How to Remove Mold from Washing Machine

Why Washing Machines Get Moldy

It seems ironic that a machine designed to clean things can get moldy — but washing machines are the perfect environment for mold growth. They're warm, damp, and dark inside, with rubber seals and detergent residue that mold feeds on. Front-load washers are especially prone to mold in the door gasket. If your clothes come out smelling musty, your washing machine is likely the culprit.

What You'll Need

SOPAMI Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Heinz White Vinegar
Baking soda
RMR-141 Disinfectant (from the RMR bundle, for the gasket)
Microfiber cloths
Old toothbrush

Step 1: Clean the Door Gasket (Front-Load Washers)

The rubber door gasket is the most common place for mold to grow in front-load washers. It traps water, lint, and detergent residue after every wash.

Pull back the gasket folds and inspect for black mold spots.
Spray with white vinegar or RMR-141 Disinfectant. Let sit 5–10 minutes.
Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove mold from all the folds and crevices of the gasket.
Wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Repeat until all mold is gone.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Remove the detergent drawer completely (most pull straight out).
Soak in hot water with a splash of white vinegar for 30 minutes.
Scrub with a toothbrush to remove mold and detergent buildup from all compartments.
Rinse thoroughly and dry before replacing.

Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Drop a SOPAMI Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet directly into the drum (not the drawer). These tablets are specifically formulated to remove mold, odor, residue, and pet hair from the drum, pipes, and internal components.
Run the hottest, longest cycle available on your machine — usually a "drum clean," "tub clean," or "sanitize" cycle. If your machine doesn't have one, use the hottest regular cycle.
Run a second cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar poured directly into the drum. This rinses away any remaining residue and neutralizes odors.

Step 4: Wipe Down and Dry

After the cleaning cycles, wipe the drum interior with a clean microfiber cloth.
Leave the door and detergent drawer open to allow the machine to dry completely.

How to Prevent Washing Machine Mold

Leave the door open after every wash to allow the drum and gasket to dry
Wipe the gasket dry after every wash with a microfiber cloth
Use the correct amount of detergent — excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold
Run a SOPAMI cleaning tablet cycle monthly as preventive maintenance
Use HE detergent in HE machines — regular detergent creates excess suds and residue

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my front-load washer smell like mold?

Front-load washers are more prone to mold than top-loaders because the door seal traps water after every wash. The solution is to clean the gasket regularly, leave the door open after use, and run a monthly cleaning cycle with SOPAMI Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Run a cleaning cycle with a SOPAMI tablet once a month. Wipe the gasket and leave the door open after every wash. The 24-pack provides a full year's supply of monthly cleaning tablets.

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

Yes — bleach is effective at killing mold in washing machines. However, SOPAMI Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are specifically formulated for this purpose and are safer for the machine's components and seals than repeated bleach use.

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