Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with the solution and saturate the rubber seal, focusing on areas with mold or mildew. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes: This allows the vinegar to break down the mold and dirt on the rubber seal.
Run the washing machine on a hot cycle
Add a cup of white vinegar or Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner to the detergent compartment. The hot water and vinegar combination will help remove any scum or buildup inside the machine, including the rubber seal. Repeat this process if you have particularly stubborn scum buildup.
Wipe the inside of that rubber seal down with hydrogen peroxide 2 - 3 times till you have wiped away the mould. Then run the hottest wash cycle you can with some vinegar . Leave the door open after the entire wash cycle is over. Use a moisture absorber like 'Damp Rid' between wash cycles.
- Spray the vinegar or hydrogen peroxide directly onto the moldy areas of the rubber seal. If using vinegar, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to penetrate the mold. - After letting the solution sit, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the rubber seal.
You can use two or three parts of water to one of vinegar for this method. Either make up the solution in a spray bottle and spray onto the seal, or apply directly using a cloth or sponge. For ingrained food, use a soft toothbrush and gently scrub.
Washing Machines
Vinegar is sometimes used as a fabric softener or for getting rid of stains and odors in laundry. But as with dishwashers, it can damage the rubber seals and hoses in some washing machines to the point of causing leaks.
For those seals that are slightly weathered, a more straightforward method of submerging the seal in boiling water and soap will work fine. Using the tongs, you should look to remove the seal every 5 minutes to test its flexibility and overall condition.
Bleach can damage the rubber seal if used too frequently. Always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using bleach. Leave the washing machine door open: Allow the seal to dry completely by leaving the washing machine door open for a few hours.
Spray some WD-40 onto a soft rag, then gently rub the black marks off. It takes virtually no effort and absolutey no pressure to push down with your finger. Afterwards, wash the car as you would normally do.
Using affresh® washing machine cleaner on a regular basis can help keep your washing machine clean and free of odor-causing residues and grime that can lead to mold growth over time.
Bleach can be used inside your washing machine for cleaning it as well as working well as a washing machine disinfectant. The most important thing to remember is that you must run at least one empty cycle after cleaning, to remove all remaining bleach and help prevent bleaching next time you do a load of laundry.
Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with the solution and saturate the rubber seal, focusing on areas with mold or mildew. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes: This allows the vinegar to break down the mold and dirt on the rubber seal.
Mix equal parts warm water and bicarb to create a paste the consistency of porridge. Apply it to the rubber seal and leave for 15 minutes. Gently rub the paste over the seal with a soft brush (an old toothbrush is ideal). Rinse with a damp cloth or sponge.
“For removing odors, I would say vinegar.” Some people, however, prefer white vinegar because it's not as harsh as bleach. Unless, of course, your washing machine has been completely neglected, and is now a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, and you want a power cleaner.
When rubber is exposed to vinegar, it can cause the rubber to swell and become soft due to the acidic nature of the vinegar. This can lead to a decrease in the strength and durability of the rubber, as well as discoloration. Additionally, the vinegar can cause the rubber to crack and degrade, leading to further damage.
If you're dealing with a mouldy seal, this method is your not-so-secret weapon: Swing the washing machine door wide open and fully expose the rubber seal. Grab a cotton pad or ball, dip it in white vinegar, and put it to work. Wipe or scrub away any visible mould from the rubber.
The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste - 850g
A: Hi, unfortunately it won't do much to remove mould from washing machine seal. However it can be used to remove the marks left behind once the mould has been treated.
Scrubbing smaller, lightly soiled rubber seals with almond oil is also an effective, simple option, restoring lost flexibility and cleaning away dirt and grime.
Protect your new rubber car seals
WD-40® High Performance Silicone Lubricant is ideal for use on rubber materials. After you have allowed time for the glue to dry and settle, spray the entire rubber surface with WD-40® High Performance Silicone Lubricant, and wipe away with a clean microfiber cloth.
If disinfection is your goal, a mild alcohol and water solution works wonders. However, avoid using solvent or oil-based cleaners like Pine-Sol or Lysol, as they can break down the rubber over time.