You must set up containment when cleaning up mold. The purpose of containment is to prevent mold spores and moldy dust from spreading into habitable areas. Containment always includes isolating the area and creating negative pressure by exhausting air from the space. In a small space like a laundry room, keep the door closed or hang plastic sheeting over the doorway. Keep all windows in the space closed except one. Put a fan in the open window, and operate the fan on exhaust. If there is no window in the laundry room and you are only cleaning surface mold, you can cover the doorway with plastic sheeting, and use a flexible, four-inch metal dryer hose and an in-line axial fan at the outside end of the hose to exhaust air from the space. The hose can extend under the plastic sheeting to the outside of the house. Using expanding foam or steel wool, seal any openings around pipes that lead to other spaces.

As long as they set up containment and wear PPE, and do not themselves have mold allergies, home occupants or trained maintenance personnel can clean a washing machine, though tools and mechanical skills may be required if the mold is not readily accessible. (If you are asthmatic or allergic to mold, consult a physician before tackling mold clean-up jobs.)

Professional remediators should deal with the following:

1. A washing machine that experienced major flooding.

Before You Begin Cleaning

Put on your PPE and set up containment. Clear the room out as much as you can before you begin to clean appliance surfaces.

Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner comes in concentrated packets.It is an oxygen-enzyme technology formulated for the cleaning and deodorization of mold andmildew stains on any porous or nonporous surface that is washable with water. Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner is biodegradable and eco friendly.It’s harmless to plants, contains no bleach or ammonia, and is non-flammable.It can be used safely in areas with limited ventilation.

Directions for use outdoors

Mix one packet of Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner with two gallons of warm water.Apply with a pump sprayer, sponge or pressure washer.For small, easy to reach areas, the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner can be sprayed on, scrubbed and washed off.For larger more difficult jobs, pressure washing may be an option.This can help to remove mold stains from driveways, block or brick walls, most siding, and even roof shingles if done carefully and correctly.

These are P-100 (particulate) respirators that, when used with appropriate cartridges, can also protect against Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Hydrogen Fluoride, Chlorine Dioxide, Ammonia, Methylamine and Formaldehyde.

Trask offers large and extra large size coveralls to protect from contact with Trask’s chemicals as well as mold spores and mold damaged materials.In some applications coveralls are not entirely necessary, but in any case where there are moldy materials that need to be removed, if work is being done in a tight area like an attic or crawlspace, or if chemicals must be sprayed up high or overhead, coveralls are essential.

These are Nitrile, powder free 4 mil examination gloves.Mold Inspectors use these when sampling for mold to avoid the cross contamination of testing equipment.These will protect the wearer from mold spores and most water based chemicals, however, work gloves may be necessary as well when cutting out or removing mold damaged materials, or when working in a crawlspace or an attic.

This is a safesplash goggle, made of soft vinyl, with indirect ventilation to prevent the intrusion of chemicals and particulates.

Place one or two disposable packets of an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide in the washing machine and run the appliance through a normal washing cycle. You can wipe any gaskets, as well as interior surfaces that will not be cleaned otherwise, with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide. Follow product directions for use.

Sometimes the outside washer drum needs to be treated with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide. Depending on the washing-machine model, this may require opening up the machine and using the product in a spray bottle (follow product directions). Lightly spray the outside drum of the appliance. Keep in mind that the drum may have to be rotated to treat all surfaces. If treatment of accessible surfaces and gaskets does not eliminate the odor, other components, like the rubber splash shield or tub ring seal, may have to be accessed by opening the cabinet top. You may need an appliance schematic and manufacturer’s directions to do this.

Don’t remove the containment until you are sure you have finished cleaning the washing machine.

If visible mold growth is present, see the section on cleaning mold in the Laundry Room.To disinfect nearby surfaces that mold spores may have spread to, spray mist or damp wipe nearby shelves and other surfaces with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide. As a precaution, HEPA vacuum surfaces in the room after you’ve finished cleaning the washing machine. (A HEPA vacuum contains a high efficiency particulate arrestance filter.) Do not use a conventional vacuum cleaner or a shop vacuum, because these vacuums emit mold spores and other irritants and allergens in their exhaust.

It’s difficult to prevent mold growth in a washing machine, because food sources (dust, soap scum, lint) and moisture are always present. But you can clean the appliance on a regular maintenance schedule to keep mold growth and musty smells at a minimum. Never keep the lid or door fully closed on a washer when the appliance is not in use. This is especially true of front-loading machines.