How To Cure a Smelly Mouldy Washing Machine

Mouldy washing machine door seals are a bi-product of our attempt to reduce the carbon footprint, and rightly so!  If we can save the world from human destruction, who cares about a smelly, mouldy washing machine door seal?  Well, it turns out, lots of you do!

Remember in the bygone days?  Washing was done once a week and would always include a boil wash; there was no such thing as a smelly washing machine or mouldy door seal in their day.

By contrast, today we wash much more often at much lower temperatures, and this is is the reason why we have smelly, mouldy washing machines.

What Causes Black Mould to Appear On Door Seals

The root of the problem is a build up of bacteria inside your washing machine. The low-temperature washes create a cosy environment for the bacteria to grow and multiply. The residue left by this growth then allows the mould to grow.

Also, because of these low temperatures, residues from detergents and grease from your laundry remain in your washing machine creating the conditions for mould growth.

It's not only door seals that are affected.  You will also find black mould build up in the dispenser drawer and housing where you add the detergent and softener.

You should be aware that these are the visible areas.  You can see mould on your door seal every time you open the door.  Your mouldy soap drawer is evident every time you fill it up.  But what about the inside of the washing machine?  If your door seal is mouldy then the inside of the washing machine drum, where you put your washing, will also be covered with bacteria and mould!

How do bacteria get Into my washing machine

Bacteria enters your washing machine mainly from our soiled clothes.  Consider the following regular items of washing:

• soiled bed linen
• washable nappies
• dog fouling remains on clothes
• toilet mats
• pet's bedding and towels
• greasy overalls

While modern-day detergents are designed to wash at much lower temperatures, they won’t kill bacteria found on items such as listed above, in the way a boil wash does!

Consequences of Bacteria and Black Mould Build Up

Firstly, it is unsightly.  Secondly, it could become a health hazard. Mould can also release spores which have the potential to irritate the lungs when inhaled.

If the build-up is excessive, it may be transferred to the laundry as you remove it from your washing machine. These marks may be stubborn to remove from clothing.

Excessive build up will become slimy and start to smell.   If you leave your laundry in the washing machine drum for a length of time after the cycle has finished, you will notice that your clothes are smelly.

Sheared drum support shafts have become a real problem usually causing the washing machine to become uneconomic to repair.  The residue of bacteria build-up is a jelly-like substance which fills the cavities in the drum support shaft arms.  The support shaft arms are a metal alloy and acids created by bacteria enhance the corroding effect.

How can I treat and avoid bacteria in my washing machine

By merely replicating what we used to do years ago!  Now and then put your washing machine through a service wash to help kill any bacteria build up.

How To Do A Service Wash - Instructions

A service wash is extremely simple, but extremely effective in curing a smelly washing machine & removing limescale. First of all you will need a good quality Limescale and Detergent remover. We recommend the Indesit Company Professional Home Care Product. You will get 10 sachets in the box which will give you 10 service washes.

1. Empty the contents of one sachet in to the drum of the washing machine along with 2 bath towels (not your best ones!).
   
   If your washing machine is smelly or a large amount of mould is visible then you can add 2/3 sachets on the first service wash.
    

2. Select the hottest wash cycle and turn your machine on.
   
   Do not select a pre-wash as the machine will empty before the main wash.