A washing machine that stands unused for months in a damp St Francis Bay house can develop smells, mould and leaks you only discover when it is full of holiday washing. Here is why it happens and a simple routine to prevent it.

Quick answer

Front loaders in damp, closed-up St Francis homes grow mould in the door seal, detergent drawer and tub because water and residue are trapped inside. Leave the door and drawer open when you lock up, clean the pump filter before leaving, close the tap, check hoses before each season and run a hot cleaning wash when you arrive.

Why holiday-home washing machines get mouldy

Front loading washing machines are sealed when the door is closed. After every wash, a little water stays behind: in the folds of the rubber door seal, in the detergent drawer, in the pump and at the bottom of the outer tub. Detergent and fabric softener residue stay too.

In a normal home, the machine is used regularly, so this moisture is flushed out before mould gets established. In a holiday home in St Francis Bay, the machine may be closed up for weeks or months in a house where humidity from the canals and sea is high and windows are shut. That is perfect for mould and bacteria.

What you find when you return

  • A musty, sour or sewer-like smell when you open the door
  • Black spots or slime in the door seal
  • Black or grey sludge in the detergent drawer
  • Clothes that smell even after washing
  • In bad cases, a torn door seal where mould has weakened the rubber

The lock-up routine

Five minutes before you leave the house prevents most of this.

1. Run the last wash early. Do not leave washing in the machine. Finish the last load a day or two before departure. 2. Wipe the door seal. Pull back the folds of the rubber seal and wipe out water, lint and hair with a dry cloth. 3. Leave the door open. Prop it open so air can circulate. If you worry about pets or children, wedge it slightly open. 4. Remove the detergent drawer. Rinse it, dry it and leave it out or open. 5. Clean the pump filter. Drain the remaining water and rinse the filter. Standing water in the pump goes stagnant and smells. 6. Close the tap. Turn off the water supply to the machine. If a hose fails while you are away, this prevents a flood. 7. Switch off at the wall. This protects against power surges while you are away.

The arrival routine

When you arrive back in St Francis:

1. Check for smells and mould. Look at the seal and drawer. 2. Check the hoses. Look for cracks, stiffness or bulges. Rubber perishes faster in damp, salty air. 3. Open the tap slowly and check the hose connections for drips. 4. Run a hot cleaning wash with a washing machine cleaner, or the machine's drum-clean programme, with no clothes in it. 5. Watch the first load. Make sure the machine fills, drains and spins normally and does not leak.

Dealing with existing mould

If mould is already established:

  • Clean the door seal with a cloth and a mild bleach solution or a mould cleaner, working into the folds. Rinse well.
  • Scrub the detergent drawer and its housing with an old toothbrush.
  • Run a hot cleaning cycle with a machine cleaner.
  • Repeat if needed.

If the seal is torn, cracked or permanently stained black, it should be replaced. A torn seal will leak, and mould embedded in the rubber will keep coming back.

Hoses and leaks

Leaks are the other big risk in holiday homes. A burst inlet hose under mains pressure can release a lot of water quickly, and in an empty house it can run for days. In St Francis homes with timber floors and built-in cabinetry, the damage can be serious.

  • Replace rubber inlet hoses every few years, or sooner if they look tired.
  • Braided stainless steel hoses are more durable.
  • Always close the tap when you leave.
  • Consider a water leak sensor with phone alerts if your laundry is near living areas.

Detergent tips for humid homes

  • Use less detergent than you think. Excess detergent is a major food source for mould.
  • Use liquid fabric softener sparingly, or not at all. It leaves a waxy residue.
  • Run a hot wash at 60 degrees with towels or a cleaning cycle monthly when you are in residence.

Washer-dryers

If you have a washer-dryer, the same routine applies. Also clean the lint filter, if your model has one, and leave the door open after drying cycles.

When to call us

  • The door seal is torn or leaking
  • The machine trips the power
  • The pump hums but will not drain
  • The machine will not fill or start
  • Smells persist after cleaning

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to leave the washing machine door open while I am away?

Yes, and it is the best way to prevent mould. If you have pets or small children visiting, wedge it slightly open rather than fully.

How do I get rid of a bad smell in my front loader?

Clean the door seal and detergent drawer, clean the pump filter, then run a hot cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner. Repeat if necessary.

Should I turn off the tap to my washing machine when I leave?

Yes. It prevents a flood if a hose fails while the house is empty.

Apex HVAC is an independent company and is not affiliated with or authorised by any appliance manufacturer. This guide is general advice. For anything involving electricity or refrigerant gas, use a qualified technician.

Need a hand? See our washing machine repair service in St Francis Bay.