Washing machine

[Filbert]

I opened my machine the other day to put on a load and discovered that there were black marks on the rubber bit. I think they may be mold. I have tried to remove them but I don't want to press too hard due to it moving about a lot. Does anyone have any idea what i can use?
Thanks in advance

[whiskygalore]

Definitely sounds like mould, and the trick is to get rid of it now, before it worsens.

The most natural remedy to use is a mixture of vinegar/lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until they form a paste, then spread this over the affected areas.

Leave for a few hours, preferably overnight, then scrub the paste into the rubber, which will take the mould with it. You may need to repeat this process, but when finished each time, remember to rinse with clean water, because the vinegar will continue to eat at the rubber otherwise.

And to prevent mould build-up in future, each time you finish doing your washing, leave the door open for a few hours to let water left in the machine evaporate. It also helps to run the machine once a month, with a more liquid mix of these ingredients and with the machine empty.

[ChuckFickens]

it's not mold it a bacteria build up (nice)

It's caused by any one or a combination of several factors.

1. newer style detergents (especially colour ones) don't have bleach in them that will kill the bacteria

2. Using too little detergent

3. modern detergents (and environmental concerns) mean that washes are done at a lower temperature.


You can try cleaning it with a bleach solution and a cloth which should get rid of it if it's not too bad, if it is really bad often the only cure is a new door seal

but prevention is better than cure,

Firstly leave the door open a little between washes to let the seal dry so the bacteria hasn't got the nice moist conditions it likes to grow. Also if you solely use the newer style clolur tablets or liquids then do a maintenance wash once a month, this is a hot wash cycle done with the machine empty using a decent brand old style washing powder that is not designed for colours as they will have bleach in them and will kill any bacteria that is starting to grow in the machine. This has to been done empty as the idea is to clean the inside of the machine, not the clothes.

[Ethel]

I agree with everything Chuck says except the cheapest biogical powder is more than good enough for the maintenance wash - just remember it has to be biological and it has to be powder.

And use the hottest wash your machine is capable of.

While you're at it, pull the drawer out too - give it a good wash in hot soapy water (a bottle brush is good); clean the drawer cavity top and bottom and use a cable tie to clear the jets.

That cavity is an excellent place for bacteria and mould, and the jets do get clogged.

[Filbert]

Thanks everyone. Will get right to it