How to Remove Mold From the Washing Machine Gasket
Because washing machines are exposed to large amounts of water, it is not uncommon for them to develop mold and mildew around the rubber gaskets that line the doors. This issue seems to particularly affect front-loading washers.
If the door or lid to the washer is not left open after use, the water cannot evaporate and creates a breeding ground for mold. You can remove the mold from the gasket and restore the appearance and smell of the machine.
Things You Will Need
- Old towel or drop cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses
- Plastic cup
- Bleach
- Toothbrush
- Paper towel
Tip
To prevent new mold from forming on the washing machine gasket, wipe it dry after every use. In addition, leave the washer door or lid open for one to two hours after use to allow the moisture to evaporate. If your washing machine has a "Clean" cycle, you should run it immediately after removing the mold using the instructions for your washing machine.
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Put on rubber gloves and safety glasses before commencing the cleaning process.
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Lay an old towel or drop cloth on the floor under the front of the washer to prevent floor damage as you clean.
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Fill a plastic cup with bleach and dip a tooth brush into the bleach.
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Remove the toothbrush and scrub the washing machine gasket with it to remove the black mold from it. Hold the gasket open with the fingers of your other hand so that you can clean the center grooves of the gasket where the most mold is likely to grow.
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Rinse the toothbrush in the cup of bleach and continue cleaning until you have removed the mold from the entire gasket.
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Wipe the gasket with a paper towel to remove excess bleach residue and any remaining mold.
The Drip Cap
- Because washing machines are exposed to large amounts of water, it is not uncommon for them to develop mold and mildew around the rubber gaskets that line the doors.
- This issue seems to particularly affect front-loading washers.
- Remove the toothbrush and scrub the washing machine gasket with it to remove the black mold from it.
Check out this related video.
References
Writer Bio
Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in 2001.
Photo Credits
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
- Ryan Self/Demand Media
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