Ants in the Washing Machine [Quick 2-step solution]

Sam McGilin

Sam McGilin

Hey there, I’m Sam McGilin, the person behind Pallentor. I have worked in the pest control industry for over 15 years. On this site, I share my knowledge so you can enjoy a pest-free home.

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Do ants just come out of your washing machine? Check out these few tips on how to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back:

Get rid of ants in your washing machine with this simple 2-step method

Step 1: Keep the ants from getting in

The first step is to keep ants from getting into your washing machine in the first place. Ants are fond of moisture and often drawn to laundry rooms. You can prevent ants by following these simple steps:

  • Identifying potential entry points. Pinpointing where the ants are coming in from is critical to preventing them from getting into your washing machine in the first place. Check for cracks and crevices around your laundry room, and caulk or seal any that you find. Also, it would help if you would keep the washing machine’s door closed when it’s not in use.
  • Cleaning up. Keep your laundry room clean and free of food and water sources that might attract ants. Again, ants attract moisture, so wiping up any spills in your laundry room can help keep them away. Be sure to clean up any detergent or fabric softener spills immediately, and don’t leave dirty dishes.
  • Keeping things dry. It is best to ensure that your clothes are completely dry before putting them away, and don’t leave your wet laundry in the machine for too long. Consider using a dehumidifier in your laundry room to help keep the air dry.

Step 2: Get rid of the ants that are already there.

If you already have ants in your washing machine, you’ll need to get rid of them before they cause any damage. Just follow these steps:

  • Use hot water and a little bit of dish soap. Hot water will kill the ants, and dish soap will help to break down their bodies so they can be easily rinsed away. Run the machine, then stop it after a few minutes and let the water sit for 15-30 minutes. It will give the hot water and dish soap time to work on the ants.
  • Put your clothes in the washing machine and let it run through a complete cycle. After the hot water and dish soap have had a chance to work on the ants, you can finish your laundry as usual. Put your next batch of clothes in the washing machine and let it run through a full cycle. The ants should be gone when you’re done.
  • Empty the washing machine and dry your clothes immediately. Once the cycle is done, empty the washing machine and dry your clothes immediately to prevent any mold or mildew from growing in the wet environment of your washing machine. As established, ants like moisture, so keeping things dry will do the trick.
  • Wipe the interior of your washing machine clean. Soap residue can also attract ants, so wipe the inside of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any that might be there.
  • Vacuum any ants that you see. If you see any ants crawling around, vacuum them up. It will help to get rid of any that have managed to get into your laundry room, and it will also help to keep them from coming back.
  • Prevent ants in the future. To prevent the ants from returning, follow back the tips in Step 1 and keep them away from getting into your laundry room in the first place. Remember to keep things clean and dry to stop them from returning.

By the way, read this article if you are having issues with ants coming in through the hardwood floor.