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Time Required

10 minutes

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Difficulty

beginner

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Tools Needed

Rubber gloves, Soft cloth

⚠️ Safety Tips for Clean Your Washing Machine Door Seal (Gasket)

•Wear rubber gloves when using bleach or mold cleaners to protect your skin
•Ensure the area is well-ventilated if you’re using bleach (open a window or run an exhaust fan)
•Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar; use bleach by itself or use alternatives like vinegar separately

# Clean Your Washing Machine Door Seal (Gasket)

Front-loading washers have a rubber door gasket that seals water in, but it also collects detergent residue and can grow mold. Cleaning it regularly prevents odors and leaks.

## Why Clean the Door Seal?

- Remove mold and mildew that cause smells on clothes
- Ensure a watertight seal so water doesn’t leak during washes
- Prolong the life of the gasket by keeping it free of harsh buildup

It’s a good practice to wipe the gasket dry after each use, but also do a deeper clean periodically.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Clean the Washer Door Seal

Follow these steps to safely clean the gasket and surrounding area.

Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Your Washing Machine Door Seal (Gasket)

Open and Inspect the Gasket

Open the washer door and gently peel back the rubber gasket to inspect inside its folds. You may find water, detergent residue, or small objects stuck there. Remove any debris or foreign objects.

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Be thorough—check all the way around the gasket, especially at the bottom where water sits and mold often starts.

Wipe Initial Dirt

Use a damp cloth to wipe away loose dirt, hair, or lint from the gasket and the door glass where it contacts the seal. Removing this debris first makes the cleaning more effective.

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If the gasket has a removable insert or filter (some washers do at the bottom), take it out and rinse that separately.

Apply Cleaning Solution

Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water (or use a commercial washer gasket cleaner). Wearing gloves, dip a cloth or sponge in the solution and scrub the moldy or dirty areas of the gasket. Make sure to get inside the folds where residue lurks.

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Avoid getting bleach on your clothes or other surfaces. Also, don’t use straight bleach — dilute it as directed to protect the rubber.

Scrub Stubborn Mold

For any black mildew spots that remain, use an old toothbrush dipped in the bleach solution to gently scrub those areas. Take care not to damage or overly stretch the gasket while scrubbing.

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If you prefer not to use bleach, white vinegar or specialized mildew cleaners can work too. You might need to let it soak on the spots a bit longer before scrubbing.

Rinse the Gasket

Wipe down the gasket thoroughly with a cloth dampened in plain water. Remove all traces of cleaning solution to prevent any potential damage to clothing in the next wash.

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After rinsing, dry the gasket with a clean towel. A dry gasket is less likely to grow mold.

Prevent Future Mold

Leave the washer door open for a couple of hours after cleaning (and after each laundry load) to let the gasket dry out completely. Consider wiping the gasket dry after each use as part of your routine.

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You can also occasionally run an empty hot wash with a bit of bleach or washer cleaner to keep the drum and gasket fresh.

🔧 When to Call a Professional for Clean Your Washing Machine Door Seal (Gasket)

In cases of severe mold, the rubber may be compromised and need replacement. A worn or damaged gasket will not seal properly and should be replaced by a professional to prevent leaks. Technicians can fit a new gasket and ensure it’s aligned correctly, restoring the washer’s watertight seal.

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Signs it's time to call us for Clean Your Washing Machine Door Seal (Gasket)

•The gasket is heavily stained with mold that won’t come off or is deteriorating
•You notice water leaking from the door during washes even after cleaning the gasket
•The gasket has tears or is loose and coming off

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Clean Your Washing Machine Door Seal (Gasket)