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how to clean washing machine seal

To clean a washing machine seal, gently wipe out visible gunk with soapy water, then treat mould and residue with a safe cleaner like diluted vinegar, baking soda, or a specialist washing-machine product, followed by a hot empty cycle and thorough drying. Regular quick wipe-downs and leaving the door slightly open after each wash help stop the seal getting slimy again.

Quick Scoop: What You’ll Need

  • Rubber gloves to protect your skin.
  • Soft cloths or microfiber towels.
  • Old toothbrush or small soft brush for the folds.
  • Warm water plus a drop of dish soap for everyday grime.
  • Optional:
    • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) for deodorising and mild abrasion.
* White vinegar, always diluted with water to avoid damaging the rubber.

* A tiny amount of diluted bleach or a commercial washer cleaner for heavy mould, used with good ventilation and care.

Step‑by‑Step: Deep Clean the Seal

  1. Clear out the gunk
    • Open the door and gently pull back the rubber seal to expose the inner folds.
    • Use dry kitchen towel or a cloth to scoop out hair, coins, lint, and any slimy residue.
  1. Wash with soapy water
    • Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl or bucket.
 * Dip a cloth or toothbrush in the mixture and scrub all around the seal, especially deep in the folds where grey sludge and black spots tend to hide.
  1. Target mould and odour (choose one method)
    • Baking soda + diluted vinegar:
      • Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the worst spots, then apply a cloth soaked in a half‑water, half‑white‑vinegar mix and let it sit 5–10 minutes before scrubbing.
 * **Baking soda + diluted bleach (for heavy black mould):**
   * Make a paste of baking soda and a little diluted bleach, dab it on the mouldy areas, leave for about 10–15 minutes, then scrub and wipe thoroughly, avoiding contact with skin and eyes.

 * Always rinse with a clean damp cloth afterwards so no cleaner is left sitting on the rubber.
  1. Run a hot maintenance wash
    • Run the machine empty on a hot cycle (around 60–90 °C if your machine supports it) to flush away loosened residue from the seal and drum.
 * You can add either a cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer or a dedicated washer‑cleaning tablet, but never mix strong chemicals together.
  1. Dry and air it out
    • When the cycle finishes, wipe around the seal again with a dry cloth so no water is left pooled in the folds.
 * Leave the door open or ajar so the inside can dry completely and mould has a harder time growing.

Ongoing Care: Keep It From Getting Gross Again

  • Wipe the seal quickly after the last load of the day to remove leftover drops and lint.
  • Always leave the door slightly open between washes for airflow, unless you have pets or kids that might climb in. In that case, crack it open when you are nearby.
  • Do a “deep clean” (hot empty cycle plus seal scrub) about once a month, especially if you often wash on low temperatures or use liquid detergent, which can leave more residue.

Safety and Seal‑Saving Tips

  • Never use undiluted vinegar or harsh chemicals directly on the rubber; over time they can dry it out and lead to cracks or leaks.
  • Avoid metal scouring pads or very stiff brushes on the seal so you do not tear it.
  • If the seal is badly torn, perished, or still smells rotten after several cleans, it might need replacing or a professional check.

TL;DR: Clean visible gunk, scrub with warm soapy water, treat mould with baking soda plus diluted vinegar or bleach, run a hot empty cycle, then dry and leave the door open; repeat monthly for a fresh‑smelling machine.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.