How to remove mold from a washing machine door: Add one natural ingredient to the drum

If you smell a terrible musty smell while doing laundry, it’s best to check the washing machine door, as mold is known to grow around the rubber seal.

Most of us don’t think about washing the washing machine, but it’s important to check regularly because mold can transfer to clothes, making it harder to keep your laundry fresh.

If mold continues to grow, it can wear down the washer seal over time, leading to leaks and damage that can be expensive to repair.

Luckily, Clare Delaney, cleaning expert and founder of Eco-Friendly Link, has revealed that removing mold from a washing machine door is very easy and only takes 10 minutes if you use a kitchen cabinet staple.

Clare said: “Don’t use bleach – it’s bad for the environment and for us humans too. Just use vinegar and water.”

It may seem strange, but white vinegar is very effective in removing mold because it contains acetic acid, which can break down spores and mold.

What makes vinegar so useful is that it can penetrate deep into the surface, allowing it to reach any nook or cranny in the washing machine door to ensure that all the mold is washed away.

Vinegar can also break down hard water minerals, also known as limescale, which can build up around the rubber seal and can be a breeding ground for mold, preventing it from growing back in the future.

How to use vinegar to clean the washing machine door

You just need to pour about 240 ml of white vinegar into the drum of the washing machine and add 50 g of baking soda to the detergent compartment.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs musty odors and moisture and helps vinegar clean mold.

Set the washing machine to the hottest temperature in the normal wash program or use the cleaning program if your machine has one.

Close the door, start the machine and it should be completely clean after washing.

Clare said: “It does all the hard work for you! Baking soda and vinegar naturally break down mineral deposits and possible mold growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.

If mold still appears on the seal around the washing machine door, dip a cloth in vinegar, apply it to the seal and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. After the time is up, wipe the seal and it should be completely gone.

Mold can only thrive in humid conditions, so remember to leave the washing machine door and detergent compartment open after each wash to reduce moisture build-up in the future.

Clare added: “Now that your machine is sparkling clean, repeat this cleaning three or four times a year as a preventative measure.”