Our washing machines get a lot of use. Whether you save all your laundry and do several loads on a Sunday, or always put a load on when you get home from work, we need the appliances to get our clothes clean and ready to be worn again.
Washing machines are used to wash and clean our clothes, so many people might think the machine itself doesn’t need cleaning. After all, the whole purpose is to whizz around water and soap, so surely it cleans itself, right?
But that’s not entirely true. In fact, many parts of your washing machine need regular cleaning. If these areas aren’t cleaned, mould can grow within your appliance, and your clothes could end up smelling musty – even when they’ve just been freshly washed.
Cleaning fans on social media have shared one common area that people often miss when cleaning their washing machines – the rubber seal around the door – which can be vital.
Water gets trapped in this area after a wash, and if you don’t dry it out, mould can grow. This mould can then cause the rubber to break down and degrade, meaning that if left for too long, your washing machine door won’t close properly, potentially causing a huge watery mess the next time you go to put a load on.
In a post on Reddit, one person shared pictures of their washing machine seal covered in mould, as well as an updated picture after they managed to clean it and get it sparkling again.
They asked: “Has anyone ever washed this?”
Commenters on the post were quick to praise the person for cleaning the seal. Many said people often don’t realise they need to clean it, and shared advice for how to make sure the area stays clean without growing mould in the first place.
One person said: “Wipe with a cloth after each wash to prevent mould from growing. I’ve had my machine for 5 years and I’ve never had [issues]. Just a little tip for those who would like to get off to a good start after a good cleaning!”
Another shared advice on how to clean the seal, stating: “Mine looked awful, worse than this (despite leaving the door open after each wash). I soaked paper towels in mould remover spray, packed them in, and left them there for the maximum time. I replaced them with a second lot. Then, I wiped it all down with hot, soapy water. It looks like new.”
The poster themselves also shared in the comments exactly how they cleaned the area.
They wrote: “You have to start by wiping the drum with a cloth soaked in white vinegar to break down the stains. Then sprinkle baking soda over the stained areas and scrub gently with a sponge or soft brush. It’s a two-step process.”
How to properly clean a washing machine
Always consult the manual for your appliance, as this will usually have full cleaning and maintenance instructions inside, and some steps may vary between models. However, some general steps are as follows:
1. Clean the detergent drawer:
- Remove the drawer (check your manual if unsure how)
- Soak it in warm, soapy water
- Scrub away residue with a brush or sponge
- Rinse and dry before reinserting
2. Clean the door seal:
- Wipe the rubber gasket with a cloth soaked in a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar
- Check for trapped debris, hair, or mould
- Dry thoroughly
3. Clean the drum:
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda inside the drum
- Run the hottest and longest wash cycle (without laundry)
4. Clean the filter
- Check your appliance’s manual for instructions on safely removing and cleaning the filter