Let’s be honest — cleaning your appliances isn’t always your top priority, especially for the appliances that do the cleaning. But did you know that neglecting this task can lead to serious issues like mold and mildew buildup?
These sneaky invaders can thrive in your washing machine, dishwasher, and even your refrigerator, causing unpleasant odors, health risks, and damage to your appliance — yuck! But don’t worry; Dick Van Dyke Appliance World is here to help you keep these unwelcome “guests” out!
The Dangers of Mold & Mildew in Appliances
Mold and mildew are more than unsightly — they can cause severe problems if left unchecked. Here’s why it’s essential to address them in your appliances:
- Health Risks: Mold and mildew release spores that can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, especially those with asthma or weakened immune systems.
- Appliance Performance: When mold and mildew build up in your appliances, they can interfere with how well they work, leading to longer cleaning cycles, poor cleaning results, and even higher energy bills as your appliances struggle to function efficiently.
- Damage to Appliances: Over time, mold and mildew can cause significant damage to the internal components of your appliances, which can lead to costly repairs or an appliance replacement altogether!
Appliances to Watch For
It’s easy to overlook the everyday appliances that can harbor moisture, but ignoring them could lead to bigger problems. If you want to keep your home safe and your appliances in top shape, here are the ones that need a little extra attention:
- Washing Machines: Front-load washers are known for trapping moisture in the door seals, drum, and detergent dispensers, making them a common spot for unwanted growth.
- Dishwashers: With all that moisture and food residue, dishwashers can quickly become a breeding ground for issues. Pay close attention to the door seals, filters, and any hidden nooks where water tends to linger.
- Refrigerators: You might not expect it, but the seals around the doors, crisper drawers, and even the water dispenser in your fridge can harbor dampness, especially if spills go unnoticed.
- Built-In Coffee Makers: These appliances, often integrated into cabinetry, are another area to watch. The warm, damp environment inside the water reservoir and tubing can encourage growth if not cleaned regularly.
- Microwaves: After heating food, the leftover steam can lead to problems if not wiped away. Focus on corners, door seals, and vents where moisture collects.
- Dryers: While dryers remove moisture from clothes, the lint trap and exhaust vents can become damp and warm, providing the right conditions for trouble.
- Ice Makers: Whether part of your refrigerator or a standalone unit, ice makers can trap moisture in water lines and ice storage bins, especially if there’s stagnant water!
Seeing the Signs
Not sure if your appliances are harboring mold and mildew? Sometimes, the signs aren’t obvious, but catching them early can save you a lot of trouble!
- Visible Growth: Spotting dark or discolored patches around seals, in drawers, or on surfaces? That’s a clear sign that mold has already settled in.
- Musty Odors: If your appliances are giving off a musty or earthy smell, especially when used, it’s a strong indicator that mold or mildew lurks inside.
- Poor Performance: Is your dishwasher not cleaning as well as it used to? Or is your washing machine leaving clothes smelling less than fresh? Mold and mildew might be to blame, impacting your appliances’ efficiency.
- Unexplained Health Symptoms: Experiencing more frequent respiratory issues, headaches, or allergies? Mold and mildew in your appliances could be the hidden cause, affecting your indoor air quality.
Keeping the Ick at Bay
Thankfully, preventing mold and mildew in your appliances doesn’t have to be a great challenge — with a few simple habits, you can keep the ick at bay!
- Regular Cleaning: For washing machines, run a hot water cycle with white vinegar or a specialized washer cleaner every month. For dishwashers, clean the filter and run a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner regularly. And don’t forget to wipe down seals, clean out detergent dispensers, and regularly remove any debris or buildup.
- Keep Things Dry: Leave the doors of your washing machine and dishwasher open after use to allow air circulation. For refrigerators, do the opposite! Make sure everything seals up tight by wiping the door seals with a cloth after cleaning any spills or leaks inside.
- Enhance Airflow: Use moisture absorbers (or a similar product) near your washing machine or inside your refrigerator to help reduce humidity levels. Dehumidifiers placed near appliances that tend to trap moisture can also help prevent mold in the first place!)
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect your appliances for leaks or standing water, particularly under the sink where the dishwasher is connected, around the fridge, and behind the washing machine. Even a small leak can create the perfect environment for mold.
Pro Tip:
Another way to prevent mold buildup is to schedule regular maintenance checks with an appliance tech (like our team) so they can inspect and clean the internal components to prevent mold-friendly conditions from occurring!
Go, Pros!
While regular maintenance can prevent mold and mildew from becoming a problem, there are times when it’s best to bring in the experts! For more severe mold infestations or persistent issues, DIY methods might not be enough to fully eliminate the mold (regular cleaning might spread the spores!), so it’s best to let a technician inspect the appliance and identify the root cause.
And if your appliance has damage, like corrosion, warping, or breakdowns in performance (or you have a built-in appliance), it’s best to leave it to appliance techs like us at Dick Van Dyke Appliance World ! So, don’t let your appliances give you the creepy crawlies — set up an appointment today!