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As temperatures in the UK continue to climb, it may be worth casting an eye over your washing machine, as the summer heat makes it considerably more susceptible to developing mould. Fungal spores thrive in humid conditions, and following a wash cycle, the drum and detergent drawers of a washing machine can remain damp for extended periods, accelerating mould growth.

Mould causes a slimy residue to accumulate inside the washing machine, which can lead to blockages and breakdowns, while also preventing clothes from being cleaned properly, leaving them with an unpleasant musty odour. Many people neglect washing machine maintenance under the assumption that it must be complicated, yet it is in fact remarkably straightforward. Marilee Nelson from cleaning company Branch Basics has revealed that the single most effective way to prevent mould is simply to leave the washing machine door ajar after each wash.

She explained: “Mould and mildew cannot grow in your front loader (or anywhere for that matter) without a food and water source. So, your first step is to remove the moisture from your washer by leaving the door open between washes.”

How to prevent mould in a washing machine

It may sound deceptively simple, but washing machines can remain damp for days following a laundry cycle, and leaving the door open allows all that excess moisture to dissipate.

Allowing dampness to linger on surfaces over prolonged periods will inevitably trigger mould growth, and any laundry detergent residue that remains moist can equally become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Simply remove all your clothes from the washing machine the moment a cycle finishes, then leave both the door and detergent drawer open.

This allows air to circulate more freely throughout the machine, enabling moisture to evaporate and all surfaces to remain dry — the single most effective method of keeping mould at bay.

How to deep clean a washing machine if it becomes mouldy

Should you spot any slimy residue or detect musty odours emanating from your washing machine, there’s no need to worry, as tackling mould can be surprisingly simple.

All you require is some distilled white vinegar, a natural cleaning agent widely available in most supermarkets. It contains acetic acid, which is well known for breaking down bacteria and mould spores.

Spray a generous amount of white vinegar onto the detergent drawer and around the inside of the rubber door seal. These areas are particularly susceptible to mould growth as they are enclosed spaces where soap and moisture tend to accumulate.

Leave the white vinegar to work on these surfaces for five minutes before wiping them down with a damp cloth. It can also prove beneficial to pour white vinegar directly into the detergent drawer, select a hot wash cycle, and run the machine empty to eliminate any remaining spores lurking inside.

Keep a watchful eye on your washing machine during the summer months, as the warmer temperatures make mould considerably more likely. However, provided you leave the door ajar and use white vinegar regularly, it should remain spotlessly clean.