How to Properly Clean the Rubber Seal on Your Washing Machine, According to Pros

From time to time, you may notice a musty odor when opening your washing machine. Whether you have a front- or top-loader, the machine’s rubber gasket may be to blame. This piece of rubber helps seal the machine and prevents water from leaking out during a wash cycle. But it can also be the first to bear the brunt of detergent buildup, mold, and excessive moisture—which is why regular cleaning is critical to extend the life of your appliance. 

We consulted with two appliance experts who shared their tips and tricks for getting this part of your machine sparkling.

Why You Need to Clean Your Washer's Rubber Seal

Regularly cleaning your washer machine's rubber seal is key to proper maintenance, says Emily Dixon, product marketing manager of laundry care at BSH North America. Besides preventing mold and mildew, cleaning will also taper unpleasant odors and prevent cracking and crumbling of your seal. (A cracked, ill-fitting seal will need to be replaced, and that could cost you.)

Appliance pro Brian Shaunfield says seal issues are especially a concern for front-loading washing machines. “The rubber gasket forms a watertight seal around the washer door, which makes it a common site for lingering residue, moisture, and mildew,” he explains. "A neglected gasket will develop an odor when damp and poses potential hygiene risks as mold spores may build up and transfer to your clothing."

And in addition to those immediate risks, "this build-up can eventually lead to sealing and drainage issues later down the line," adds Shaunfield.

Recommend Cleaning Frequency

For best results, Dixon recommends giving your rubber gasket a quick wipe in between each wash cycle—but this isn’t a replacement for a deep clean, she notes. Both Dixon and Shaunfield say every month or so, you should do a more in-depth cleaning of your gasket to keep it in tip-top shape. 

How to Clean the Rubber Seal on Your Washer

Both front- and top-loading washers have a similar cleaning process, Shaunfield shares. The key difference is that with a front-loader, you’ll want to focus on the door gasket, while on a top-loader, you’ll clean the gasket located near the lid.

Ready to tackle your own rubber seal? Here’s what you’ll need.

Materials Needed

• Cleaning cloth
• Mild disinfecting solution or distilled white vinegar
• Warm water
• Toothbrush
• Towel

Instructions

1. Add warm water and a mild disinfecting solution to your cleaning cloth. Shaunfield recommends using distilled white vinegar.
   
2. Wipe thoroughly around the rubber seal with the dampened cloth, paying extra attention to any folds, seams, and hidden crevices.
   
3. Wet the toothbrush with the disinfecting solution and water. Use this to get into tight spaces that the cloth alone can’t reach.
   
4. Dry the seal completely with a towel, removing all of the solution and moisture.
   
5. Leave the door open slightly when you aren’t using your washer to increase airflow and stave off mold and mildew.