If your washing machine rubber seal has become grimy and covered in black mould, there is a simple solution using an everyday item you probably already have in your cupboards.
The rubber seal on your washing machine, also known as the door gasket, is an essential component of this household appliance. It forms a watertight barrier between the door and the drum, stopping water from escaping during the wash cycle. However, without proper upkeep, the rubber seal can rapidly become a breeding ground for stubborn black mould and mildew.
The warm, moist environment inside the washing machine offers ideal conditions for mould and mildew to flourish, which can also produce unpleasant smells.
The washing machine seal comes into direct contact with your clothing, meaning any dirt or mould present can transfer onto your laundry if not cleaned, completely undermining the point of washing them in the first place.
Furthermore, a grimy and blocked rubber seal can compromise your washing machine’s performance, potentially causing leaks, reduced efficiency, and even long-term damage to the appliance.
With this in mind, cleaning specialists at Smol swear by using white vinegar to eliminate mould from washing machine seals.
Commenting on the effectiveness of this common kitchen staple, the experts claimed that “vinegar kills mould more effectively than bleach”.
They said, “Bleach only kills mould spores on the surface of affected materials, whereas vinegar can penetrate porous materials, killing mould at its root.”
While leaving an acid such as undiluted vinegar on a surface for extended periods could allow it to cause some deterioration.
Diluting vinegar with water in a wash cycle, or applying a solution and wiping it away, is entirely different to claiming that “people have been doing this for decades without damaging their washing machines”.
To effectively clean your washing machine seal using white vinegar, combine equal parts warm water and clear vinegar, then apply the mixture to the seal using a cloth.
Work the solution thoroughly into any mould and leave it to soak for 15 minutes. Once done, wipe away with a damp cloth and fresh warm water.
