The fastest way to clean mold from your washer seal
The rubber gasket or seal on your washer — usually a ring around the door or the tub — traps moisture and detergent residue, making it a perfect home for mold. You can remove it without replacing the part by running a hot cycle with vinegar or bleach, then scrubbing the seal by hand with a brush and cloth.
The whole job takes 30 minutes to an hour. You do not need to take the seal apart or call a repair person unless the rubber has cracked or the mold has eaten through it, which is rare.
Key Takeaways
- Run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar or one cup of bleach to loosen mold buildup inside the washer and on the seal.
- After the cycle finishes, pull back the rubber seal and scrub it with an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush and a cloth, paying attention to the creases where mold hides.
- Wipe the seal dry after scrubbing and leave the washer door open between loads so moisture does not return.
- If mold comes back within a few weeks, the seal may have damage or the washer may have a drainage problem that needs attention.
Cleaning with vinegar versus bleach
Vinegar is gentler on rubber and works well for light to moderate mold. Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum, set the washer to the hottest water temperature available, and run a full cycle with no clothes inside. The heat and acidity loosen the mold. After the cycle, the seal will be softer and easier to scrub.
Bleach kills mold faster and works better on heavy buildup, but it can degrade rubber over time if you use it repeatedly. Use one cup of bleach in the bleach dispenser (not the drum), run a hot cycle, and follow the same scrubbing steps. If your washer has no bleach dispenser, pour the bleach into the drum five minutes after the cycle starts so it does not sit on the rubber before water reaches it.
For most washers, vinegar is the safer choice if you plan to clean the seal every month or two. Save bleach for stubborn mold that vinegar did not remove.
Step-by-step scrubbing after the cycle
Once the hot cycle finishes and the washer cools enough to touch, pull the rubber seal back gently to expose the underside and the creases. This is where mold hides. Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush — not a wire brush, which can tear the rubber — and scrub the entire seal, both the top and underside, with short strokes.
For stubborn spots, dip the brush in a paste of baking soda and water, or spray the seal with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water before scrubbing. Work the brush into the folds and grooves. Wipe everything clean with a damp cloth, then dry the seal thoroughly with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Leave the washer door open for at least an hour after you finish so the seal dries completely. Moisture left behind will allow mold to return within days.
Preventing mold from coming back
The main cause of mold in washer seals is trapped moisture. After every load, wipe the seal dry with a cloth and leave the door open for at least 30 minutes. If you run multiple loads in a row, open the door between each one.
Use the correct amount of detergent — too much leaves residue that feeds mold — and run a hot water cycle with vinegar once a month as maintenance, even if you do not see mold yet. This keeps buildup from starting.
If you live in a humid climate or your laundry room has poor air flow, run a dehumidifier or open a window while the washer is running and for an hour after. Some people prop the washer door open with a small wedge when not in use to allow air circulation.
When the seal needs replacement instead of cleaning
If the rubber is cracked, torn, or has hard spots that do not soften after a hot vinegar cycle, the seal has degraded and cleaning will not restore it. A damaged seal will leak water during the spin cycle and allow mold to spread to the drum and motor housing underneath.
Replacement seals cost between $50 and $200 depending on the washer model, and installation takes 20 to 45 minutes if you do it yourself or 1 to 2 hours if a repair person does it. Check your washer's manual or search the model number online to find the correct part number before ordering.
Signs your washer has a deeper mold problem
If mold returns to the seal within two weeks of cleaning, even after you have dried it and left the door open, the washer may have a drainage issue or mold growing inside the tub where you cannot see it. A clogged drain filter or pump prevents water from leaving the tub completely, leaving standing water that breeds mold.
Check your washer's drain filter — usually a small cap or plug at the bottom front of the machine — and clear any lint or debris. If the filter is clean and mold still returns quickly, the pump may be failing or the tub may have mold on the underside. At that point, a repair person can inspect the drainage system and recommend whether cleaning or replacement is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach and vinegar together to clean the seal?
No. Mixing bleach and vinegar creates toxic chlorine gas. Use one or the other in a single cycle. If vinegar did not remove the mold, wait until the washer dries, then run a separate cycle with bleach.
Is it safe to use my washer right after cleaning it with bleach?
Yes, as long as you run one empty rinse cycle with hot water after the bleach cycle finishes. This removes any bleach residue from the drum and seal. You can then wash clothes normally.
What if the mold smell stays even after I clean the seal?
The smell may be coming from inside the tub or drain. Run a hot cycle with two cups of vinegar and leave the door open for several hours. If the smell persists, the drainage system may need cleaning or the tub may have mold on the underside, which requires a repair person to inspect.
How often should I clean the washer seal to prevent mold?
If you dry the seal after every load and leave the door open, monthly maintenance with a vinegar cycle is usually enough. In humid climates or if you notice mold returning, clean it every two weeks.