The rubber seal inside washing machines can become mouldy if not cleaned properly (Image: Getty)
If your clothes come out of the washing machine smelly despite just being washed, then you likely have a mould issue, but it can easily be fixed in 10 minutes.
Many people do not realise they should down their door after doing as the rubber seal on the inside is prone to gathering moisture and bacteria.
If the rubber seal cannot dry out, the damp surface will eventually become , and the dirt build-up can prevent the washing machine door from sealing properly, leading to leaks.
The rubber gasket can be tricky to clean as it can be damaged if you use a harsh chemical solution, but the experts at Tru Earth have shared you can remove the mould with natural ingredients.
They said: “Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant with a pleasant scent, making it an excellent choice for mould removal. When combined with salt, it forms a powerful cleaning paste.”
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It is quick and easy to clean the rubber seal in 10 minutes (Image: Getty)
What you should use to remove mould, and how does it work?
It may seem simple, but lemon juice contains citric acid, which is strong enough to break down mould spores, dirt and soap buildup without damaging the rubber seal.
Lemon juice has mild antibacterial properties and also helps deodorise and remove any leftover musty smells.
Salt absorbs moisture, so it will quickly dry the rubber seal to prevent any spores from lingering and growing back. Mould can only survive in a moist environment.
However, if the mould is particularly stubborn then you can also opt to use hydrogen peroxide, a much stronger antifungal solution that will kill mould and also completely disinfect the rubber seal.
The expert said: “Hydrogen peroxide is an effective mould killer that’s safe to use on rubber surfaces. Opt for a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution, ideally a three percent concentration.
Make sure to leave your washing machine door open after each wash so the rubber seal can dry out (Image: Getty)
How to remove mould from your washing machine door
If you are using lemon juice and salt, mix it together until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste on the rubber gasket, particularly on any mouldy areas.
Use a cloth to scrub the mixture into the mouldy surface. Rinse with clean water, and hopefully, the mould should be gone.
If you have a particularly bad mould build-up, use hydrogen peroxide. Apply the solution to the mouldy areas of the rubber gasket.
Leave the hydrogen peroxide on the rubber gasket for at least 10 minutes to allow it to break down the mould spores.
When the time is up, use a cloth to wipe the gasket, and the mould should be gone. Wipe it down with warm water to rinse away the cleaning solution, and dry it with a clean cloth.
The rubber lining around your washing machine door should be completely clean and mould-free. In the future, leave the door open after doing laundry so the rubber seal can dry out properly.