Causes of Washer Odor

Internal Washer Mold - A Look Inside Your Washer

washer air hose covered in mold

All front and top-load washers have a design limitation that allows water to pool in the bottom of the drum and internal drain hose. The pooling water raises the relative humidity inside the washer to levels ideal for mold to form and grow.

Plus, using too much detergent per wash load and using any liquid fabric softener feeds the mold and adds to the odor problem.

If you have a smelly machine and foul-smelling clean laundry the internal parts of your washer are teeming with mold.

Internal washer mold - the perfect storm

Misinformation abounds on the internet and traditional media on the cause of washer odor and its remedies. The smell in fresh laundry is caused by several mold strains growing inside your washer.

Numerous factors create a breeding ground for mold and odor:

Excessive humidity
Adding too much detergent for each load of wash
Using liquid fabric softener

Visible mold on the external parts of a washer is minor compared to the internal odor causing mold. Using the washing machine’s cleaning cycle won’t eliminate the odor because cleaners, either pre-packaged or liquid bleach, come into contact with the odor-causing mold for only a few seconds.

Washer Fan™ is a revolutionary product that changes the environment of your washer by mechanically circulating air in your washer’s drum to quickly reduce the high humidity to the humidity level of your laundry area. Washer Fan uniquely compensates for the design limitations found in every brand and style of washer by reducing excessive humidity in your washer’s drum. The elimination of excessive humidity while following our Use & Care Instructions will permanently eliminate your washer odor – Guaranteed!

washers with thunder storm inside.

Mold Strains are Found in a Washer’s Internal Drain Hose

Internal drain hose of washing machine full of mold.

The Washer Fan team had the mold inside an internal drain hose analyzed by an independent lab and the following strains of mold were identified:

1) Stachybotrys Chartarum (CF2-125mu)
2) Xerophilic Fungi (2 Strains)

- Penicillum (CF2-40Kmu)

- Aspergillus (CF2-25Kmu)

There may be other strains of mold present in your washer besides those listed. These results are not certified and are for informational use only.

Mold is detrimental to your health especially for anyone with a compromised immune system. These results are not intended for use in formulating medical recommendations or guidelines. Consult a physician with questions regarding mold and bacteria and their adverse impact on health.