A Complete Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine’s Rubber Seal

Alright, folks, who here has ever caught a whiff of something unpleasant wafting from their trusty washing machine? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. The usual suspect? Mould hiding in the rubber seal on the machine’s door (also known as the gasket).

In our last article, we learned how to clean our washing machines. In this article, we’ll focus on the gasket. This rubber seal has a thing for moisture, making it the perfect hideout for unwelcome guests like mould and mildew.

But don’t fret, we’re here with a step-by-step guide on how to clean your washing machine’s rubber seal and keep it in tip-top shape.

Tools of the trade

Cleaning the rubber on your washing machine doesn’t require a huge investment on your part. Here are the things you’ll need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar or bleach (if you’re a regular reader, you know which one I prefer)
• A clean towel or cloth
• Washing-up liquid

Here’s how to clean a rubber seal on a washing machine.

If you’re after some safe and effective home remedies to kick that unsightly black residue to the curb, you’re in luck. We’ve got one method that uses all-natural ingredients and one that uses bleach. However, both methods are straightforward and will help you give that rubber seal a good scrub.

Remove mould with white vinegar

If you’re dealing with a mouldy seal, this method is your not-so-secret weapon:

• Swing the washing machine door wide open and fully expose the rubber seal.
• Grab a cotton pad or ball, dip it in white vinegar, and put it to work. Wipe or scrub away any visible mould from the rubber.
• Use a cotton swab soaked in white vinegar for those hard-to-reach spots within the rubber seal. Always make sure to give it a dip in vinegar before you continue with the rubber cleaning.
• If mould and debris are putting up a stubborn fight in the seal’s folds, use your fingers to coax them out and let the cotton swab do its magic. Be ready to use several swabs if needed to get the job done.
• Remember, mould and debris can hide in various nooks and crannies, so be thorough.

The good thing about using vinegar is that it’s all natural. You don’t have to worry about toxic fumes or your family’s health. That being said, you can’t overuse this method. If you overuse it, the vinegar may end up damaging your rubber seal over time.

Bleach and baking soda

I’m not a huge fan of using bleach, but sometimes, it’s a necessary evil.

Note: If you do decide to clean your washing machine’s rubber seal this way, bear in mind you should take some precautions. Always air out your home when using bleach. Never mix bleach and other cleaning products. Wearing gloves, glasses, and a mask is a good idea.

Now, here’s how to clean your washing machine’s door seal using bleach and baking soda:

• Sprinkle a generous cup of baking soda around the seal inside the drum of your washing machine.
• Fire up an empty washing cycle, opting for the 90°C setting for the best results. This will do wonders in cleaning both the rubber seal and the entire washing machine.
• Pour one cup of bleach and another cup of baking soda into the detergent drawer.
• Once those cycles have wrapped up, whip up a mixture of warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Use a clean cloth to give the rubber seal a good wipe-down.
• Don’t forget to give the nooks and crannies around and underneath the seal some attention; they deserve it.

Rinse away any lingering dirt particles from the rubber seal. Make use of the self-cleaning function if available, or kick off another empty cycle with warm or hot water to finish the job. This method is a bit wasteful when it comes to water, but it’s sometimes necessary.

Preventing mould and keeping that rubber seal clean

Here are the golden rules to keep mould and mildew at bay on your washing machine’s rubber seal:

• Don’t forget to leave the washing machine door wide open after a laundry cycle.
• Make it a habit to remove your freshly laundered clothes promptly once the cycle has wrapped up.
• After every use, grab a clean cloth or towel and give the door, seal, and glass a good drying.
• Bear in mind, if you’re a fan of low-temperature washes or tend to go heavy on the detergent, mould and stubborn grime can make your rubber seal their home. Washing at temperatures below 40°C might not do a thorough job of rinsing detergent residue, leading to the buildup of mould, dirt, and grease on your gasket.

And remember, if, despite your valiant cleaning efforts, mould continues to be a stubborn guest, it might be time to replace the seal. Best leave this task to a seasoned washing machine repairs specialist, and you’ll have your appliance back to its prime in no time. As for cleaning, if you need us, we’re never more than a phone call away.

ConclusionMaintaining a clean and mould-free washing machine rubber seal is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your appliance. Regular cleaning using natural ingredients like white vinegar or baking soda and not-so-natural ingredients like bleach can effectively remove mould and mildew.

Remember to be thorough in reaching all the nooks and crannies, and follow preventive measures such as leaving the machine door open after use and promptly removing laundered clothes. Adopt these practices and you’ll ensure a fresh and hygienic washing machine seal, which leads to a healthier laundry routine.

If persistent mould issues arise, consider consulting a professional washing machine repairs specialist for expert assistance. We’re at your service for any other cleaning needs – just a phone call away.