Mold can cause a host of health problems including asthma, increased susceptibility to flu and colds, and sinus infections. Because mold thrives in damp conditions, it can live in many places around your home such as the shower, under carpeting and wallpaper, in the basement and surprisingly even in your washing machine. Washer mildew can linger in your laundry room and transfer to your clothes, increasing your risk for mold-related health problems.

Asthma

People with asthma may have an increased sensitivity or allergy to mold that can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is an inflammation of the airways that makes breathing difficult and sends more than 2 million people to the emergency room every year.

For many people, inhaling mold can trigger severe asthma attacks. By itself, inhaled mold spores can irritate the respiratory system, so people with asthma should take additional measures to eliminate mold in their home by reducing moisture and humidity.

Flu And Colds; Sinus Infections

Inhaled mold spores can wreak havoc on your respiratory system. Inflammation of the sinuses, irritated lungs, sore throat, runny nose and irritated eyes cause the body’s immune system to work overtime to help heal these areas. A weakened immune response and a weakened respiratory system can make you more susceptible to catching colds and the flu.

These same symptoms can increase your risk for chronic sinus infections, especially if you have prolonged exposure to mold, as with washer mildew and mold hidden under your carpeting.

To help prevent mold-related health problems, it may be necessary to have your home inspected for mold and thoroughly cleaned. Then take steps to reduce moisture and humidity to prevent mold from returning.

Washer Mildew

Places like the basement and shower carry a moldy stigma, but most people overlook one of mold’s favorite places to hide: the washing machine. The washing machine actually is an ideal place for mold to thrive if not properly maintained.

Since mold loves water, one of the main causes of washer mildew is residual water. As a rule of thumb, always leave the lid or door ajar to allow water to evaporate.

Detergent and fabric softener mistakes are often a common cause of washer mildew. Using too much detergent, especially in new high efficiency machines, causes excess suds that lead to mold. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and measure carefully. Likewise, liquid fabric softener leaves a residue behind that mold can grow in. Switch to dryer sheets instead.

Use A Washer Cleaner

To eliminate and prevent washer mildew, use a washer cleaner such as Smelly Washer up to twice a month. This washer cleaner uses all-natural ingredients to safely and effectively remove mold, odor and fungus from your washing machine.

You can also use Smelly Washer cleaner mixed with water in a spray bottle to remove mold in your tub and shower, and even your canvas boat and grill covers.

Let’s just answer this one right out of the gate. YES! Mold, mildew, and fungus can be harmful to your health. Mold is a growth of fungi that lives and feeds off an organic matter in moist conditions. Damp clothes left in your washer, residual water, lint, hair, and detergent suds can all lead to an infestation of washer mildew.

Washer mildew is not only a source of embarrassment due to its offensive odor, it can also be a source of illness for children and those who are sensitive.

Not only can washer mildew live in your washer, but it can also transfer to your “clean” clothes while they are being washed. This is why your towels and clothes may come out smelling worse than when they went in.
This “hitchhiker” mold stays on your clothes throughout the day and can transfer into your body through inhalation or skin contact. For children, it may be ingested orally if they chew on blankets or clothing.

Health Effects & Symptoms

The severity of a reaction to mold and mildew can vary from person to person and greatly depends on the type, amount, and duration of exposure. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems or known respiratory illnesses are the most susceptible.

Reactions to mildew can be as mild as sneezing, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes, which are often the same as a reaction to other various other allergens. Inhaled mildew can also cause an irritated throat and lungs. More severe reactions may mimic flu-like symptoms including headaches, fatigue, nausea, and an inability to concentrate caused by neurological problems.

Eliminate Washer Mildew

If you know you have a problem with mildew in your washing machine and are experiencing health problems, it’s time to take control. A washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, uses all natural, safe ingredients to effectively eliminate and prevent mildew, odor, and fungus in your washing machine.

A washer cleaner should be used in your washer with no clothes on the machine’s hottest or “clean” cycle. For more stubborn mildew, allow the solution to soak (up to overnight) before running the cycle. Smelly Washer can be used up to twice a month to inhibit the future growth of mildew.

After your washing machine is free of mildew, use Smelly Washer to remove the mildew from your clothes. Simply add 1 tablespoon of the washer cleaner to a load of laundry using hot water. Allow the load to soak for 2 hours, and then complete the cycle.

You can use Smelly Washer to eliminate and prevent mildew from growing in other places around your house as well. Mix with a gallon of hot water to pour down drains and disposals and mix with a spray bottle of hot water to remove mildew on shower walls, tubs, and canvas boat and grill covers.