washing machine seals covered in mildew - help please!

happinessfactory

I've just moved back in to my flat - I was renting it out for a while. It was well looked after and all the appliances were in working order when the last tenant moved out.

The flat was empty for a month whilst I had it cleaned and repainted, but during this time, the washing machine seal has become covered in what looks like fungus / mildew, some of which comes off on the washing when I take it out of the drum.

What's caused this? Can I get rid of it or do I need to buy a new seal and have it fitted by a repairman? I'm useless round the house so all advice very welcome!

TIA everyone.

pnq06

I had the same problem when I moved into my rented house and I put a couple of hot bleach washes on- it worked for me BUT some people are against using bleach in the washing machine... I've personally not had any harm done by doing it.

kwatt

Hi HF,

This article should answer the question.

HTH

K.

happinessfactory

Thanks for the advice both of you.

I did the washes at 95 with both bleach and vinegar (not together) and whilst they improved things, there is still a lot of mould and mildew around the seal.

I'm getting a man in and it's going to cost me £120 in parts and labour -aaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhh - to replace the seal.

Guess I'll know for next time:o Thanks again.

Sheel

Try cleaning the seal with toothpaste

I got this tip from watching How Clean Is Your House and tried it on my dishwasher and it worked really well!

never_enough

TBH I wouldn't bother getting it replaced at that price. Just remember never to leave the washing machine door closed or it will happen again. I did the same thing with a fridge that was turned off. Closed the door then came home a few weeks later to new life forms, it was gross! :eek: I used a strong soda crystal solution to clean, which worked eventually.

Mr_Warren_2

White vinegar solution and elbow grease.