Mold can be a serious problem in any home, but it can be especially dangerous in the kitchen. One place you might not expect to find mold is in your dishwasher, but if it’s not properly cleaned and maintained, it can become a breeding ground for harmful spores. Here are some tips on how to get rid of mold in your dishwasher and keep it clean.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that thrives on moisture and organic matter. It is most often found in damp places with poor ventilation, such as basements and bathrooms, but it can also grow inside dishwashers that aren’t maintained.
Can mold make you sick?
Mold is not itself toxic, but the spores it produces can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. For that reason, people with allergies or asthma should be especially careful to remove it from their dishwashers.
How do you know if you have a moldy dishwasher?
If you notice any of the following signs, there is a good chance that your dishwasher has mold:
- A pungent or musty smell coming from your dishwasher.
- Dark gray or black spots that look like rust inside the washer.
- Food particles are not cleaned off dishes. If they’re sticking, there’s a good chance the dishwasher is dirty.
- A build up of limescale around the washer’s rubber door gasket or seals on the inside of the machine.
What causes mold in the dishwasher?
Mold requires three things to grow: heat, moisture, and organic material. If your dishwasher meets all of these requirements, it will likely have a problem with mold. Here are some additional factors that can contribute to the presence of mold in your machine:
- A faulty or damaged water pump can cause issues with drainage and lead to a buildup of water.
- Inefficient detergents do not clean dishes as well, leaving food particles on the inside of the machine.
- A broken or missing water softener adds more minerals to the water that can collect and provide a home for mold spores.
- A dirty dishwasher has food particles for mold to feed on, so keeping it clean is essential.
How To Get Mold Out of Dishwasher
Sanitize the Gasket
Before you can get rid of mold in your dishwasher, it’s important to sanitize the gasket. This is a rubber ring that seals the door and should be removed from time to time for a deep clean. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove any dirt or grime that has built up around or on top of the gasket.
It’s also a good idea to get in between the door and the dishwasher with a toothbrush to get rid of any bits that may be hard to reach once it is replaced.
Clean Out the Filter
Another area that can become a breeding ground for mold in your dishwasher is the filter. This part catches food and other particles from the water, which can then produce mold if not properly cleaned. Take out the filter and clean it with soapy water before popping it back in.
Dry Out Your Dishwasher
After you’ve taken care of any areas where mold might be able to grow, make sure your dishwasher is dry. Mold spores can’t grow on surfaces that are completely dried off and clean.
Once the inside of your machine is dry, put a cup of white vinegar in the detergent area and run it through a cycle with no dishes inside. This will help kill any mold that could have grown inside by exposing it to the vinegar’s acidity.
Physically Scrub Off the Mold
Now that you’ve eliminated any water, food, and moisture that might promote the growth of mold in your dishwasher, use a scrubbing brush to get rid of it. Make sure all surfaces are cleaned to prevent any future mold growth.
Rinse with Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Another helpful way to kill any mold that might have grown in your dishwasher is by using baking soda and white vinegar. Add 1 cup of each to the detergent tray first before adding water. Once it’s running, let it sit for several hours or overnight to ensure that all parts are exposed to the chemicals.
Wash Your Dishwasher Regularly
The key to preventing mold growth is to keep everything clean, dry, and free from food particles. Wash the inside of your dishwasher with soap at least once a month to prevent build up. There are also tablets available at most grocery stores for regular cleaning as well.
FAQ
If you have dishes in the dishwasher, will this still kill mold?
No. The water and vinegar mixture should be added before any detergent.
What if I don’t want to run my dishwasher with all of these chemicals inside?
You could try running a few cycles with just baking soda and hot water instead. While it’s not as effective at killing mold as white vinegar, it’s safer than leaving your machine running overnight with vinegar and baking soda inside.
Why do I need to run a cycle with vinegar and baking soda if there are no dishes in the dishwasher?
Mold is killed off when it’s exposed to acidic or basic materials. The vinegar acts as an acidic source while the baking soda is a basic source, so they work together to clean out any mold that may have developed in your dishwasher.
How often does my dishwasher need cleaning?
It depends on how many dishes you put into it each day and whether or not you use rinse aid. If none of these factors apply to you, then once per month should be sufficient for a thorough scrub down.
Conclusion
Dishwashers can be breeding grounds for mold if not properly cleaned and maintained. By following the tips in this article, you can get rid of any existing mold and take steps to prevent it from growing in the future.