Dirty Washing Machine Door Seal

DollyDee_2

Apologies if this has been posted before.

My friend is very ill with Parkinsons & Anxiety & lives in extra care housing. They will do her washing but she will only send her bed linen & towels and wants her clothes washed in her machine in her flat but she hasn't looked after the machine - she can't even work it now.

She said there were black bits on the washing. I looked at the machine & it was filthy!!!!!! It's not even that old and there's only her.

I've cleaned soap dispenser & the slot where it goes. I've also done an empty 95 degree wash with an Ariel Liqui-Tab but the door seal is vile.

What's the best stuff to clean it with please? I seem to remember someone telling me you could clean it with turps or white spirit - is this true?

Still had some black bits on the washing I did for her today.

Any suggestions please?

daveyjp

Try Dettol mould and mildew cleaner. Just ensure the seal is cleaned well after using it as it will bleach clothes.

After doing this leave the door open when the machine isn't being used.

DollyDee_2

Thanks Davey, I will try that next time I visit. I've got some of it in the garage.

I've already told her to leave the door open after emptying washing machine to let to some air in.

Her Mom's been doing the washing & my friend did "help" but they both closed the door without wiping it round as soon as they emptied it. Her Mum's been in hospital & I've sort of had to take over for the time being.

I've already cleaned the fridge (salad drawer was yucky).

My friend has also got OCD & everything has to be perfect so I was surprised she actually left the door open between my visits.

Thanks again.

Jaynne

When we brought our house it came with the washing machine but the seal was a bit mouldy. We were able to replace it though you need to be a confortable DIYer to do that.

It still took a good few hot washes to clear the rest and we switched to a using a white powder (Daz) for our whites which I think has helped a lot as we haven't seen any come back at all since.

savemoney

I agree the dettox spray may do it if its not too bad. To avoid this is best just wipe the seal after a wash with a cloth. I would have done a hot wash and uses soda crystals to lean machine out the pipes get get full of gunge on low temp washes

macman

A hot wash cycle with white vinegar, the wipe the seal with neat vinegar.