Washing Machine Door Gasket Mold
Mold on your washing machine gasket is usually caused by mold spores that are left behind in the seams of the rubber door gasket. When you use the washer, these spores are released into the air inside your home. If there is any moisture around, they will begin to grow and fog up the front seal of your washing machine. You will then have an unpleasant smell that can be hard to get rid of.
An appliance that’s not used frequently can accumulate mold on the rubber gasket because warm, moist air collects inside it. Cleaning the seal will reduce its chances of mold growth, but eventually, you’ll probably want to replace the gasket. However, if your machine is new or under warranty, stick to cleaning the rubber, rather than replacing it.
Scrub the gasket with a soft brush and soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner such as Lysol (which kills mold). If that doesn’t do the job, mix up baking soda and water into a thick paste and apply it to the gasket with your fingers or a toothbrush. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub again with the brush. Rinse off all of the cleaner and wait until the exterior of your appliance is completely dry before you run a cycle to avoid any mold growth.
