The rubber gasket of your washing machine is a target for molds development. Molds can easily grow in there. If you don't clean it regularly, you can have a moldy washer problem on your hands.
Here is how you can clean the rubber gasket or door seal of your front loader:
Step 1: Remove remaining clothes in the washer drum. Run an empty cycle in the highest water setting and add two cups of white vinegar. Vinegar works in dissolving molds. You can also add a cup of baking soda. It helps diffuse unwanted odor inside the washer. Allow the washer to complete the cleaning cycle.
Step 2: After cleaning, unplug your washer. Let it rest for a few minutes. Wipe the area around the washer clean in case there are pools of water lying there.
Step 3: Prepare cleaning solution made up of one part white vinegar and one part water. Place it in a spray bottle. Spray the seal of the door with this mixture. Allow it to dissolve molds and mildew for at least 30 minutes. It will help loosen up the debris so you can easily wipe it off.
Step 4: After 30 minutes, get clean towel and dampen it with water. Wipe off the debris around the rubber gasket. This will remove the initial dirt you can see outside the washer.
Step 5: For the areas that are more difficult to reach, dip the towel in the vinegar mixture and reach the moldy areas. You can also use an old toothbrush. Dip it in the cleaning solution and brush off those areas.
Step 6: Wash the cloth in clean water and wring out the excess moisture. Use damp towel to rinse the seal. Wipe it off and remove remaining debris.
Step 7: Get dry cloth this time and wipe the interior of the machine. Wipe the washer drum. Wipe the rubber gasket and the exterior of the machine. Leave the door open so air can circulate inside and dry up the parts you haven't cleaned.
You can substitute vinegar with lemon juice. Some people also use bleach but this might damage the rubber gasket and speed up its deterioration. If the rubber gasket is too dirty and too damaged, you should have it replaced with a new one. Use the steps mentioned above to clean the gasket regularly to prolong its life. After every washing cycle, leave the front door open to avoid the appearance of molds.
