Mold in a washing machine gasket is a common household problem. Usually, mold forms when your washer is exposed to moisture and humidity.
The difficulty increases when we do not clean this mold, which grows all over the rubber seal, causing a stinky smell in your washing machine and laundry. Wondering what to do now?
You can easily remove the mold from your washer seal at home without any considerable effort.
You can remove mold from the washing machine’s rubber seal by mixing one part of bleach OR White vinegar with four parts of water in a spray bottle. Then spray this mixture all over the rubber carefully. Make sure to pour in the hollow areas where the mold grows. Afterward, use a damp cloth and wipe the rubber seal to get a clean and mold-free one.
We will discuss some tips to remove mold from your washing machine’s rubber seal and how to prevent mold formation. Let’s get started.
Tips to remove mold from washing machine rubber seal
You can remove mold from your washer’s rubber seal by following a few tips below:
- Use Commercial Kitchen Cleaners and dishwasher detergents.
The pro tip for cleaning your washing machine seal is to use the conventional kitchen cleaners already in your home.
- Take a few drops of the Kitchen cleaner.
- Mix it well with water.
- Apply this mixture to the rubber seal with a sponge.
- Leave it for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a soft cloth to clean the mold from the washer’s seal.
You can also use the dishwashing detergent to eliminate mold stains from the rubber gasket by only applying the detergent to the rubber seal of your load washing machine and cleaning it with damp clothes.
- Apply toothpaste to the rubber seal
The readily available toothpaste present in your home can do wonders for you. Besides teeth cleaning, it can also clean mold from your washing machine.
- Put some toothpaste on an old toothbrush.
- Thoroughly brush it over the rubber seal to remove the mold.
- After that, wash the washing machine entirely with no toothpaste spots on it.
This procedure will give your washing machine’s rubber seal a clean and shiny look.
- Spray White Vinegar and water solution
Another tip to eliminate mold growth from your washing machine rubber seal and give your gasket a refreshing look is vinegar and water solution.
- Add one part of white vinegar with four parts of water.
- Mix this solution well in a bowl or bottle.
- Spray the solution on the rubber seal.
- Clean it with wet clothes, and rinse it thoroughly.
Hence giving you a mold-free rubber seal.
- Use Chlorine-water mixture
Chlorine is best known for removing stains and mold spores from any appliance. But use it with great care by wearing rubber gloves.
- Mix water and chlorine in equal amounts
- Thoroughly apply the mixture to your washing machine gasket.
- Then rinse it with water.
You can also use this mixture to clean your washing machine drainage system. The washing machine takes a single wash cycle to clean your washer and drain hoses with this mixture.
- Hydrogen Peroxide solution
You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove the mold from the rubber seal. Don’t forget to wear rubber gloves.
- Add Hydrogen peroxide and water to a bowl.
- Apply the solution to the washing machine seal
- Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Wash it with water and let it dry.
- Apply Baking Soda paste or Natron
To clean your washer gasket, you can use baking soda, also named natron.
- Take one spoon of baking soda to a bowl.
- Add some water to a bowl.
- Mix it well and apply it to the rubber seal.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Wash with water.
- Dry it with a clean cloth.
- Use Lemon Juice or citric acid.
You can use citric acid and lemon juice alternatively to remove mold. The lemon juice is better than other harsh chemicals which might affect your rubber seal. You can also use it for the crocs in washing machine.
- Take 2-4 spoons of lemon juice.
- Add a few drops of water and mix it well.
- Apply the solution to the seal.
- After a few minutes, wash it with water.
- Keep the washer door open until it gets dried.
How to prevent mold growth in a washing machine rubber seal?
To prevent the formation of mold in your washing machine’s seal. Follow the necessary steps:
- The primary reason mold forms is the rubber seal’s moisture. So, always keep the washing machine door open after every use until it gets dried.
- Clean your washing machine regularly; otherwise, bacteria may grow inside and lead to mold formation.
- Use tea tree oil and a hot water cycle to clean your washer; it will help kill bacteria and prevent mold formation.
- Humidity promotes mold growth. So, Keep your washer in a humid-free place.
- Clean your washer thoroughly with just vinegar solution twice a month.
How do you get mold off the rubber seal on front load washers?
To remove the mold from the front load washer, follow the steps;
- Mix two spoons of Baking Soda and Vinegar in a container.
- Apply them to the rubber seal with a sponge or soft cloth.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Rinse with water.
- Let it dry.
Is black mold in a washing machine dangerous?
Yes, black mold can be hazardous to health. The mold spores can cause severe breathing problems and are unsuitable for people suffering from allergies.
How to remove mold from the washing machine door seal?
You can remove mold from the washing machine door using white vinegar and water solution.
Apply the solution to the washer gasket, and scrub it with a cloth or an old toothbrush. Rinse it off with water.
Removing mold from rubber seal of branded washing machines
Brands of washing machines | Procedure to remove mold from washing machine rubber seal |
Samsung | Mix ¼ Chlorine bleach in water and apply it to the rubber seal. Wash with water and let it dry. |
Maytag | Add one part vinegar and four parts water in a spray bottle and thoroughly clean the gasket. Wipe with a damp cloth. Rinse with water. Let it dry. |
Whirlpool | Mix one part of bleach with four parts of water in a spray bottle. Use the mixture all over the seal. Wipe it with a soft cloth. Let it dry. |
LG | Make a baking soda paste by adding a few drops of water. Apply it to the rubber gasket. Leave it for a few minutes. Wipe it with a cloth and let it dry. |
How to remove mold from the rubber seal on the washing machine using bleach
You can eliminate mold by adding one part of bleach and four parts of water in a bowl or bottle. Use this solution in all the grooves of the seal. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Wipe it with a soft cloth and rinse water. Let it dry.
This method can clean all the front load and top load washing machines. You can read the direct drive washer reviews if you want to know more about washers.
Remove mold from washing machine FAQs
Is vinegar or bleach better for killing mold?
Vinegar and bleach are good for killing mold in a washing machine gasket. But you must use them carefully and never forget to wear rubber gloves.
Do all front loaders have mold problems?
No, all front loaders do not have mold problems. Mostly it depends upon the user’s use of the washer and cleaning their appliance after every use.
If you keep your washing machine clean and protect it from moisture, mold spores will not occur.
Final thoughts
If you want to remove mold from your washing machine rubber seal, you can do it with simple home remedies or by using commercial cleaners.
Besides this, there are also different ways to reset the washing machine seal.
We hope the above article helped you clean the stubborn mold from your washing machine seal.