When you’re using your washing machine to get through the growing piles of laundry that accumulates each week, you should really make sure the machine is also clean itself. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for mold to form in the interior of your washing machine over time, especially the area around the rubber seal that sits along the door closure. Even if
you take the utmost care in terms of maintenance and wipe down this seal in between laundry loads, mold, black spots, or an unpleasant odor can start to appear. In fact, washing machines are particularly at risk for any of these things
developing, and if they’re left to fester then they can become worse, and could ultimately end up transferring mold, odor, or stains onto your no longer freshly cleaned clothes during the cycle. To combat the bacteria-breeding, moist conditions of your washing machine in which mold can not only grow but thrive, it’s important to remember to incorporate cleaning the seal inside your machine into your regular cleaning routine which will keep it in good condition. Can You Take the Rubber Seal off of a Washing Machine?Depending on the make and model of your washing machine, yes, and changing the rubber seal should be a relatively easy job. You’ll be able to find a replacement online if your current one is moldy or damaged beyond repair, or you could simply remove the seal to clean it. Here are the steps you need to follow to remove the rubber seal from your washing machine:
To make life easier for yourself, search online for the washing machine’s make and model to find out what the instructions advise regarding removing the front panel. When in doubt, try giving it a good tug, or look for screws behind the detergent dispenser and beneath the lid.
STOP if you feel you’ve reached some resistance as there may still be clips that are holding everything together, so you’ll need to remove these first either with your hands or using a flat-head screwdriver.
What Kills Mold in a Washing Machine?There are hundreds of detergents and cleaning products that are available to buy these days, but finding the right type of cleaner for different types of jobs can be tricky. When it comes to killing the mold that has been building up in your washing machine, you can’t go wrong with a 50/50 split mixture of warm water and standard laundry bleach to start. Another good way to kill mold in your washing machine is to add 2 cups of white vinegar into the washing machine drum without diluting it and then run the hottest possible wash cycle to dissolve any deposits and to eliminate mold and mildew in your washing machine. For tougher jobs that require a deeper clean, you also might want to think about using professional standard cleaning products that are guaranteed to fight grime and mold. These will contain harsh chemicals, but they can effectively and efficiently get the job done. Why not check out the OxiClean odor blasting washing machine cleaner or something like this RMR-86 instant mold and mildew cleaning remover. Related Laundry Tips and Washing Machine Help Guides:
How do I get black mould off my washing machine seal?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.
What is the black stuff on the rubber of washing machine?Lint, grime and moldy growth can all contribute to the presence of black stuff on the front loader's rubber seal. These obstructions may prevent the door from creating an airtight seal, presenting the risk of water leakage out of the drum.
How do you remove black mold from silicone rubber?Key steps to removing mould from silicon sealant
Rub a paste of white vinegar and baking soda into mouldy areas. Scrub at heavy stains with a stiff-bristled brush or reapply the paste. Rinse with a cold, wet sponge and dry with a microfibre cloth.
How do you clean the rubber seal inside a washing machine?Basically, what you will need to do is use the white vinegar in conjunction with the cotton pad to clean around the seal and remove any of the dirt and grime. Once you are done, you run the washing machine on empty to remove any traces of vinegar before you start using clothes in the machine.
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