Why Does Mould Love Your Washing Machine Seal?
Let’s be real—washing machines are supposed to clean your clothes, not become a thriving black mould habitat. But if you peek beneath the rubber seal (a.k.a. the gasket), you’ll often find this sneaky villain hanging out, thanks to the damp, dark, and warm environment it loves.
Mould on the seal doesn’t just look gross; it can cause that musty smell on your laundry and may even damage the rubber over time. So, tackling it isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about hygiene and keeping your machine chugging happily along.
Prep Like a Pro: Getting Ready to Tackle Mould
Before you dive into the scrubbing frenzy, suit up with rubber gloves. We’re entering chemical territory (depending on your chosen cleaner) and don’t want to mess with skin irritation or allergies. Make sure the drum’s empty to avoid surprise soggy socks, and grab these household heroes:
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush or small stiff brush
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or bleach (handle with care!)
- Dry towel
Scrubbing Away Mould: Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Step 1: Inspect and Remove Debris
Give the seal a keen eye—look for coins, lint, or stray threads. Pull back every fold to unearth any hidden dirt or black spots of mould. A dry cloth works wonders to wipe away loose grime before anything gets wet.
Step 2: Mix Your Cleaning Potion
For general cleaning and mild mould, mix warm water with some dish soap. It’s gentle but effective for regular maintenance. If the mould is playing hardball, whip up a paste with equal parts baking soda and bleach, or go easy with vinegar as a natural, less harsh alternative. Another option: a bleach solution made with 3/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of warm water.
And if you want to take a shortcut, commercial mould remover sprays exist—just be sure to test compatibility with your seal’s rubber and rinse thoroughly afterwards to avoid chemical residues on your laundry.
Step 3: Scrub Like You Mean It
Dip your toothbrush, sponge, or cloth into your cleaning mix and attack every inch of the seal—especially those pesky folds and crevices mould adores. For stubborn spots, slather on the baking soda-bleach paste and let it sit about 10 minutes, then scrub again. That tiny brush is your best friend for tight spots.
Step 4: Rinse and Refresh
Wipe off all the residue with a damp cloth, then crank up the freshness factor with an empty hot wash cycle (aim for 90°C if your machine is up to the task). Toss in a cup of white vinegar in the detergent drawer to zap remaining mould spores and funky smells. If you used bleach or strong cleaners, follow with a rinse cycle to clear out any leftover chemicals.
Step 5: Dry Like a Boss
Don’t leave that seal wet and waiting—grab a dry towel and give it a thorough wipe. And here’s the golden rule to prevent mould’s comeback tour: always leave the washing machine door open after use. Airflow is your secret weapon.
The Prevention Playbook: Keep Mould at Bay
Consensus among cleaning pros? Don’t wait for mould to throw a party in your gasket. Regular upkeep saves you from scrubbing marathons and weird smells. Here’s how to keep your seal sparkling:
- Schedule monthly cleanings or whenever you detect haze or odour
- After every wash, wipe the seal with a dry cloth to remove moisture and detergent residue
- Leave the door ajar in between washes to reduce dampness and air things out
Safety First: Handling Chemicals with Care
Bleach is powerful but not to be trifled with—never mix it with other cleaners and always check your washing machine’s manual for compatibility. If bleach makes you nervous, vinegar and baking soda are your eco-friendly allies, effective for mild mould and odours without chemical risks.
If mould looks aggressive or your seal shows cracks and damage, consider getting professional advice or replacing the gasket. Persistent or deep mould can actually degrade the rubber, so don’t ignore it.
Quick Reference: Cleaning Methods Cheat Sheet
| Method | Best For | How to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda + Bleach Paste | Tough mould spots | Apply paste, scrub, rinse, then run hot wash cycle | Wear gloves, ventilate well, don’t mix with other agents |
| White Vinegar | Mild mould & odours | Spray, scrub, hot wash cycle with vinegar | Gentler on rubber, eco-friendly |
| Commercial Mould Cleaner | Persistent/Hard mould | Spray, wait, wipe, then run rinse cycle | Check rubber compatibility before use |
| Warm Water + Dish Soap | Everyday cleaning | Wipe and scrub regularly to prevent buildup | Safe for frequent use |
Pro Tip:
If you’re tackling mould extensively, inspect if the rubber seal itself is in good shape. For example, if you use LG washing machines, knowing how to remove the LG washing machine gasket can help in deeper cleans or replacements!
Similarly, if lint buildup is a factor in your mold’s ecosystem, you may want to check tips on how to remove lint from washing machine to keep your washer pristine.
Your Toolbox: Trusted Cleaning Supplies
Ready to get scrubbing? Feel confident grabbing trusted supplies like bleach, baking soda, and white vinegar from these links:
Final Thoughts
Mould may think your washing machine seal is its happy place, but now you hold the power. Regular and thoughtful cleaning not only keeps your clothes smelling fresh but also extends the life of your machine. Remember: a dry seal is a happy seal. So, keep the door open, stay vigilant, and scrub like a champ!