Honestly, seeing that fuzzy stuff is the worst feeling. I had a batch of cider go the same way once, just a total loss. That extra hot water rinse is totally key, I do the same thing now and it really does help. Such a bummer to lose all that work.
Feel your pain. That fuzzy mold is a real party pooper. Bet it looked like a science project gone bad. Hot water rinse is key, learned that the hard way myself. Now you got a funny story, at least.