How to Remove Black Mold From a Washing Machine Seal

Keep your washing machine mold-free at all times.

Mold can become a problem in almost any home, even on your washing machine! Besides a place to grow, mold requires only moisture and a food source such as dirt or other organic material in order to grow. All of these requirements can be found around the seals of washing machine doors. If mold exists around your washing machine door, it can potentially spread throughout other areas of the home, often via clothes that come in contact with the mold. The proper control measures will prevent the risk of harmful mold side effects.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Surgical mask
• Water
• Liquid all-purpose cleaner
• Sponge
• Bleach
• Spray bottle
• Stiff scrubbing brush

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves and a surgical mask to protect yourself from the mold. Always wear protective gear when working around mold.

2. Fill a bucket with hot water and 1 tsp. of liquid all-purpose cleaner. Agitate the water for 10 seconds to thoroughly mix the ingredients.

3. Dip a sponge in the solution. Wring out the sponge so it's moist but not dripping.

4. Pull back the rubber seal with one hand and scrub the mold with a sponge with the other hand. Scrub all the way around the seal with this method to remove as much of the mold as possible. Rinse the seal with clean water.

5. Fill a spray bottle with 5 cups of water and 1/2 cup of bleach. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients together.

6. Pull the washer seal back and spray the bleach solution on it and the surrounding area. Use just enough to lightly coat the area. Let the bleach air dry overnight. The bleach will kill any remaining mold spores. Dispose of the sponge and rubber gloves.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a dehumidifier near the washing machine if the washer is kept in a moist area such as a damp basement.

• Get rid of black mold the same way you get way of any other color of mold.

References

• California Department of Health Services: Mold in the Home