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Black bits or black specks on your clothes after a wash cycle are one of the most alarming things a washing machine can produce — but the cause is almost always mould and biofilm inside the drum, and the fix is straightforward. This guide explains why it happens and how to remove it completely.
Why does your washing machine produce black bits?
The black particles come from mould and bacterial biofilm that has built up inside the drum, door seal gasket, detergent drawer and the internal drum grooves. This happens when:
- The door is kept closed after a wash — the drum stays wet and humid, perfect for mould growth
- Low-temperature washes are used consistently — 30°C and 40°C don’t kill the bacteria that produce biofilm
- Too much detergent is used — undissolved residue builds up on drum surfaces and in hoses
- The drum hasn’t been cleaned regularly — most manufacturers recommend a drum clean cycle monthly
How to remove black bits from washing machine — step by step
Step 1: Clean the door seal gasket
Pull back the rubber door seal (gasket) folds all the way around the drum opening. This is where mould accumulates most heavily. Use an old cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar or a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach : 10 parts water) to wipe inside every fold. Do not use undiluted bleach on the rubber — it degrades it over time. Rinse well.
Step 2: Clean the detergent drawer
Remove the detergent drawer (press the release tab inside the drawer and pull out). Rinse under running water, scrub the individual compartments with an old toothbrush to remove detergent residue and mould, and leave to dry completely before replacing. Also wipe inside the drawer housing with a damp cloth.
Step 3: Run a hot drum clean cycle
Run an empty drum clean cycle (or the hottest available programme — 60°C or 90°C) with either:
- A washing machine cleaning tablet (Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, IFB Essentials Tub Clean, or similar)
- Or: 200 ml of white vinegar in the drum + 100g of baking soda in the detergent drawer
The high temperature kills remaining bacteria and biofilm. The cleaning agent breaks down the residue and flushes it through the drain.
Step 4: Run a second rinse cycle
After the drum clean, run a short empty rinse cycle to flush out any loosened residue before you next put clothes in.
Step 5: Wipe the drum interior
After the cycles complete, wipe the inside of the drum with a dry cloth — you may see discoloured residue on the cloth. This is the loosened biofilm coming out.
Preventing black bits from coming back
- Leave the door ajar after every wash — this is the single most effective prevention; the drum needs to air dry between washes
- Run a hot wash (60°C+) at least once a week — kills bacteria that build up from consistent low-temperature washes
- Run drum clean monthly — 10-minute investment, saves the problem recurring
- Don’t overdose detergent — excess detergent that doesn’t rinse away becomes biofilm substrate
- Wipe the door seal after each wash — takes 10 seconds and prevents the mould from establishing
Related guides
See our complete drum cleaning guide and descaling guide for the full maintenance routine.
Looking to upgrade to a fresher machine?
Browse washing machines on Amazon India or see global options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there black bits coming out of my washing machine?
Mould and bacterial biofilm that has built up inside the drum, door seal and drum grooves — caused by closed-door storage, low-temperature washes and infrequent drum cleaning.
How do I get rid of black mould in my washing machine?
Clean the door seal gasket with diluted vinegar or bleach solution, clean the detergent drawer, and run an empty drum clean cycle at 60°C+ with a cleaning tablet or vinegar. Follow with a rinse cycle and wipe the drum dry. Then leave the door ajar after every wash going forward.
The bottom line
Black bits come from mould in the door seal and drum — cleaned in four steps: wipe the gasket, clean the drawer, run a hot drum clean with a cleaning tablet, run a rinse. Then prevent recurrence by always leaving the door ajar after a wash and running a monthly drum clean. It’s a one-time fix plus a simple habit change.