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:
- First, make sure your washing machine is unplugged from the main electricity. This will help you to avoid injury or damage should it turn itself on again accidentally.
- If necessary, unscrew the front panel. This can be a laborious task on certain models whilst it’s not an option at all for others.
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. - Without a removable front panel, you’ll need to take a different approach to remove the seal around your washing machine door. To make it work using the front opening, unscrew and remove both the lid and hinge of the machine and set it on its back.
- Take off the outer rubber band, which you should find on the majority of washing machines. It will be sitting flush against the outer edges, so use a flat-head screwdriver first to prise this open slightly – or just to give you enough room to slip a finger into this gap so you can pull it off completely.
- Continue to remove the rubber door seal by folding it into the drum of your washing machine, as this should create better access for you to reach in and remove the inner retaining band that’s underneath.
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.
- Now it’s time to locate and remove the retaining screw or band, then loosen it slightly in order to unhook and remove the seal if necessary.
- There will be small drain holes toward the bottom of the seal, so you should check to see where these will line up, otherwise, your water won’t drain correctly.
- Finally, completely pull the seal away from the washing machine. Some may require you to make sure that the door lock has been unscrewed first, also.
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 To Clean A Front Loading Washing Machine With Vinegar And Baking Soda
- How To Use Bicarbonate Of Soda For Cleaning
- Where To Buy White Vinegar For Cleaning In The UK
- Best Washing Machine Under £300 In The UK Right Now
- Is Bosch a good washing machine brand
- Is it better to repair or replace a washing machine