Black mould in a washing machine seal: how to clean it and stop it

Why the seal goes mouldy

Modern machines often wash at lower temperatures and use less water, which saves energy but means the drum and seal are rarely flushed hot. Too much detergent or fabric conditioner leaves residue that mould feeds on. Shutting the door straight after a wash traps moist air inside. A machine in a cold, damp utility room or a kitchen with condensation dries even more slowly.

Check the detergent drawer and its housing at the same time. They often have the same problem.

How to clean the seal

Unplug the machine first. Pull back the folds of the seal and check all the way round, especially at the bottom where water collects. Remove coins, hair and lint by hand, then wipe out the fold with a cloth and warm soapy water.

For black spots, use a mould and mildew spray or a diluted bleach solution, following the product label and your washing machine manual, as some makers advise against certain chemicals on the rubber. Leave it for the time on the label, then wipe clean and rinse with a damp cloth. An old toothbrush helps in the folds. Dry the seal fully with a towel.

1. 1

   Unplug the machine

2. 2

   Pull back the folds and remove debris

3. 3

   Wipe with warm soapy water

4. 4

   Apply a mould spray or diluted bleach as the label directs

5. 5

   Scrub folds with an old toothbrush

6. 6

   Rinse with a damp cloth and dry fully

Note:Wear gloves, ventilate the room and never mix bleach with other cleaners such as limescale removers or vinegar.

Run a maintenance wash

Most makers recommend an empty hot wash every month or so, often on the hottest cotton cycle or a dedicated drum clean programme. Some suggest adding a washing machine cleaner or a small amount of detergent. Check the manual for your model's advice.

Remove the detergent drawer and clean it and the housing behind it with an old toothbrush. Clean the drain pump filter as the manual describes, with a towel and shallow tray ready for water.

Habits that stop it coming back

The key is letting the seal dry between washes. Take washing out promptly, wipe the bottom of the seal with a dry cloth, and leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open until the next wash. Use the detergent dose on the pack for your water hardness and load size, not more.

Run a hot wash now and then for towels or bedding if the care labels allow. If the room the machine sits in is damp or suffers condensation, bringing humidity down helps everything dry faster. A dehumidifier in a utility room also helps any washing you dry there.

• Empty the drum promptly
• Wipe the seal dry after each wash
• Leave the door and drawer ajar
• Use the right detergent dose
• Run a monthly maintenance wash

See dehumidifiers for laundry rooms →

When to replace the seal

If the rubber is deeply stained, split or still smells after cleaning, replacing the door seal is a common repair. Seals are model specific and fitting involves removing clamping rings, so many people use a repair engineer. If the machine is under warranty, contact the maker first.

A musty smell on clean washing

If washing smells musty even after cleaning the seal, it may be drying too slowly rather than coming out of the machine smelly. Our guide on why clothes smell damp after drying covers the causes, and how to dry clothes indoors quickly helps you speed things up.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get black mould out of a washing machine seal? Light spotting usually cleans off with a mould spray or diluted bleach. Mould that has stained deep into the rubber may leave marks even when cleaned.

Should I leave my washing machine door open? Yes, slightly ajar between washes so the seal and drum can dry. Keep it closed if small children or pets could climb in.

How often should I clean the seal? Wipe it dry after washes and clean it properly every few weeks, alongside a monthly maintenance wash.