How to remove mould and limescale from washing machine with clean’s ‘best’ method

Mould and limescale not only makes your washing machine filthy, but it can also cause the appliance to give off an unpleasant odour.

Although laundry may emerge stain-free, the washed-off dirt can build up inside the mechanisms, along with residue from cleaning products.

Mould and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments like washing machines. If you don’t clean your washing machine regularly, mould and mildew can build up and cause a musty smell.

Limescale can cause blockages throughout your washing machine, and a large amount of soap scum may build up as a result of using excessive amounts of laundry detergent to combat the effects of hard water leading to a smelly appliance.

To put an end to this, Hyacinth Tucker, owner of The Laundry Basket LLC, has given her “best way to remove mould and limescale from washing machines”.

Hyacinth’s approach is “simple yet effective” in keeping washing machines clean and running smoothly.

She recommends mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and then generously spraying this solution inside the washing machine, focusing on areas with mould and limescale buildup, like the detergent drawer and rubber door seal.

The expert said: “Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen the mould and limescale. Next, scrub these areas with an old toothbrush or sponge dipped in the vinegar solution.”

After a light scrub, wipe down the entire interior of the washing machine with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of MaidForYou also recommends white vinegar for the task as it “dissolves” the buildup. 

She said: “When it comes to removing limescale buildup in our client’s washing machines. We opt for a thorough wipe-down of the interior with vinegar. The acid essentially dissolves limescale without causing damage to the metal washing machine drum.”

After wiping down the interior, throw your vinegar-soaked rags into the washing machine and run a cycle. Use the longest cycle with the highest temperature. 

Once that’s done, Delah said: “I run another regular cycle with just regular detergent and that always helps remove mould and limescale.”

Mould mostly presents itself in the rubber lining of your washing machine. Vinegar and a toothbrush is a “great cleaner to remove it”.

However, she warned that you might find that even after removing it the black and brown specs of discolouration will still remain. 

This “doesn’t mean that there is still mould present”. To remove the discolouration you may need to replace the rubber tubing.