If your washing machine has started to emit a foul odour, it’s likely time to check the front door seal, as this area is a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. The rubber seal on a washing machine’s door is infamous for accumulating black mould, which can cause a musty smell to both your laundry and your home.
Lynsey Crombie has recently shared that washing machine seals are particularly susceptible to mould during the spring and summer due to the warm, damp conditions that mould thrives in. On her Instagram account @lynsey_queenofclean, Lynsey advised her followers: “Don’t forget this time of year, your machine will smell more than ever with the higher temperatures.” Thoroughly cleaning the intricate parts of the seal to prevent mould can be quite troublesome, but luckily, Lynsey has disclosed a simple household item that can “banish stinky odours and mould build-up in your washing machine rubber seal” — baking soda.
Baking soda is an excellent option for combating seal mould because of its gentle antibacterial and antifungal properties — its alkaline nature allows it to break down the acidic residue that mould feeds on.
Lynsey’s method is straightforward: “Sprinkle into the rubber seal some bicarbonate of soda, spritz with water, scrub with a small brush, leave for 10 minutes, and then run a rinse cycle.
“The bicarb will absorb the smells and effortlessly clean the seal. Say goodbye to a smelly washing machine!”
Once the timer dings, give those baking powder-dusted seals a thorough scrub with something like an old toothbrush before wiping them down with a damp cloth.
For those seeking an extra punch against germs, splash on some white vinegar for added strength, but make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent any moisture-related problems.
To ensure your washing machine seal remains gleaming and free from mould, clean it diligently once a month without exception.
Here’s a clever tip: after each wash cycle, quickly wipe the seal and leave the door slightly open to prevent bacteria from causing any unpleasant odours.
In Lynsey’s comments section, her followers were thrilled with this brilliant bit of cleaning advice. One user exclaimed: “Never tried this but will definitely give it a go!”
Another relieved cleaning enthusiast commented: “This is so good! I was wondering why my machine was smelly.” A thankful follower expressed: “Thank you! This is such a good tip mine definitely needs doing.”