How to Remove Mold from a Washing Machine Door Seal

Today, I will showcase a heavily soiled and moldy washer door boot seal that recently arrived at our store. I experimented with a new cleaning product and achieved excellent results, which I will demonstrate in this video. To clean the door boot seal, we will need the following items: low-splash bleach, a rag, a plastic scrubber, cleaning spray, and a secret cleaning product that will be revealed later in the video. It is important to note that we will be working with potentially harmful chemicals, so ensure you wear sturdy rubber gloves for protection. Upon inspection, we found a significant amount of mold and grime accumulated in the folds of the door boot seal. To begin the cleaning process, put on your rubber gloves and spray the seal with your chosen cleaning spray. Use the plastic scrubber to physically remove any stubborn grime that may be stuck in the seal. I used Lysol antibacterial spray for this demonstration, but other household cleaners can be used as well. The key is to thoroughly strip away any residue that could cause unpleasant odors and mold growth. Make sure the cleaning spray is both antiviral and antibacterial to effectively sanitize the area. The door boot seal is secured by two tension springs, allowing you to access and clean all the nooks and crannies effectively. While you have your cleaning supplies out, take the opportunity to clean the glass door as well, especially around the bottom where lint and soap residue tend to accumulate. Although I did a quick clean of the glass door in this video, a more thorough cleaning with glass cleaner can make it sparkle. However, the primary focus of this cleaning session is to tackle mold, mildew, and stubborn grime on the door boot seal. After the initial scrubbing, the seal appeared cleaner, but there were still persistent black mold spots that required a stronger cleaning solution. I proceeded to apply low-splash bleach directly to the door boot seal, rubbing it in with my gloved hands. Alternatively, you can use a bleach spray for a more even application. Be cautious not to overspray bleach, as it can be damaging to the metal components of the washing machine.

As I run my hands over the door boot seal, I'm noticing a significant amount of lint trapped in the rubber seal that didn't come off with scrubbing, especially at the top. It's essential to saturate the entire seal with bleach, focusing on the areas with the most stubborn black mold. The secret item we mentioned earlier in the video is pool shock, designed to disinfect a 10,000-gallon pool with chlorine. We are using a small portion of it to eliminate mold in a 20-gallon washing machine. After applying the pool shock on the door boot seal with bleach to help it adhere, it's crucial to be cautious due to its high chlorine concentration. Avoid contact with any part of the machine outside the door boot seal. Following the application, wipe down any metal parts that may have come into contact with the pool shock. Allow the pool shock to sit on the seal with the bleached binder for 10 to 20 minutes, but do not let it sit for longer periods as extended exposure can cause discoloration and potentially damage the metal. Be mindful of not leaving the pool shock on for hours or days to prevent adverse effects.

I am currently using a bucket of water and a rag to remove most of the pool shock granules from the washing machine in preparation for a cleaning cycle. I am letting the granules soak in the door boot seal for about 30 minutes. Off-camera, I am placing most of the granules in a plastic bag and wiping the seal to distribute the pool shock. The goal is not to remove every single granule but to eliminate some to avoid overloading the washer. After wiping down the seal, I am adding water to the bucket and moving the washing machine to a test area to run a cleaning cycle. To initiate the cleaning cycle, place the washing machine in either a sanitized or tub cleaning mode and run the cycle in its entirety. It's important to allow the unit to complete the full cycle without interruption. Be cautious if you need to pause the machine or open the door during this stage, as the water may be very hot due to the reaction between the concentrated chlorine and the pool shock. After the first wash, check for any remaining pool shock crystals in the tub or door boot seal area. Remove them physically and dispose of them properly, or run an additional short cleaning cycle to ensure no leftover pool shock granules remain in the washing machine. Leaving these granules behind could potentially bleach your clothes. The results of using the pool shock are visible in the video, showing the effective removal of mold from the door boot seal. While the seal may lighten slightly due to prolonged exposure, the overall cleaning outcome is satisfactory. It's worth noting that the method demonstrated in the video involves cleaning the unit with the door boot seal intact. If you have concerns about this approach, you can remove the gasket and clean it separately. Keeping the washing machine door slightly ajar after each use and wiping down the bottom of the seal can help prevent mold from recurring.