The rubber door gasket on a front-loading washing machine is a notorious mould trap. Water and detergent residue collect in its folds after every wash cycle, and if the door is kept closed, mould and mildew develop quickly — eventually smelling up laundry and requiring significant effort to remove. Regular maintenance prevents this entirely.
Cleaning the Gasket
- Pull the rubber seal back and inspect the folds — mould appears as black or dark grey spots
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, or use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per litre of water) for heavier mould
- Spray into the gasket folds and let sit for 5–10 minutes
- Scrub the inside of the folds with an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush — pay particular attention to the bottom of the gasket where water pools
- Wipe down with a clean damp cloth, pulling the gasket back to reach all surfaces
- Dry thoroughly with a clean dry cloth
For heavy mould: apply the bleach solution, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, then run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar in the drum to rinse. Never mix bleach and vinegar — use one or the other.
Running a Drum Clean
- Run an empty hot wash cycle (60°C or higher) with either a commercial washer cleaning tablet, 2 cups of white vinegar, or a cup of baking soda in the drum
- Do this monthly to prevent build-up
- Many front-loaders have a dedicated "drum clean" or "tub clean" cycle — use it
Prevention
- After every wash: wipe the gasket dry and leave the door open — this single habit prevents most mould growth
- Remove laundry promptly — wet clothes sitting in a closed drum accelerate mildew growth
- Use only HE (high-efficiency) detergent and the recommended amount — excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mould
- Pull the detergent drawer out after each use to allow it to dry