How to Prevent Mould in Your Washing Machine
Mould in a washing machine is a common problem, especially in front-loading machines. It causes unpleasant musty smells that transfer to clean clothes — defeating the purpose of washing them. The good news is that mould is almost entirely preventable with a few simple habits. Here's what to do.
Why Front Loaders Are More Susceptible to Mould
Front-loading washing machines use an airtight rubber door seal (gasket) that traps moisture after every wash. If the door is kept closed between washes, the damp dark interior creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow. Top loaders are less prone because their larger opening allows faster drying.
7 Steps to Prevent Washing Machine Mould
1. Leave the Door Open After Every Wash
This is the single most effective prevention step. After removing your laundry, leave the door open (at least slightly ajar) for a few hours to allow the drum and door seal to dry out. Even cracking the door a few centimetres is enough to allow airflow.
2. Wipe the Door Seal After Every Wash
The rubber door gasket on a front loader is the number one mould hotspot. After each wash, use a dry cloth to wipe the inside of the gasket, paying particular attention to the bottom fold where water collects. Take 30 seconds to do this and you'll dramatically reduce mould risk.
3. Leave the Detergent Drawer Open
The detergent dispenser drawer also stays damp. Leave it pulled out between washes to allow it to dry. Remove it completely every few weeks and rinse it under warm water to remove detergent residue and any early mould growth.
4. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Too much detergent creates a soapy residue inside the drum that feeds mould. Use the correct dose for your water hardness and load size — typically less than you think. Use HE-formula detergent in a front loader.
5. Use Hot Wash Cycles Regularly
Running a cycle at 60°C or higher periodically kills mould spores and bacteria inside the drum. Aim for at least one hot wash per week. Many machines have a dedicated drum clean cycle — use this monthly.
6. Run a Monthly Drum Clean Cycle
Use a washing machine cleaning tablet (Calgon, Finish) or 250ml of white vinegar in the drum clean cycle. This removes detergent residue and kills mould at the source. Follow with a cycle using 100g of baking soda in the drum (not the drawer) for deodorising.
7. Don't Leave Wet Laundry in the Machine
Wet laundry sitting in a closed machine creates intense humidity that promotes rapid mould growth. Remove laundry as soon as the cycle ends.
How to Remove Existing Mould
If mould has already established in the door seal, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use an old toothbrush to scrub the gasket thoroughly. Rinse well and run an empty hot cycle. For heavy mould, diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is effective but should be rinsed away thoroughly.
When Mould Is Too Persistent
If mould keeps returning despite cleaning and prevention steps, the gasket may need replacing. Replacement door seals are available for most machines and can be fitted by a technician or confident DIYer. If the machine itself is ageing and causing ongoing problems, consider a replacement. Oceania Appliances stocks quality second-hand and refurbished front loaders with fresh seals and no mould issues, backed by our 3–6 month warranty.