How to clean the rubber seal on a washing machine without causing damage

Since they use so much water, it's no surprise that the damp environment inside a washing machine can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria without regular cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning the washing machine is a crucial step to incorporate into household chores to keep the machine in tip top condition. It's important to thoroughly clean every component of this appliance to prevent a build-up of dirt and grime forming and that includes cleaning the washing machine rubber door seal. The rubber seal is often overlooked when cleaning the washing machine, but a door seal full of grime is less than hygienic, and can contribute to damp smells inside the machine.

After trialing a few cleaning methods that din’t prove to work, one woman took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page to ask for washing machine seal cleaning tips.

Michelle Mayberry wrote: “I now have really bad black mould on my washing machine seal and I've tried everything from washing machine cleaners, citrus wipes to bleach.

“It just looks so grubby and nothing is working. Any help with this would be great thanks.”

The post received a staggering about of comments, with the most popular suggestion being to use Astonish Mould and Mildew Blaster.

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Rachel Bayliss said: “Astonish mould remover spray.” Commenting on Rachel’s suggestion, Janette Big wrote: “Rachel this is my favourite too, reliable and cheap.”

Susie Lockyear commented: “Astonish mould spray. 99p in Home Bargains. It got rid of every black mark on mine. Amazing stuff.”

Lyn Dutton said: “I read on here about Astonish Mould and Milder remover. I sprayed it all around and left it for about five minutes, removed any that had pooled in the bottom then did a wash. “

Donna Pickering commented: “Astonish Mould and Mildew. Keep spraying, leave for a while wipe out. Spray again and pt on a hot wash. All should be nice and clean afterwards.”

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Fran Borrill said: “Mould and mildew spray will get rid of it and once it’s gone, don’t keep the washer door closed, keep it open after a wash and just push it to but not close when it’s all dry.”

Karen Simpson wrote: “Astonish Mould and Mildew, spray it on to kitchen roll and then stick around the black bits and spray some more so it sticks.

“Keep it wet and leave as long as possible. You will be amazed by the results it gives.”

Donna Merch suggested: “Have you using the Astonish mould spray? It works great for me and its doesn’t damage the seal.”

READ MORE: Cleaner shares 95p item that ‘always’ removes grout and sealant mould

According to the brands’ website, their spray “blasts away” tough stains and “effectively removes mould and mildew” stains in minutes.

This mould removing spray can be picked up from Wilko for 95p, at Asda for £1 and at Morrisons for £1.25.

Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included using soda crystals, white vinegar and just simply setting the washing machine to a hot wash.

Carlyne McHugh wrote: “Pack with soda crystals. Also throw a mug full in drum and pack in drawer too. Run the hottest wash.”

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Anna Green said: “Always keep the door open so it can dry properly clean with white vinegar.”

Clare Theobald wrote: “White vinegar in the wash gets rid and keeps it gone.”

Jane Brown asked: “Have you tried an empty boil wash? I always leave door open after every use to let drum etc dry out.”

Cheryl Benson said: “I do a 90° wash once a week. I throw in all my flannels and cleaning cloths. Keeps the machine completely free from mould and flushes the pipes out at the same time.”