You did it!

You finally took the leap and cleaned your Washing machine (and if you didn’t, now’s the time!) Now that it’s clean, keep it that way. These 4 easy tips will help to prevent any future mold, mildew, or grime from growing in your washing machine:

1. Remove wet clothes promptly. 

Leaving wet clothes in the machine can lead to mold and mildew growth. If your machine doesn’t have an automatic buzzer when the load is completed, set a timer to go off approximately when the cycle ends. If you don’t know the exactly how long the cycle takes, set the timer for an hour. After you’ve used the timer tactic a few times, you should be able to narrow down how the long the cycle will actually take and have an accurate amount of time on the timer.

2. Leave the door open after washing.

Closing the door of the machine after the cycle is complete traps in the moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Whether you have a front-loading or top-loading washing machine, it’s important to let it air out. Safety Tip: If you have small children or pets in your home, be careful that they are not able to crawl in the open door. Be sure to check in the basin before closing the door after it airs out.

3. Dry out the soap dispenser drawer.

If you have a soap or soften drawer that gets wet during the washing process, take it out and allow it to dry when not in use. Only replace back in the washer when you’re sure it’s thoroughly dry. You could leave it out for a few minutes before replacing, or just leave it out until you start your next load.

4. Don’t over do it on detergent.

Using too much detergent can leave extra residue along the walls of your washing machine. Soap residue can fade colors, attract more dirt, and lead to bacteria build-up. Be sure to check the packaging of your detergent to determine the correct amount for each load. Bonus: you’ll save money since you won’t need to buy as much detergent.

There you have it— 4 easy ways to avoid mold and mildew from coming back in your washing machine. Once you get into the habit of it, you won’t even notice what you’re doing. It you run into any plumbing problems in your laundry room or anywhere else in your home, you can count on Ben Franklin Plumbing. Our Punctual Plumbers are available to help you—day and night! Contact us today to schedule an appointment

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