How do I keep mould off my washing machine rubber seal?

Washing machine mold, which is typically found on the rubber gasket of front-loading machines, is a common household problem. This kind of mold is caused by neglecting to clean the machine and/or using it improperly. But don't worry. In this article, you're going to learn how to remove mold from washing machines.

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Just because a washing machine cleans laundry, this doesn't mean it cleans itself. Mold feeds on the moisture and detergent residue that the machine produces. With this in mind, here's how to remove mold from washing machines and how to prevent it.

How to Remove Mold from Washing Machines

Removing mold from a washing machine is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing unpleasant odors. Here are some tips to help you effectively remove mold from your washing machine:

• Wear protective gear: Before cleaning, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mold spores.
• Empty the machine: Remove any clothes or laundry items from the washing machine. Make sure the drum is empty before proceeding.
• Use a cleaning solution: You can either use a commercial mildew cleaner or make your own mixture. Here are several homemade cleaners you can create:
  • 2 cups water, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, and ¼ cup lemon juice ' hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice are effective cleaners that combat mold and inhibit its growth.
  • 2 cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ½ cup distilled white vinegar ' white vinegar is an all-around cleaner that you can use as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide.
  • 1-part vinegar and 4 parts water ' just vinegar and water can do the trick if the mold growth in your washer gasket is in sparse amounts.
  • 1-part bleach and 4 parts water ' use bleach if the above-mentioned natural cleaners don't work for you.
• Clean the gasket: The rubber gasket or seal around the door is a common area for mold growth. Here are the steps:
  • Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and a dust mask to avoid inhaling mold spores. 
  • Add your preferred cleaner into a spray bottle 
  • Mist the solution over the mold on the gasket.
  • Use a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution to wipe away any visible mold. 
  • Pay attention to the folds and crevices where mold can hide. 
  • For persistent spots, let the solution sit for a few minutes and use an old toothbrush.
• Clean the detergent dispenser: Remove the detergent dispenser tray and soak it in the cleaning solution. Scrub it with a brush to remove any mold or residue. Rinse it thoroughly before placing it back in the machine.
• Run a cleaning cycle: Set your washing machine to the hottest water temperature and longest cycle. Add the mold-cleaning solution directly to the drum and let the machine run through a complete cycle. This will help to disinfect and clean the internal parts of the machine.
• Wipe down the drum and door: After the cleaning cycle is complete, use a clean cloth soaked in the cleaning solution to wipe down the drum and the inside of the door. Pay special attention to any visible mold or stains.
• Air-dry the machine: Leave the door open and let the washing machine air-dry completely. This will help prevent the growth of mold in the future.
• Repeat if necessary: If you still notice mold or odors after the initial cleaning, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning solution.
• Regular maintenance: To prevent mold from recurring, make sure to clean your washing machine regularly. Wipe down the door and gasket after each use and leave the door open to allow air circulation.

If a musty smell persists, mold may grow behind the washer drum. Call the manufacturer (if your machine is under warranty) or a qualified repair person. They can diagnose your washer and fix the mold problem.

Remember, it's important to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your specific washing machine model, as some machines may have specific recommendations or restrictions.

How to Prevent Mold in Washing Machines

Preventing mold growth in washing machines is crucial for maintaining a clean and hygienic laundry environment. Here are some tips to help you prevent mold in your washing machine:

• Keep the door open: After each wash cycle, open the washing machine door to allow air to circulate and dry out the drum. This helps to prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to mold growth.
• Remove wet laundry promptly: Promptly remove wet clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is finished. Leaving damp laundry in the machine for an extended period can create a moist environment conducive to mold growth.
• Clean the detergent dispenser regularly: Mold can accumulate in the detergent dispenser tray, so it's important to clean it regularly. Remove the tray and wash it with warm soapy water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before placing it back in the machine.
• Wipe down the door and gasket: After each use, wipe down the inside of the door and the rubber gasket with a clean, dry cloth. This removes any moisture or residue that may be present and helps prevent mold growth.
• Use high-efficiency detergent: If you have a High-Efficiency (HE) washer, use High-Efficiency detergent. Non-HE detergent leaves behind too many suds that promote mold growth. Use only the recommended amount of detergent for the same reason.
• Run a hot water cycle: Periodically run an empty hot water cycle in your washing machine. Hot water helps to kill any existing mold spores and keeps the machine clean. You can add vinegar or bleach to the cycle for additional cleaning and disinfection.
• Avoid overloading the machine: Overloading the washing machine can prevent proper circulation of water and detergent, leading to inadequate cleaning and potential mold growth. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for load size to ensure optimal performance.
• Clean the filter: Some washing machines have a filter that traps lint, debris, and other particles. Check the manufacturer's instructions on how to locate and clean the filter regularly. A clogged filter can impede water drainage and create a damp environment.
• Ventilate the laundry area: Proper ventilation in the laundry room or area is important for preventing excess moisture. Make sure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows or using a dehumidifier if necessary.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your washing machine, following the manufacturer's recommendations. This may include professional cleaning or inspections to ensure optimal performance and prevent mold growth.

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Follow these tips on how to remove mold from washing machines to eliminate the health risks associated with mold in your home. But, besides mold growth, washing machines are prone to other problems like overflowing. Learn what to do if your washing machine overflows. Take a look at how to prevent water damage from other appliances as well.

Even with all measures in place, water damage from washing machines can still occur. If that happens to you, know that PuroClean is ready to rescue your property. For flood water damage repair and water removal services, contact your local PuroClean office.

Front-loading washing machines can be convenient, but the rubber gasket around the door is a nightmare to keep clean and unstained with frequent use, quickly becoming marked by mold.

While cleaning your washing machine keeps the marks at bay, specialized cleaners can be more effective at killing the mold spores that cause black stains and musty odors. So, how do you remove mold from the rubber seal?

Here, professional cleaners have shared their best cleaning tips for refreshing your washing machine seal and killing off any mold spores that could contaminate your clothing.

How to remove mold from the rubber seal on a washing machine

When cleaning a washing machine gasket covered in mold, it is important to target both the visible upper surface of the seal and the underside where the water drains away. This is a common, hidden spot where mold accumulates and then spreads around the machine and onto your laundry.

What causes mold on the rubber seal of a washing machine?

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

There are a few common reasons why mold grows on the rubber gaskets of your washing machine: 

Moisture Retention: Washing machines, especially front-loaders, tend to retain moisture around the door seal after a wash cycle, creating an ideal environment for mold.

Detergent and Fabric Softener Residue: Residue from detergent and fabric softener can build up on the rubber seal, providing a food source for common types of mold.

Low-Temperature Washes: Frequent low-temperature washes don't effectively kill mold spores, allowing them to thrive on the rubber seals.

Improper Ventilation: Poor ventilation in your laundry room can result in higher humidity levels, which promotes mold growth.

Foreign Objects: Small items like lint, hair, or other debris can get trapped in the seal, creating an environment conducive to mold.

1. Use a specialized mildew remover

One of the best ways to remove mold and dark stains from your washing machine gasket is to use a commercial mildew remover, such as Star Brite from Walmart ' especially if the stains are old and need a powerful cleaner to help lighten them, advises Ron Shimek, appliance expert at Mr. Appliance. 

It's best to wear gloves to protect your skin and spray the solution directly onto the seal, Ron says. Then, use a clean rag or soft-bristled brush to work it into the stains, making sure to target the inside of the seal as well.

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2. Go natural with a vinegar solution

While using vinegar to kill mold is hotly debated (vinegar is best for removing surface mold) it is far more effective than using bleach to get rid of mold. So, consider cleaning with vinegar before you risk wearing down your rubber gaskets with harsh chemicals, suggests Tamara Nunes, professional cleaner and owner of Neat Nelly Cleaning Services. 

'I mix equal parts warm distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to apply liberally to the seals and drum,' Tamara says. 'I then scrub with a clean cloth or soft-bristled brush, leave it to sit for 15 minutes or so, then wipe and dry with a clean towel.'

Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, 128 fl oz

This affordable distilled white vinegar is perfect for cleaning mold from rubber seals on a washing machine. 

Tamara Nunes

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Tamara Nunes founded Neat Nelly in as a side business when she was pregnant. After several well-received jobs and excellent reviews, she decided to take the role full-time, expanding the business to create a full cleaning team based in Washington DC. 

3. Run a sanitizing cycle on your washing machine

If you don't fancy scrubbing or want to make sure that any mold within the machine and drum is removed too, then you can run a 'sanitizing' cycle for your washing machine, says appliance expert Ron Shimek. 

This is not a setting on the washer itself, but a hot wash on the highest temperature your machine will go boosted with either 'a cup of bleach, a cup of baking soda, one-half cup of enzymatic dishwasher detergent, or one residue-busting washer pellet,' Ron says.

Just make sure to run this cycle without any clothes in it to prevent damaging them, he adds.

4. Use a baking soda paste to tackle stains

Baking soda is a natural lightening agent, so is ideal for lifting stains after you have used another product to remove mold spores, says Michael Golubev, mold removal expert and CEO of Mold Busters.

To clean with baking soda, Michael mixes equal parts water and baking soda and applies the paste directly to the affected area. 'Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush,' he recommends. 'Finish by rinsing with water and dry with a clean cloth.'

How to prevent mold on a washing machine seal

(Image credit: Miele)

Prevention is always better than actually having to remove black mold, and it is relatively simple to do. All you have to do is ensure the machine dries out thoroughly between uses, says Tamara Nunes, professional cleaner. 

There are two ways to do this. Tamara suggests wiping down the seals and drying them with a dry towel after you have used the machine, or you can leave the door open between cycles to allow it to air dry. This process can be sped up if you have a dehumidifier. Leaving your washing machine detergent drawer open or wiping it down will also help to prevent mold growth in this compartment, too. 

It is also a good idea to regularly clean your washing machine to stay on top of any mold that does form, says mold removal expert Michael Golubev. 'It's a good idea to clean your washing machine rubber gasket at least once a month or more frequently if you notice any mold or unpleasant odors,' he recommends. 

FAQs

Does bleach damage the rubber seals in the washing machine? 

When used in large or frequent quantities, bleach can begin to wear down rubber seals, leading to leaks from your washing machine. As a result, it is best to prevent mold growth in the first place to avoid having to clean with bleach or use a bleach alternative such as vinegar when doing laundry if you are trying to brighten clothing. 

Can you use The Pink Stuff on washing machine seals? 

Despite generally being a universal cleaner, The Pink Stuff will not do much to remove mold from your washing machine seal or remove hard-set mold stains. It is a good option to remove detergent stains if you use a powder detergent, however, and can be used to shine up the washing machine door and exterior too.

Removing mold is an unpleasant job, but cleaning the things that we use to clean our homes is crucial for a next-level clean. So it's wise to make sure you're keeping your washing machine and vacuum cleaner fresh and washing microfiber cloths correctly.

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