If you catch a whiff of musty odor from your clean laundry, it’s time to check the seal on your washing machine door. The flexible seal around the door might have water and residue trapped inside, causing odors on everything that gets passed through.

Learn more about what’s causing the odor and how to clean your washing machine seal so the problem doesn’t continue

The One Part of Your Washing Machine You’re Forgetting to Clean

Call it a seal, gasket, or door boot, but we’re talking about the flexible piece of rubber around the lid of a top-loading washer or the door of a front-loading washing machine. The seal is there to help prevent leaks during the washer’s cleaning cycles.

When the washer is in use, water, laundry product residue, and body soil land in the folds of the seal. If the seal is not allowed to dry thoroughly after each laundry session and cleaned at least monthly, the warm, humid environment inside the washer is the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold to form.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine’s Seal

1. Mix a solution of 1 part warm water and 1 part distilled white vinegar in a small bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge in the solution.
2. Use the dampened cloth or sponge to thoroughly wipe around edges, seams, folds, and all sides of the rubber seal. Use your fingers to gently stretch the seal to reach hidden crevices.
3. Dip an old toothbrush or small, nylon-bristle bottle brush in the vinegar solution to reach tight spots.
4. Use a dry microfiber towel to remove the cleaning solution, ensuring the seal is completely dry.

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How to Maintain a Washing Machine

Every washing machine should have an overall cleaning at least every three months to remove trapped body soil, laundry product residue, and water mineral buildup. If you wash heavily soiled or greasy clothes, clean your washer monthly to remove odors and prevent soil from redepositing on your laundry.

Start with an empty washer. If you have dispenser drawer(s), consult your washer’s online manual on how to remove them.

Fill a sink or bucket with hot water and allow the drawer components to soak for 10 minutes to remove traces of accumulated products. Rinse well. Dip a small soft-bristled brush in a 1:1 water and vinegar or water and chlorine bleach solution to clean the drawer opening on the washer to remove residue and any mold. Replace the dispenser drawer.

Clean the door and seal as recommended above. Finally, use a commercial washer cleaner, 2 cups of distilled white vinegar, or 1 cup of chlorine bleach and hot water for a complete cleaning. Add your selected cleaner directly to the washer drum. Many washers have a cleaning cycle or use the longest wash cycle, and be sure hot water is selected.

While the washer is running a cleaning cycle, wipe down the outside of the machine to remove dust and grime. When the cycle is complete, open the door and dry the door seal. Leaving the door open, open the dispenser drawer, and allow the machine to air dry.

4 Other Things That Make Clothes Mildewy

It’s not just a moldy washing machine seal that can leave clothes smelling sour or like mildew. Here are some other common culprits.

Tossing Wet Items in the Hamper

Leaving wet or damp items like gym wear or towels in the hamper for several days gives mildew fungus plenty of time to grow and cause odor. If you can’t wash wet things right away, hang them to air dry before adding them to the hamper.

Storing Damp Clothes

Whether the clothes are freshly washed or damp from rain, storing them in a dark closet or drawer can cause mildew growth. This applies to shoes and boots as well as clothes.

Keep in mind that mildew spreads from one garment to the next, especially if there are stains from food. Allow laundry, shoes, and clothes to dry completely before you store them.

Leaving Towels in a Heap

Add plenty of towel bars to your bathroom so damp towels can be spread out smoothly to dry more quickly. Even if you hang them up from a hook, the bunched-up fabric can take too long to dry and allow mildew to form. Use your bathroom exhaust fan to speed drying.

Leaving Dry Cleaning in the Plastic Bag

Dry cleaning is a misnomer because there is a liquid cleaning solution used in the process. Garments may still be damp when the cleaner puts a plastic bag over them to protect them until you can get home. Always remove the thin plastic bag immediately when you get home so the fabric can breathe and dry completely.

A patio is a wonderful addition to any home, providing a space for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. But weather conditions can cause mildew or algae. Let’s talk about how to clean the mildew and algae off your patio.

However, over time, patio slabs can become plagued with unsightly mildew and algae growth, particularly in shaded or damp areas. 

Algae on patio surfaces not only look unpleasant but can also create a slip hazard.

In this blog post, we’ll explore effective methods for removing mildew and algae from your patio, ensuring it remains a safe and inviting space.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Before starting the cleaning process, it’s important to have all the necessary supplies on hand. Here’s a handy list to get you prepared:

• Stiff-bristle brush or scrubbing brush
• Garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer
• Protective gloves and eyewear
• Broom or leaf blower
• Tarp or drop cloths to shield nearby areas

Cleaning agents

• Oxygen bleach, which is great for tackling mildew
• Algae remover specifically designed for patio surfaces
• White vinegar, a natural cleaning alternative
• Baking soda for those tough stains
• Chlorine bleach for the most stubborn mildew (just be careful with certain materials)

With these supplies, you’ll be ready to tackle any mildew or algae that has taken over your patio.

Preparing the Patio Area

Preparing your patio for cleaning is a straightforward but essential step. 

Start by moving all your furniture, potted plants, and decorative items to another spot. This will give you clear access to every inch of your patio and protect your belongings from any potential damage. 

Next, grab a broom or a leaf blower to sweep away loose debris, leaves, and dirt.

To protect plants and nearby surfaces from cleaning agents, cover them with a tarp or drop cloth. This is particularly important if your patio is next to wooden decking or porous materials. 

Taking these preparatory steps will ensure that your cleaning process goes smoothly and that everything stays in great shape.

Cleaning Methods for Mildew

To get rid of mildew on your patio, start by mixing oxygen bleach with warm water according to the instructions on the package. 

Wearing gloves and protective eyewear, apply the solution to the mildew-infested areas using a stiff-bristle brush. Focus on small sections at a time to ensure thorough coverage. 

Let the solution sit for about 10-15 minutes so it can break down the mildew effectively. After that, rinse the patio well with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any residue.

If you prefer a natural approach, a mixture of white vinegar and water works wonders for less severe mildew. Just apply it in the same manner and scrub away.

Dealing with Algae on Your Patio

Algae can make your patio look grimy and can even be slippery. 

If you’re dealing with light algae growth, start with a simple solution of water and baking soda. 

Sprinkle the baking soda over the algae, then scrub it with a stiff-bristle brush. This should break up the algae and make it easier to wash away.

For more stubborn patches, you’ll want to use an algae remover that’s specifically designed for patio surfaces. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and let the product sit for the recommended time. Afterward, scrub the area thoroughly with your brush to ensure all the algae is lifted.

Once you’ve scrubbed away the algae, rinse the area well with a garden hose or pressure washer. Make sure to get rid of all the cleaning solution to prevent any residue from affecting the patio’s appearance or feel.

Remember, consistent cleaning can prevent algae from taking over, so make this a regular part of your patio maintenance routine.

Preventive Measures

To keep your patio looking its best and free of mildew and algae, regular upkeep is essential. 

Start by sweeping your patio frequently to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris that can hold moisture and encourage growth. 

Address any drainage issues promptly—standing water is a major contributor to mildew and algae.

Think about how much shade your patio gets. If it’s heavily shaded by trees or bushes, consider trimming them back to allow more sunlight to reach the area. Sunlight helps to dry out moisture and discourages growth. 

If your patio is made from a porous material like concrete or sandstone, applying a sealant can provide an extra layer of protection.

Another tip is to move outdoor furniture and potted plants around occasionally. These items can trap moisture beneath them, creating ideal conditions for mildew and algae. By moving them, particularly out of shady areas, you allow those areas to dry out properly.

Consider setting a schedule for light cleanings using your preferred method. Whether it’s a quick scrub with a vinegar solution or a spray down with a hose, frequent maintenance can stop problems before they start. 

If you live in a particularly wet or humid climate, you might need to increase the frequency of these cleanings.

By staying proactive, you can enjoy a beautiful and safe patio year-round.

Removing Mildew and Algae from Your Patio

Cleaning your patio can seem like a big job, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

By gathering the right supplies and taking the time to prepare properly, you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling clean outdoor space. 

Regular upkeep will not only keep your patio looking great but also prevent mildew and algae from taking hold in the first place. 

Simple steps like sweeping often, addressing drainage issues, and allowing more sunlight to reach your patio can make a huge difference. Moving furniture and potted plants around occasionally will also help keep moisture from building up. 

By making these tasks part of your regular routine, you’ll maintain a beautiful, safe patio that enhances your outdoor living experience. 

So roll up your sleeves, get scrubbing, and enjoy your refreshed patio!

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