To wash the machine, respectively, you will need acid, high-temperature washing and long drying.
To clear the SMA, proceed as follows:
- Set the maximum temperature: 90-95 degrees.
- Run the longest mode for several hours.
- Pour bleach with chlorine into the dispenser.
- When the water warms up to the maximum, stop the wash and leave the machine for a couple of hours – the cleaning is started, the active components need time.
- Run the program.
- Wait for the CM to complete the cycle.
- Then, in order to additionally clean all the “insides” of the washer, pour several glasses of table vinegar (9-11%) into the cuvette and start the rinse mode.
- Open the hatch, wipe down all the parts, take out the dispenser tray and dry the CMA to death.
Important! Do not pour bleach along with vinegar – such a mixture can harm “delicate” details.
To completely remove mold from appliances, you will need more than just a few of these cleanings. It is necessary to completely deprive the fungus of the chances of survival by taking away heat, moisture and mucus from it. What to do – you know. Next, let’s talk about prevention.
Prevention
You already know how to clean mold. But eliminating the pest is not enough, you need to prevent it from returning. To do this, carry out a set of activities:
- Wipe the drum and cuff after each use of the washer.
- Take out the powder dispenser, wash it and dry it.
- Don’t forget wet laundry in the drum.
- Every month, start the mode with the maximum temperature mark (boiling) and pour the “harmful” powder with bleach into the dispenser. You can turn on the technique without underwear, if the model allows.
- Once every six months, clean the equipment with “folk” means – vinegar or citric acid. These substances have a double beneficial effect: they kill the fungus and eliminate scale.
Important! To clean the car, take 1000 ml of vinegar or 400 g of acid. Run a wash with a temperature above 60 degrees.
- Try to use air conditioners less often.
- Start regular cleaning of hoses, drain and fill filters.
Mold Remedies: Professional and Homemade
All you have to do is find the best mold repellent. You already know how vinegar and citric acid work, we will consider the possibility of using other folk and factory remedies.
Soda
Suitable for cleaning any surfaces from stains and dirt, including the drum from mold. Unlike other products, soda is always on hand or in the nearest hardware store.
White
“Whiteness” – the legendary bleach, which the hostesses of the CIS countries have found a lot of areas for use. Today, when there are more gentle and mild bleaches, “Whiteness” is used to clean surfaces. Use this recipe:
- take 1000 ml of vinegar;
- the same amount of “Whiteness”;
- mix liquids;
- pour into a cuvette;
- start “long” and “hot” mode.
Washing powder
It is used mainly as a prophylactic. The composition of the classic loose washing powder includes bleaches that perfectly kill the fungus. If you are washing with liquid shampoos and gels without bleach, use regular, cheap, dry detergent.
Kaneyo
A Japanese-made product to combat plaque, mold and dirt. Available in 0,55 liter bottles – this is enough to clean SMA with a drum up to 9 kg. The cost is 350-400 rubles.
country
Another one from Japan. It is produced in the form of tablets, has high efficiency and is distinguished by an affordable price: 120 rubles for 10 pieces.
HG
Dutch powder for cleaning washing machines from traces of mold. In a pack of 0,162 liters – this is enough for a SM with a capacity of up to 7 kg. If you have a load of 8, 9, 11 or more kg, it is better to buy 2 packs. The price “bites” – 600 rubles per piece.
Important! Experts lean towards professional chemistry and categorically do not recommend the use of whiteness, acids or Coca-Cola.
Choose the right “chemistry” and eliminate the mold immediately – it is dangerous both for your health and for machine parts.