If you’ve noticed mold forming on the rubber seals of your washing machine, you’re certainly not alone. Mold thrives on moist surfaces, and the rubber seals on your washing machine are no exception.
If you don’t remove the mold, it can produce an odor and this may end up affecting your clothes.
Cleaning the washing machine is something that I always put off, and if you’re like me, you’ll struggle to motivate yourself to start cleaning!
It’s never top of my list but if you’re experiencing this problem, you’ll want to sort it out as soon as possible!
We’ve compiled all of the helpful tips you need to remove mold from your washing machine in this ultimate guide .
In this guide, learn how to wipe the mold off the rim of the washing machine and then use a mold remover to remove any of the stubborn molds from the washing machine. Prevent mold from growing in your washing machine by keeping the seal clean and dry after every use.
Step-By-Step Guide To Removing Mold From The Rubber Seal On Washing Machine
1. Wipe With A Rag, Towel, Or Cotton Pad
The first step to cleaning the rubber on your washing machine is to pre-clean the seal. This will help to make the whole process more effective, as the cleaning agents will work better if you have wiped this down first.
To do this, you will need to use a towel or rag. Dampen this rag in soapy water and rub the seal. Ensure that you get into every corner of the washing machine rim, including behind and underneath it.
During the pre-clean process, rinse the towel whenever it seems dirty. If your soapy water gets dirty, you should also change the water.
This is a very important stage in the process, and after you have finished you should have been able to remove the majority of the dirt present.
2. Clean The Soap Dispenser
The next step to cleaning the rubber seal on your washing machine is to clean the soap dispenser. Often, mold grows on any excess soap that remains in this part of the washing machine.
Using a rag and some soapy water, clean all of the residues out of the soap dispenser.
If you can remove the soap dispenser from your washing machine, it is a good idea to do this. This will make it easier to clean the entire tray.
After you have completed this stage you should leave the machine open to ensure that it dries. If it doesn’t fully dry this might encourage more mold!
3. Use Mold Remover To Spray The Mold
You can purchase mold removers from most grocery stores, and they are very effective at removing stubborn mold.
Spray bottles are the best option to use in this case because they can reach more difficult areas.
You should aim your spray at the areas with the most mold. Allow the cleaning agent to settle and work on the mold before you wipe it off.
For more guidance on this, read the instructions on the back of the bottle, as they may differ from brand to brand.
After the mold remover has settled, you should use a cloth to wipe the remaining mold off the rubber seal.
4. Run The Washing Machine
Once you have done this, you should run your washing machine through a normal wash. The hot water that runs through the machine will help to clean it out. Set your machine so that it runs as hot as possible.
This will be more effective if you add some cleaning agents to your machine to ensure that it flushes out any unwanted mold.
The most effective thing to add is 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of baking soda. You could choose to use a washing machine cleaner if you don’t want to make up the solution yourself.
You should allow the washing machine to run a full cycle with this cleaning agent inside it.
When you are using bleach, you will need to be very careful. As bleach is a dangerous chemical, you should follow the safety precautions necessary.
5. Wipe Down The Rubber Rim
When the washing machine has done its work, you will need to wipe off any of the remaining molds that may have been loosened during the cycle. To do this, use a soft cloth.
It is important to do this immediately when the washing machine is still hot. This is because it will be much easier to remove at this time.
When you have wiped off the excess mold, you will need to leave the machine open so that it can dry off.
6. Don’t Neglect The Seal!
After you have gone through this grueling process, the last thing you want to do is do it all over again in a month.
However, it is important to ensure that you keep cleaning the rubber rim so that you don’t end up with mold that is very difficult to remove.
It is recommended that you clean your washing machine in this way once a month to ensure that it remains clean.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! After reading this ultimate guide to removing mold from the rubber seal on your washing machine, you should have all the information you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Overclean Your Washing Machine?
It is possible to overclean the rubber rim on your washing machine. This is because the rubber will wear eventually, and washing it with bleach too often may cause it to erode more quickly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
You should wash your washing machine in this way around once a month. This will ensure that no mold will build up on your machine, and it will remain clean.
Why Should You Clean Your Washing Machine Rubber Seal?
As washing machines use a large amount of water, they are breeding grounds for mold.
Mold can build up on these machines very easily, and this can become a big problem. You can end up with some nasty smells in your washing machine, and your clothes may not come clean.
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