How to Remove Mold from Rubber Seal on Washing Machine

Rubber seals in constant contact with water are susceptible to mold growth. So, untreated mold can grow and emit an odor, which you can transfer to clothing during washing. Let’s learn how to remove mold from rubber seal on washing machine.

In this sense, you can eliminate this mold with some effort, but it is doable. By adhering to these additional instructions, you can prevent the return of mold after its removal. Consult your mashing machine owner’s manual before using bleach.

In addition to being unsightly, black stains can cause stinky laundry. Therefore, you must eliminate them immediately.

This article contains seven methods for removing rubber mold from the rubber seal of your washing machine. You can use any of these seven home remedies or standards to eliminate mold from the gasket of your front-loading washing machine without causing damage to the door seal’s rubber.

You will require:

• Vinegar as a cleaning product
• Rubberized gloves
• A spray nozzle on a canister
• A gentle fabric

How to Remove Mold from Rubber Seal on Washing Machine

Steps to Remove the Mold:

Use the bleach in hot water, and perform a standard cycle. Depending on the size of your washing machine, the bleach quantity will vary. Use the recommended quantity of detergent for a single load. 

Start using your spray over the washing machine.

If bleach is unavailable, you can use vinegar as a substitute—add one cup to a hefty load. The combination of chlorine bleach and white vinegar produces toxic fumes.

In a spray bottle, combine bleach or white vinegar with water to create a disinfectant solution.

Spray and wipe the spray to eliminate mold residue from the rubber (the seal). Pull or push it into crevices where water and mold may accumulate. 

Don’t forget to cover the rubber.

If you use rubber gloves, the bleach will not come into contact with your hands. Utilize a cloth to wipe down the surfaces.

Using glasses is always a must!

If the mold is particularly stubborn, allow the bleach/water solution to sit on it for a few minutes before wiping it away.

Give time to bleach to clean up your washing bleach

Remove any remaining dirt and debris after cleaning using clean, fresh clothes.

Additional Tips to remove the rubber seal

Once per month, execute all the cleaning procedures from above. Rubber seals can degrade prematurely if bleach is utilized in excess. If the seal is not kept dry, mold can grow, necessitating regular cleaning.

You should use a toothbrush to reach those difficult areas

Use one of the following methods to keep the rubber OK:

• Remove wet garments as soon as possible.
• Wipe it down and allow it to air dry.
• Keep the door slightly ajar to allow for the circulation of fresh air.
• Install a dehumidifier in the space where the washer is where the climate is particularly humid.

Certain detergents and softeners can accelerate the growth of mold. If mold remains, you should consider using a different detergent brand.

Put everything into the containers to disinfect them

You can clean front-loading washing machines with commercial cleaners. Since soap residue can encourage mold growth, these are useful for preventing it.

If you currently use pads, you should consider using detergent instead (it can be powder or liquid). The wrapper may not dissolve entirely in the washers, leaving a sticky residue that can collect on and over the seals and serve as a breeding ground for mold.

Drainage holes near the door seal are typical on front-loading washing machines. Loosening the seal allows you to examine the bag for hidden items, such as a sock. Consequently, the thing may begin to rot.

How to remove the rubber seal’s mold on the washing machine?

You won’t need a magical product to get rid of this. There are only a few everyday household items required.

Option 1: Citric Acid

Citric acid is an excellent option for removing mold from your washing seals. Compared to other cleaners, the weaker citric acid has less of an effect on the rubber seal of the washing machine. Additionally, it imparts a pleasant aroma to your washer.

• The first step is to identify the problem. It would help if you filled a container with water.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice (or acid powder)
• Use a sponge (or a cloth) to clean your machine rubber with the citric acid solution in the third step (you can use a toothbrush to cover stubborn stains)
• Step four involves rinsing with water.

Option 2: Baking soda

You can also clean a washing machine’s rubber seal.

• First, get a container halfway with water and strongly shake it.
• Whisk in your preferred sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to form a paste.
• Soak a cloth in the solution to clean the rubber on a washing machine (use a toothbrush to get those impossible corners).
• In the fourth step, thoroughly rinse it using water.

Option 3: Use Vinegar

The best solution could be using a dash of vinegar to remove it from your washing machine.

Step 1: 

Get vinegar and water in a pocket.

Step 2: 

Drizzle the top with vinegar.

Step 3: 

Clean rubber washer seals with a cloth dipped in the vinegar solution.

Step 4: 

Thoroughly wash your hands with water again.

Option 4: Use Chlorine Cleaner

When your washing machine is at risk of infection or the laundry has a musty odor, use chlorine immediately. Due to the strength of the seal’s rubber, the best would be to try other methods for scenting your laundry.

• Apply a 50/50 mixture of chlorine cleaner and water to the surface that requires cleaning.
• Wear gloves to safeguard your hands.
• To remove stubborn stains from rubber, use an old toothbrush and a cloth dipped in a mixture of chlorine cleaner and water.
• As in Step 4, rinsing should be performed with water.

Option 5: Use Toothpaste

Maybe the weirdest on this list is a little toothpaste. This one helps in restoring the rubber’s luster without adding bulk.

• First, apply toothpaste using a toothbrush, fabric, or sponge.
• Second, thoroughly clean the rubber with it.
• Third, use copious amounts of water to ensure your clothing is stain-free.

Option 6: Use Dishwashing Detergent

If your washing machine’s rubber seals are only slightly soiled, washing liquid can be an excellent option. It will not harm rubber because it is less aggressive than many others. Consequently, dishwashing liquid can regularly clean the rubber seals on washing machines.

• First, apply a small amount of detergent and water to a sponge or a rag.
• Step two is thoroughly cleaning the rubber.
• Step three involves rinsing with water.

Option 7: Use a conventional Kitchen Cleaner

You can clean your load washer of mold without harsh chemicals or home remedies. Use a standard household cleaner.

Step 1: Spray a cleaner/water mixture on the rubber seal and wipe it with a cloth (you can try using a sponge too).

Step 2: Thoroughly clean the rubber with it. Do it carefully.

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse with natural water

Warning

If wet clothing or towels are left overnight in a washing machine, mold growth is more likely. If misused, bleach can be hazardous. Always keep it out of the reach of children and prevent it from coming into direct contact with skin or clothing. Mold can result in respiratory and other health complications.

Mold and mildew growth in front-loading washers can produce an unpleasant odor in the laundry room and the items being washed. Around the rubber door seal of front-load washing machines, mold can grow. Due to the moisture accumulation, mold can grow on your rubber door seal. Mold can grow in front-load washer rubber seals if you don’t clean them regularly.

Tips to Prevent Mold Growth in a Washing Machine

• Utilizing laundry detergent in excess is not a great decision. So, use it carefully.
• Use a smaller amount or avoid liquid fabric softeners altogether for the best results. Use white distillate vinegar instead of fabric softener to remove detergent residue and soften clothing.
• Install a fan or air conditioner in your laundry room to improve air circulation.
• Bring in a dehumidifier to reduce the room’s humidity.
• If your dryer vent leaks moist air into your laundry room, you should inspect it.
• After each load, the door of a front-loading washer should be left open to improve airflow.
• The fan on a front-load washing machine should be clean, operational, and unobstructed.
• Finally, clean at least once per month, and if necessary, more frequently.

Sources

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxdATQyTSnk