In my many years of repairing various washers and dryers, it’s only in the last 4-5 years that I’ve noticed door gaskets (the rubber seal around the washers door) turning black. It’s also happening to the detergent drawers. It is becoming a big problem and if you don’t know how to remove it. Then it will soon start to stain the clothes you are trying to wash, your washing machine will smell bad, and it may break down soon. Before I tell you how I get rid of horrible black spots, let’s first see what can be the cause of them. When I started repairing washers and dryers over 30 years ago, it was pretty normal to work on a machine that was already 20 years old with much more use left. I don’t see that anymore these days, in my experience you are doing fine if your machine lasts 5 years and I regularly see 2 year old machines that are ready for the recycling heap.
And all those years ago, I never saw hideous black slime grow on door gaskets or detergent drawers. So what has changed? Well, today’s machines use a lot less water than the old ones. We also wash at very low temperatures day after day. I also think more of us use liquid detergent and are being good consumers, using way too much of everything (detergent and fabric softener) The black stains on the door gaskets and in the detergent drawers are just a mildew buildup in my opinion , mold and bacteria actually start to grow in the rubber of your door gasket and even a good hard scrubbing won’t move it because it’s actually growing in it.
When low temperatures are used all the time, there is nothing to kill the bacteria. There’s nothing in the detergent that will kill it, and low wash temperatures encourage it to grow. To kill bacteria, mold and mildew, you need heat or chemicals, and we don’t really use those anymore. In fact, we are giving the bacteria, etc. Everything you need to thrive.
gentle heat. (That’s the temperature we’re all washing at these days)
Humidity (When your machine is not in use, it is a very humid place)
lack of light (Inside a washing machine is not the brightest place there is)
So that’s my take on why we’re having these problems right now. In the UK, I see that the Vanish company has launched an antibacterial laundry additive. It’s a good idea and may help stop this problem in the future. What can be done to remove this black mold etc.? Scrubbing won’t work, it will reduce it a bit, but you’ll be damaging the rubber, so don’t do it. I’ve found that regular household bleach removes it, but it needs to be left on for at least 12 hours. So just pouring it on the rubber is not good as it will run off and go to waste. This is what I do.
Soak a dish towel in bleach and place it just above the rubber of the door, where the stains are the worst. Trim the edges and smooth the fabric so that it is in direct contact with the stains. Then leave it overnight or for at least 12 hours. This will kill the fungus and clean the gum. If the dish towel doesn’t cover the entire stain, treat each area separately for a couple of days until all the black spots are gone.
Before using the washer, run it on a rinse cycle to wash the door gasket and remove any remaining bleach before placing your clothes in it. Now to clean the detergent drawer and holder (the place that the detergent dispenser slides into). Different machines have different ways to remove the detergent drawer. If you are not sure how to do this, consult the instructions for your machine. Or “Google” free instructions for your make and model of machine.
The same method for cleaning rubber door gaskets also works for detergent drawers, except give the drawer a good scrub first (it’s much stronger than a rubber gasket and won’t damage it). in direct contact with the stains. Like the advice for cleaning a washing machine door gasket, leave it for at least 12 hours and repeat if necessary.
To clean the compartment that the drawer slides into (still with the drawer removed)
You will need a dishwasher. You know the type, you see them in supermarkets (plastic handle with a bristle head). You don’t need a top of the line one, I think the cheap ones are the best. Clean the inside of the detergent compartment well with a dish scrubber, soak it in a little water and wipe the compartment 3-4 times. Bail. The next step can be dangerous, so I won’t tell you to do it. Instead, I’ll tell you what I do. If you want to do like me, it’s up to you. Spray normal household bleach into the compartment and leave it for an hour or so.
I haven’t been able to find a good spray bleach, so I pour some regular household bleach into an old spray bottle. The type with a direct spray and not a mist type spray is best. I kneel in front of the machine, staying well back, holding the spray bottle at arms length. I always wear safety glasses (I don’t want to get bleached in my eyes) and just spray into the open detergent compartment, making sure to coat the inside top well. After about an hour, a good wipe down with a terry towel leaves the compartment looking like new. Congratulations, you now have a washer that is nice and clean and won’t stain your clothes or smell as bad.
Now to keep it that way. Turn up the temperature once a week.
Sheets and towels must be washed at 60 degrees. 15, 30 or 40 degrees does not kill germs (mold, dust mites, etc.)
Wash these items once a week at 60 degrees. It will help kill germs and keep your machine looking and smelling fresh. Low-temperature washes may use less electricity per wash, but that means you’ll have to buy a new washer every 2 years. Are you really saving anything? Never mind the mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites you haven’t killed.
I suggest you use 50% less detergent than recommended on the package. (A good help for our Planet) and your pocket. I don’t use fabric conditioner at all. Did you know that the more detergent you use, the more conditioner you’ll need to use too? It’s the detergent and conditioner that splatters inside the detergent drawer, while washing, that causes the horrible black gunk in the detergent drawer. I don’t use it at all. I use white vinegar instead. It is white or clear (looks like water) and is often called “distilled vinegar.” The vinegar goes into the detergent drawer compartment where the fabric conditioner would go. I just fill it with vinegar.
No, my clothes don’t smell like vinegar and I have a sparkling clean fresh smelling washer (8 years old now). The vinegar is also descaling my washing machine and it’s cheaper than buying descaling tablets at the supermarket.
So to recap. When you have your washing machine all clean. Keep it clean by doing at least one hot water wash per week (60 degrees) Reduce the amount of detergents and fabric conditioner you use (nice little savings for you) Consider replacing your current fabric conditioner with white “Distillate” or clear vinegar. You’ll save money, your clothes won’t be stained by a dirty door gasket, the vinegar removes the scale and cleans your machine so it should last longer, which might help the environment a bit.