Black Mould on Washing Machine Door Seal

Trapped Moisture in the Seal Folds

The door seal naturally traps water in its folds after every wash. If the door is closed immediately and the seal is not dried, moisture sits in the rubber and creates ideal conditions for mould to grow.

Low-Temperature Washing

Washing at 30°C or 40°C does not kill the bacteria and mould spores that build up inside the machine. Over time these colonise the door seal and produce the characteristic black patches.

Detergent and Conditioner Residue

Undissolved detergent and fabric conditioner accumulate in the door seal folds. This sticky residue provides a food source for mould and encourages faster growth.

Infrequent Cleaning

The longer mould is left untreated, the deeper it penetrates the rubber. Over time this can cause permanent staining or deterioration of the seal, eventually requiring replacement.

Clean the Door Seal

Pull back all the folds of the rubber seal and wipe away any mould, debris and residue with a damp cloth. Apply diluted white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to affected areas, leave for a few minutes, then wipe away. Rinse thoroughly and dry the seal completely.

Run a Hot Maintenance Wash

After cleaning the seal, run an empty wash at the hottest temperature available — ideally 90°C — to kill any remaining bacteria and mould spores inside the machine. Add a washing machine cleaner tablet to the drum for best results.

Dry the Seal After Every Wash

After each cycle, wipe the door seal dry with a clean cloth and leave the machine door slightly ajar. This allows air to circulate inside the drum and prevents moisture from building up in the seal folds.

Check Your Detergent Dosage

Using too much detergent or fabric conditioner leaves excess residue on the seal. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and ensure you are using a detergent suitable for automatic washing machines.