If your laundry smells musty after being freshly washed the problem is likely right there in front of you. It’s hiding in the rubber seal of your load washing machine. Learning how to get mold off washing machine rubber is the way to get rid of that black slime bad mildew smell and all the trapped lint. It also means you know how to clean a load washing machine gasket properly.
This guide walks you through how to get mold off washing machine rubber, what’s going wrong why it happens, how to fix it step by step safety tips to follow and answers to questions you might have.
Table of Contents
The Problem: Why Your Washer Gasket Gets Dirty
The rubber gasket is another name, for the door seal or boot. It is the ring that goes around the door opening. It helps keep water inside the drum.. The deep folds of the gasket also collect moisture. The gasket also collects lint, hair and residue from detergent. After a time this mix becomes a slimy layer. The slimy layer is something that bacteria and mold really like.
Signs your gasket needs cleaning:
- Black or green spots on the rubber
- A sour, musty smell inside the drum
- Clothes that smell damp right after a wash
- Slimy residue or small items stuck in the folds
- Pink or orange film, often a bacterial biofilm
It has nothing to do with the smell. The mold can spread its spores in the area. The reasons for controlling moisture are outlined in the mold and moisture guidelines provided by the EPA.
The Causes of Mold Growth in Front Loading Washers
Front loaders have a tight seal. It helps to reduce the amount of water but limits air circulation as well. Here are the factors that contribute to the problem:
| Factor | Reason for accumulation of moisture |
|---|---|
| Closing the lid after use | Water will be contained within the tub and seal. |
| Over-dosing on detergent | Excess soap will not be cleaned and will cause the growth of mold and bacteria. |
| Using liquid softener for clothes | A film is formed that holds the lint and dirt. |
| Cold washing | The cold water is less effective in removing body oils. |
| Water pooling in the | The standing water in the washer tub forms the perfect place for mold. |
The CDC points out that mold grows where there is excessive moisture. See its mold facts here.
How to Get Mold Off Washing Machine Rubber: What you will need
- Rubber gloves (. mask if you have mold sensitivity)
- An old toothbrush and some microfiber cloths
- White distilled vinegar or household bleach but NEVER mix them
- Dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle
- A tablet for washing machine (optional)
- A hand towel
How to Get Mold Off Washing Machine Rubber: How to stay safe while working
- Unplug the appliance and flip the right circuit breaker before you start any work or maintenance.
- Wear gloves.
- Open window and Doors. Make sure there is air flow while working.
- Check the manufacturer’s rules about possible bleach or vinegar usage if you have any doubts about it’s influence on the rubber washers.
- Test the cleaners on the spot before using them.
How to Get Mold Off Washing Machine Rubber (Step by Step)
Step 1: Drain the drum and examine the seal
It is better to take all the clothes out of the washer and look for some foreign objects in the way of the rubber washer. You need to get out all the pieces of paper, quarters, hair, socks, lint, etc., from the folds of the washer gasket.
Step 2: Brush off the surface dirt (how to get mold off washing machine rubber)
First brush away any surface dirt from the gasket. Then add an amount of dish soap to warm water. Next grab a microfiber cloth. Wipe the gasket making sure to clean all the folds inside. This step removes dirt allowing the cleaner to reach the mold.
Step 3: Use one type of cleaner (how to get mold off washing machine rubber)
- For mold or bad smells simply spray straight white vinegar onto the gasket and let the vinegar sit on the gasket for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- For black mold mix up to one cup of household bleach per gallon of water following EPA safety guidelines. Then wipe the gasket with a cloth letting the bleach mixture sit on the gasket for 10 minutes and make sure the room has plenty of fresh air. Since many manufacturers recommend a mix it is wise to check the appliance manual first. You can also look up the EPAs mold cleanup guide, for details.
- If you like using oxygen bleach mix it as the package says. Put the oxygen bleach mixture onto the gasket in the way.
Step 4: Make sure to clean inside the folds. (how to get mold off washing machine rubber)
Make sure you clean the folds of the gasket. Scrub the stained areas and deep folds of the gasket with a toothbrush or a soft brush.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Next step is to wipe with the help of plain water to remove soap, then dry it by towel.
Step 6: Run a hot cleaning cycle (how to get mold off washing machine rubber)
Start the Tub Clean or “Clean Washer” cycle. However, in case your washing machine does not have any such cycle, you need to add a cleaning tablet in your washing machine’s drum and begin the washing cycle in hot temperature.
Steps to Keep the Rubber Gasket Clean for Longer Time Period
- The door of the washing machine should always be left open after washing, allowing free air movement inside.
- Cleaning the rubber gasket after washing in the evening will require only about 30 seconds of your time.
- Minimal amounts of detergent are required; use HE detergent and measure it out since too much detergent is not required.
- Do not use any liquid fabric softener, or use minimum.
- Wash with hot water with washer cleaner once per month.
- Do not keep wet clothes inside for a long time period.
FAQs: How to Get Mold Off Washing Machine Rubber
How to get mold off washing machine rubber gasket?
Here is how to get mold off washing machine rubber: place the rubber washer gasket in soapy water. Use any one mold remover, either vinegar or bleach solution. Do not mix them together. Brush the folds of the rubber washer gasket, with a toothbrush. Then rinse the rubber washer gasket thoroughly.
How often to clean front loader washer rubber gasket?
Dry it after each wash cycle or at least once per week, and do a full cleaning once every month or two; if living in humid conditions, once a month.
Is it alright to use vinegar for gasket cleaning?
Sometimes it is alright, but only in moderation, since vinegar can lead to degradation of the rubber eventually. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Is it possible to use bleach for cleaning?
Diluted bleach is used when there is a mold problem.Some manufacturers say that manufacturers do not want you to use bleach. First read the manual. Open windows to release the area.
Why is my gasket still smelling after cleaning?
There could be moisture or dirt left in the drain pump filter, detergent dispenser, and drain hose. Clean the filter (it’s located behind a little cover at the lower front part) and do another wash cycle.
Is it actually dangerous to have mold growing in my washer gasket?
Yes, because cause allergies or make asthma worse. It is important to clean your machines and always use a respirator when you do the cleaning. You can find information about molds on the CDC website.
Do I have to get a gasket instead of just cleaning the old one?
Yes, if the gasket has holes, broken parts, stains that won’t go away or if it keeps leaking. A gasket, like that will not be able to hold water.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get mold off washing machine rubber takes a few minutes and a few household supplies, and it spares you smelly laundry and costly repairs. Wipe, treat, scrub, dry, and run a hot cycle, then keep the door open between loads.
