If the door seal on your washing machine has a buildup of mold or black mold, it is caused by a buildup of bacteria, often from the incorrect use of detergents.
The most likely reason for this is the use of liquid or gel detergents that do not contain bleach additives, these bleaches are important to help kill bacteria that will grow inside the seal and other parts of the washer.
The reason detergent manufacturers add bleach to laundry detergents is primarily to “ rinse ” clothes and prevent whites from turning gray. The problem with mold and mildew on door seals is Quite modern, as before the arrival of liquid detergent, stains on the door seals weren’t a problem. trouble.
The insufficient dosage of detergents is another cause and if the continued bacterial growth takes hold.
Another important factor is the use of low temperature wash loads where modern fabrics must be washed, bacteria will not be killed in a 30 or 40 degree wash cycle and will continue to multiply on the door seal unless eliminate.
So now we know what causes unsightly mold or mold on door seals, how can we rectify it?
If the mold isn’t that bad, a cloth and a little bleach can remove it or possibly make it less unsightly, but the only real solution is to replace the door seal. Most appliance engineers charge between £ 50 and £ 80, depending on the make and model.
After the door seal has been cleaned or replaced, the following should be done to prevent it from happening again.
- Use powdered detergents together with liquid or gel detergents.
- A monthly “service wash” should be performed. This is a 95 degree wash with nothing in the drum, this will kill bacteria buildup.
- Dry the edge of the door seal when the wash cycle is complete.
- Leave the door ajar when not in use.
- Avoid “‘alternative”‘ laundry products such as nuts, eco balls, etc.
Very often this problem of unsightly door seals goes hand in hand with a smelly washing machine.
This odor, which can be compared to a musty and musty odor, is again a build-up of bacteria inside the washing machine, but it can be much more difficult to remove the odor completely. Several boiling washes may be enough to remove enough of the bacteria buildup, but a specialized additive such as soda may often be required.
