how to clean mildewy rim on washing machine seal?

taxsaver · 17 July 2011 at 2:46PM

Some tips in this thread.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3363744

sandraroffey · 17 July 2011 at 3:44PM

its caused by doing low temp washes. the heat isnt enough to kill the bacteria that live on the seal. will kill the seal eventually.

laddujaddu · 17 July 2011 at 6:40PM

Make sure you wipe dry the seal with a kitchen towel or suchlike, and if possible leave the washing machine door open, so that it'll be bone dry, it will prevent mould from appearing. However you have to be careful and tell others to be careful while the door is open. so that they'll not tear it off by bumping into it accidentally! I leave mine open at night.

herewegoagain2010 · 17 July 2011 at 7:07PM

Wow..... I don't feel like a dirty freak now. Thats for the linkie taxsaver. I've just taken the advice and stuck bicarb and vinegar on a 60' wash. It seems like fabric conditioner is the route of all evil, so I'll be crossing that off the shopping list from now. I always leave the door ajar laddujaddu when it's not in use, but never dry the seal. To be honest the mashine does 2/3 loads a day, so think i may start doing it, just on the last load of the day. Thanks for the replies and I'll update how I get. x

tryingtobethrifty · 17 July 2011 at 8:56PM

I had the same problem. We bought a replacement seal, after trying to get the black off with no luck. There are some videos on the internet showing how to do this.

Unfortunately after replacing the seal it broke down anyway. We try to save money by replacing the seal then the stupid thing broke anyway:mad:!
Now i have a lovely new Bosch washing machine, that can do a wash in 15mins and I'm hoping it will last a LOOOOONG time.

Good luck with yours, hoping that the mould comes off for you.

lollipopsarah · 17 July 2011 at 11:03PM

ah the dreaded gunge!
I usually use the kitchen towel to mop up and have a go at the rubber thing
also when I remember, I take the soap drawer thingy out and soak it over night in the sink and give it a good going over with a tooth brush
also when I remember (d'oh) I like to do a hot wash with just half washing powder (sheets maybe) to give the machine a good work out
xx

welshlovebiscuit · 2 October 2011 at 8:40PM

The seal around my washing machine door has gone all black and slimy...first time this has happened to me. I've tried a few things on it but it is very stubborn...afraid to experiment too much incase I damage the seal.

Any suggestions? Would bicarb do it?