Why is there mold in my dishwasher? And how to fix it?
Is your dishwasher beginning to look somewhat filthy?
Is there a foul smell coming out of it?
Look closely at the outside and inside, and if possible, cautiously remove the lower part of the dishwasher.
You might find that mold has grabbed hold.
This isn’t just unsavory but could also be dangerous to your well-being.
A dishwasher is a helpful household appliance that requires regular upkeep.
Mold loves dampness and darkness, which means that the ideal circumstances for mold growth are produced when there is no air ventilation.
A good amount of moisture inside a closed space and a food source to live on – which could be little food particles left inside the dishwasher.
So any dishwasher provides a favorable breeding ground for mold.
This blog will describe the steps you can take to spot and get rid of mold colonies in your dishwasher.
Signs of mold in your dishwasher
Firstly, you must determine whether there is mold in your dishwasher or just built-up muck.
Mold can be hazardous, so better wear gloves and goggles when handling moldy parts of your dishwasher.
Look for stains and foul buildup.
You will probably also feel a stale smell.
If there are food particles left in your dishwasher, then mold will start spreading fast on it within a couple of days.
You might as well find that grime has developed along rubber gaskets or in the corners.
Detach any removable parts from your dishwasher’s interior and inspect them carefully for any signs of mold.
The dishwasher filter will probably have some accumulated grime, but this may not be actual mold, only dirt collected over time.
However, if you notice black coloration or a musty odor, you can assume that there is mold on it.
If you are uncertain, you can always get help from an expert to evaluate the situation.
Related Reading: Best Dishwasher under 700 dollars – Click Here To Read More.
Causes of mold
Microorganisms like mold and bacteria only need a couple of essential elements to survive and thrive.
It includes moisture, warmth, organic substances, and darkness.
Your dishwasher provides all these ingredients, so it is pretty common to see mold growing in your dishwasher.
You might think, “Shouldn’t the high temperatures and cleaning detergents be enough to wipe out the unwanted mold?“
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Molds can endure the whole dishwashing cycle – hot temperatures, chemicals, and everything.
Moreover, many dishwashing cleaners contain salts that mold and yeasts like to feed on.
There are a lot of different kinds of molds, each with its characteristics and liking.
Some types spread over the rubber parts or around the drain seal, while others prefer growing around leftover food particles.
Can you get sick due to dishwasher mold?
Letting mold grow to uncheck inside your household dishwasher can endanger your and your family’s health.
Mold exposure can result in various symptoms for people of all ages.
Specific individuals are susceptible to mold, which might cause :
- Stuffiness in the nasal cavity
- Throat or eye inflammation
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Skin irritation.
Some people have mold allergies that could result in even more extreme reactions.
Older adults, young children, and people with weak immune systems are most vulnerable to sickness, which can be caused by exposure to mold.
People who have compromised immune systems and people with chronic lung diseases can get a severe infection when they are time and again exposed to mold.
People with diabetes or any patient who takes antibiotics are at a greater risk of contracting mold-related infections.
Suppose any person in your family falls into one of these high-risk groups.
Then it becomes even more necessary to take extra steps to prevent mold growth in your dishwasher.
How to get rid of mold in a dishwasher?
To control the growth of mold in the dishwasher, you must focus on doing three things:
- Cleaning
- Disinfecting
- Ventilating.
Do not use bleach.
As bleach might ruin the heating probes inside the dishwasher, it will not be able to fully dry your dishes, leaving water droplets on their surface.
This will create a perfect humid environment for mold to keep growing.
Instead, mix baking soda and vinegar, which can kill up to 82% of mold and 99% of bacteria.
Mix small quantities of vinegar and baking soda until the mixture becomes a foamy paste.
Scrub the dishwasher using a dish scrubbing brush, primarily focusing on the remote regions and small recesses inside the dishwashing chamber.
A toothbrush can also be used to reach smaller spaces more effectively.
Once you are done cleansing.
You can fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray it on the interior walls or have a full cup of vinegar placed on the top rack of the dishwasher before running it through a regular cycle.
When the cycle is finished, leave the dishwasher door open to let the inside chamber dry completely.
Maintenance tips for preventing dishwasher mold
Here are some more tips for preventing the growth of mold in the dishwasher:
- Clean your dishwasher thoroughly at least once every month.
- When cleaning, mainly focus on the rubber parts, including the seal along the edges, as these are ideal locations for mold growth.
- The dishwasher door should be kept slightly open when not in use to provide air circulation, which keeps the dishwasher’s interior dry.
- Get a hold of the humidity levels in your kitchen; if the humidity is under 60%, you are on the safe side. Along with using exhaust fans for proper ventilation, installing an air conditioner or a dehumidifier also helps control the humidity in your kitchen.
Related Reading: Build Kitchen Island With Sink And Dishwasher – Read More
Sum It Up
Mold can seriously reduce your dishwasher’s performance and lifespan and put your health at risk.
Remember that regular cleaning and prevention methods are the only ways to address the mold problem effectively.
