The rubber seal around a washing machine drum is one of the dirtiest parts of the appliance, where mould builds up more than anywhere else. After each wash, bits of clothing, dirt and detergent residue get trapped in its folds, attracting bacteria that multiply quickly in the warmth and damp. If a washing machine has started to smell bad, this seal is the first place to check.
Because the fold is hard to reach, many people are unsure how to clean it properly. With the right tools and products, though, the job is straightforward.
Preparing to clean the seal
Before starting, unplug the machine, remove all clothes from the drum and put on gloves. An old toothbrush is useful for reaching into the furthest corners of the seal.
Wipe the rubber with a damp white cloth to check for mould. This will determine which cleaning method is needed.
Cleaning methods depending on the mould
If there is no visible mould, the seal can simply be wiped down with water mixed with washing-up liquid, working carefully into every narrow crevice to remove built-up grime.
If mould has appeared, a mixture of one litre of water, a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of vinegar should be applied to a cloth, wiped over the seal, left for 15 minutes and then scrubbed off with a damp brush.
Those who prefer not to use homemade solutions can turn to shop-bought products instead, with chlorine bleach said to work well on black stains on the rubber, though gloves should be worn and care taken when handling it.
When the seal may need replacing
In particularly severe cases, cleaning alone will not be enough, since mould can damage the structure of the seal itself. When that happens, there is no way to remove black mould from the rubber, and the seal will most likely need to be replaced entirely.
Preventing mould from returning
Appliance manufacturers recommend wiping the seal with a damp cloth after every wash cycle, a five-second habit that helps stop mould forming. It also helps to leave the door open until any liquid inside the drum has fully dried.
