How to Remove Mold from a Washing Machine Door Seal
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2022
- We've been looking for a way to remove mold from a washer door boot seal for a very long time. We've tried many alleged remedies and tried a new one, documenting it in the entire process. It worked extremely well, and here are the results for you to see.
Note that the chemicals used in this are pretty strong, so take all precautions and ensure you do not let them stay in the washing machine for very long due to their caustic nature. As mentioned near the end, you can always remove the door boot seal prior to using the chemicals. However, since I wasn't sure this was going to work, I went ahead and tried the solution on the unit itself to great results.
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I've found you need WAY LESS pool shock to get a similar result, so I started selling it with a tub-cleaning kit if you'd want to support the channel by buying: bit.ly/3CtiuSi
That by some reason never kept mold away. It drives me crazy
I would have emphasize whipping away any cleaner before putting bleach so chorine gas isn't created. You really don't want to mix cleaning chemicals. However, overall it is a great video.
After spending 4.5k on this washer dryer combo I didnt expect to worry about mold on the door seal, but here I am watching this video. Thanks for doing this very helpful.
Don’t use pool shock if you’re on a septic system- unless you’re already dumping tons of other chemicals down the drain.
This is one of the issues with front loaders. Not matter how much u spend unfortunately
ANY appliance with water and humidity at room temperature will attract mold - dishwashers are equally susceptible.
4.5k$ ????
Gotta care for those front loaders and use reasonable amounts of detergent.
I am a skeptic and I'd be the last one to post a comment like this for fear of being thought a shill. But I wish I'd taken before and after photos of the seal around the door of my 15+ year old Bosch front loader. Before, it was practically all black with mold and it stunk and I thought there was no easy way besides replacement this could ever look good again. But after following the instructions in this video - and as I write this, it's just 5 minutes past the end of the sanitary cycle I just ran - the darn thing looks almost new again! I am flabbergasted. The impossible made possible. Kudos and thanks to you.
Its crazy but true, hunh? It took us 7 years of throwing away door boots til we figured this one out...
It works! I've done it twice.
I tried this today and it works great! After letting the pool shock sit for about 20 minutes, I worked it with some pipe brushes. I was able to get into the area between the drum and the gasket. One other important note: WEAR EYE PROTECTION, CHEMICAL GRADE GLOVES, (like nitrile) AND A P100 mask for toxic gas.
At what point are you worried about the gas? When you open the washer?
Took your advice and used a smaller amount of pool shock. My seal was in much worse shape than the one in the video. What an awesome job the shock did, I thank you so much sir.
I am telling you the best way to avoid mold is keeping the door wide open after use. I have never had a problem. I clen the gaskets once every 6 months.
Not for me. Mine looks like the video even after replacing the seal some time ago. Door is always wide open when not in use. The machine gets used a lot with three teens, though. I will try an aggressive clean like the video and see if that holds up.
@@MrTriplejaw do you use bleach or something similar. I use that with towels, linens,bed sheets etc. Maybe that helps prevent mold.
Yup
I agree! Keep door open and dry excess water inside rims.
I keep telling my husband that. Just leave the door open for a day or two, it’ll dry and air out. But he is a husband and therefore is completely incapable of doing even the smallest tasks
I removed my LG laundry machine seal (by following other tutorials). Put the seal in a bucket and spray the pool shock very generously. Wait 20 min then wipe with a rag, rinse, then repeat. After 3 times, the seal is ALMOST as good as new except some very minor spot. I'm good with it. Saves me $200 CAD buying a new seal. Thanks for the vid.
That's how I do them. Absolutely great results. I try and do a few clean cycles, then extra rinse a couple of times.
Excellent video. I was going to replace the seal because it was so nasty with mold. I did exactly as your video, and I'll be damn it's like almost new! Heck of a lot better than spending $100 on a new seal, thanks!!!
Incredible tutorial, your video saved me about 250$ on a new door seal gasket. Used a fraction of the amount of pool shock you used and the results are immaculate. Thank you!
My LG front loader machine is 8 years old and looks like new. I was so scared of the mold issue as I also live in a humid climate. I found that yes - I leave the door wide open, dry the seal and door but I also run a tub clean once a month. Man does it make a difference. I have also threatened the family that if even a speck of mold finds my seal... they will be the ones cleaning it. Thank you for the video because now I can have them watch to find out just what to do. 🙂
Great vid. You should probably have a big ass warning about using high concentrate chlorine with acidic cleaning products. Someone is gonna end up making chlorine gas.
And have some ventilation like a fan and probably an open window. Using concentrated bleach in a small laundry room isn’t the best for your lungs and eyes.
Absolutely. Great tips, but a few of those chemicals do very bad things when mixed. I hope everyone sees this comment before proceeding.
EXACTLY what I was thinking. Too many chemicals together. Not safe at all.
Thank you so much for sharing! I had the worst mold problem and was trying all sorts of cleaners to get rid of it but nothing worked except this! I followed the video exactly and all the mold is gone! I do have to add that the smell is VERY strong so a mask is necessary and probably crack open a door/window while you do it. Saved myself a couple hundred dollars. Thanks so much!
Great information Ben. I will defiantly pass this on to future customer's. Thank you!
I have this washer/dryer combo and love it. It is the best washer/dryer I've ever owned. The one drawback has been this mold buildup in the rubber seal at the door. Thankfully this is just a cleaning issue. I still highly recommend this appliance.
Fantastic! In less than one hour, this method got rid of 14 years of mold build up on our LG front loader and it looks like new after running the tub clean cycle. I had this video open to follow step-by-step except used much less pool shock and wish I had worn a mask. Thanks making this video easy to find and use!
Great vid. The simple solution I have found over decades is to simply leave the washer door open overnight so everything dries out and no mold grows. An occasional wipe for lint keeps the seal like new. I also wipe down the "window" on the washer door with a piece of laundry that I am taking from the washer to the dryer to prevent water spotting. Do these two simple steps and you will never have to clean mold!
The commentary I was looking for
That doesn't work for us, but we live in a VERY humid area. We're constantly fighting mold all over the house. I appreciate this video, because leaving the washer door wide open hasn't worked at all for us.
I do this too but I inherited a front loader when I bought my house. The previous owners didn't follow this practice and I've spent a lot time trying to remove the mold built up on the rubber boot.
It was pretty gross but now it's fine. Still a few stains which won't go away though.
@@Kensbev you need a dehumidifier
@@rowlypowly8 - I have one. Doesn't help.
I’m so glad I found this video! I just scrubbed the rubber seal with bleach alone to no avail. I can’t wait for the shock to come in so I can finally clean it with success! Thank you!!!!
I have never commented on a video in my life. With that said, this trick worked amazingly!! I did two rounds and was pretty liberal with the pool Shock during the second round. My seal looks brand new and the odor is all gone. Thanks for the video.
Thanks man!! I just moved into an apartment and the newer version of this washing machine was included . I didn’t know I was supposed to leave the door open a bit after running it. Time to clean out my moldy gunk tomorrow :( great video
There are tons of how-to videos that show possible solutions that are unlikely to work and are only successful in monetizing that channel. So when I find a real solution to a lingering problem, that makes my day. The results I had after watching this video are amazing! The rubber seal on my washer went from looking like a biological weapon to a brand new seal in just one try! You are a superstar, Ben. Thank you!
“Biological weapon” That’s a great way to describe it. 😂
Thank you for this video! I inherited my Mom's front loader and was shocked at how bad the seal became molded. No amount of cleaning had worked!
This method worked so well!!!! Thank you so much!
Thank you! I just cleaned my Mom’s washer and it worked perfectly! I wasn’t comfortable taking off the rubber, so I was able to remove all the black mold in all the folds and underneath it! I would recommend wearing a mask! The fumes are strong.
Great video- so helpful!
It took a few cycles using the pool shock but it 100% worked. I'm shocked because the inside was fully molded and now it's like it's brand new. Definitely takes some elbow grease but man, it's well worth it. Thanks!!
I was hoping to see a comment like this. Mine has gone moldy and I'm so ashamed I didn't notice it. Good to know it might take a few cycles!
The instructions worked for me. I'm in Canada and the pool shock wasn't available, so I picked up AZUR Ultra Shock 70% 450g at Lowe's.
I found taking the boot off the washer and putting it in a tub of bleach for a few hours made the black stuff just fall right off! I was super impressed. More effort in disassembly, but zero scrubbing and perhaps cheaper than pool shock (I just used dollar store bleach).
This is why I leave my washer’s door open when I’m not washing clothes. Make a huge difference in the amount of mold.
We do too but we still see some mold buildup.
In addition, I wipe the gasket and the door glass down every week after I've finished laundry and run the tub clean with 4 cups of vinegar once a month. You'd be surprised how much lint can build up on the glass.
@@milfordcivic6755
Do basically the same steps. I just use a pre-made washer cleaning solution instead of vinegar. The mold definitely isn't as bad as our old unit but still a little frustrating to see the mold even after taking those preventative steps. I might try vinegar the next couple of times to see if it makes a difference.
Seriously have used every trick on you tube and nothing worked. I’m going to the store right now to get shock. I didn’t even think of this and I used to have a pool with algae issue bc of surrounding vegetation. I’m excited to see this work I’m sick of scrubbing this thing. Thank u foe this video
I followed the instruction in this video and got perfect result. A little less of Shock can work as well. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise.
This worked beautifully for us. Thank you!
Definitely needed this. I appreciate the help with washing the seal!
Great video idea. I enjoy your content and like your presentation!
Thank you. When I got access to my washer a year and a half rental, it was much much worse than what you showed in the video. I have tried everything I knew to clean it, but hopefully this method will do the trick.
I have an LG brand front load washer and it is 19 years old and still going strong after all these years. It still looks brand new. I would like to believe that what I have done without fail each and every time has a lot to do with its longevity. Here are some tips that could be useful, especially to those having the front load washers although some of the tips could be useful to top load machines also. *First* always... I mean every single time without exception especially during warmer months .. leave the door open when not operating the machine. The front door is watertight by design to keep the water in during use. This means, the door has to be left open when not operating so air has time to dry out the moisture inside the machine. If closed, the moisture will quickly allow mold to develop and that same mold will get on your clean clothes after the spin cycle. For those with a top loading machines you can disregard this step since the top door is not water tight but could be helpful if you leave it open. *Second* tip - DO NOT USE the gooey fabric softner, ever. You can do a quick search to find and confirm that fabric softners can and do build up inside the machine and eventually cause a stinky smell. You will not be able to undo the damage unless you hire a repair person to take the entire machine apart and pressure wash the parts outside. *Third* regularly drain the machine of the water that collects at the bottom and clean out the filter. You will know that the machine is not in good shape when that water draining smells bad. Normally, it should not smell if you are regularly maintaining the machine and avoid the fabric softner. *Lastly* take a paper towel and wipe down the bottom area of the rubber boot seal. There is a little pool of water after each cycle but you can just clean it out with a paper towel every third time you run the machine.
I follow the same maintenance routine and have never had mold or odor.
@@wildandfree74 Bravo~!
Very good!
Can u suggest a fabric softener that doesn't damage the machine? I'm from India.
I also have an LG front loading machine, follow the same routine, never use fabric softener, and always leave the door wide open. Periodically, mold still develops along the door bushing/seal. It's awful.
I did this today with a minor variation.
I removed the door seal to be safe and soaked it in a bucket with the bleach,pool shock, and water to fill the bucket.
It took 4 hours for mine to look almost new after YEARS of build up. I bought a top load washer to replace my front load because of the constant issue but still wanted to clean it up to sell and it worked very well given how gross the seal became over the years (even with standard cleaning every three months )
Highly recommend!
How did you remove the seal? I would love to do this as my mold is in the part between the seal and the metal drum
Really helpful thank you! I’m a college student and have never cleaned a washing machine before and my one definitely needed it! Didn’t have the pool shock stuff but a bit of bleach and the other tips got the machine back to almost new so it’s good enough for me!
❤ My daughter wants to replace hers after moving back in post renters. Mom has a pool and love ❤️ the shock idea! Thank you!!!😊
reading this gives me a stroke
We use vinegar as a final rinse instead of a softener, clothes come out soft and fresh and no mould. We always leave the door wide open when we finish washing
Just got done doing this and I’m amazed that the mold stains are totally gone 😊 thank you 🙏
I tried this today. works well; however, you really need a super well ventilated space. definitely a huge consideration
It actually works! Thanks for creating this video.
Thank you for showing us this. I will forward it to those who need it. This solidifies my position on top loaders only for me.
Me too. I don’t need more housework on top of what I have.
Ugh me too
Thanks for these videos. I never know what to do when it comes to caring for these front loaders.
I'll do a full video on more cleaning instructions on these soon!
Boy, and I thought my washer machine was dirty, but after watching your video it is almost perfect! Lol. I bought my combo in September 2014 and I am still very happy. I dry my washer when I am done with laundry, use the Tub clean at least once a month, leave the door open, use baking soda and/or vinegar, etc. My issue is to be able to clean between the door boot seal and the metal drum! It is so tight! Do you have a video showing how to remove the doir boot seal? You did it too fast! That's the part I want to clean so bad!
Bro, you're a legend.
Just. plain. superb.
Thanks so much for this incredible video!! I was a bit worried about combining the shock with the bleach so I did the bleach first, ran a load and then did the shock just with water and it still worked perfectly. I was amazed at the difference as my seal was way worse off than the one in the video. Thank-you for sharing 😊
Thank you someone gave me their washer and dryer (same) the seal is so gross your video helped
Amazing! I'm so impressed. My machine looks brand new.😊
Thank you for the video!! Wasn't sure how that rubber part worked and was super scared I was gunna mess SOME THING UP lol didn't want to just go in there with cleaning products without double checking CZcams quickly for a quick how to like yours.. also glad you know that bleach is okay but beware of too much on the deal drum portion of the washer I was wondering about that because you can use bleach obviously in your everyday wash or most of the time wash at the very least but didn't have any idea that it had the effect that you said it did on certain parts of the washer so glad I didn't just clean it only with that as well.. as for the keeping the door open my husband advising of this when my first started doing laundry with this washer when we first got it I've been pretty okay with leaving it open but that does leave it susceptible to lots of different things happening like bugs or other yucky things like mold in this case creeping in there regardless of what you do so to keep open the door and insurance stays open just a bit as much as it's really needed there is this little tool on Amazon just look up front load washing machine door stop or maybe prop LOL but it's essentially a handy tool just to keep your washing machine door open just and and slightly for it to dry out on its own and effectively I'm currently waiting for Mike in the mail!! Thanks again for the helpful video!!
Thank you for posting. Best option short of taking the whole machine apart. I followed your instructions with a light modification - i made a paste of Shock and Chlorine and applied to the boot, sticks better but very strong fumes, I would suggest small ammounts, no more than 3-4 fl oz. It turned out fully restored. Loved it.
Oh man this is a serious game changer. I spent $300 hiring someone to change out the liner (stacked lg requires the dryer to come off, pain). Tried this and it looks brand new. Thank you so much 😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the video
I'm trying it now. Thanks for the video
I have had my washing machine for 17 years now.
I have had it repaired 3 times at little to no cost.
Every time I do a wash I wipe the seal and the door and it is as clean as the day I bought it.
I also keep the door open slightly so it doesn't smell.
This was awesome. I could have used this info years ago for work. Great video.
I wanted to make a video because this is the first time in doing appliance repair we found something that even got close to working.
@@bensappliancesandjunk , people have been fighting this issue for a very long time, with varying (usually poor) success. Yours is the first time I've seen pool shock used.
Very handy n informational video. I have a front-load LG washing machine. Can you make a video to explain how to remove the rubber Gaskit from the washing machine so that the area between the washing tup and interior of the washing machine can be cleaned thoroughly. Thanking you in advance.
Thank you, You are awesome!
Results were very good. However, we do still have a bunch of gunk that now needs to be cleaned. Thanks for the video.
If you’re on a public/city sewer system great, but pool shock introduced into a home septic system is so not good.
Destroys microbes
Thank you for stating! I was all set until remembered about the septic 🤦♀️
Just drain it into your pool. Two birds, one stone. 😁
I was thinking about that. I went ahead and grabbed some septic tank bio-restarter. That and I’m planning to go nuts with wipeing as much of it out before I run it.
New to owning a septic and in a panic now that I followed this video...How long before I know if I ruined my septic?
Thanks so much for trying this for us. I am going try this at home.
This is a great helpful video! I know our household recently bought a new Samsung top loader, and we're making sure we only using what we need for detergent and doing the monthly cleaning cycle with a cleaning tab. So far so good but the washer is only about 4 months old, but its all about that preventive care for the machine.
Leave the lid open after use. No matter where you live, the machine needs to air out and dry. Don’t use liquid fabric softener either. That will ruin your machine.
@A P We do that as well, I haven't used fabric soften in like 10 years after I learn it actually makes certain fabrics more flammable.
wow this is exactly what i needed. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!
Very helpful, thank you
Success! Worked like a charm on my 10 year old Samsung. There is quite a bit of chlorine residue still there. After the 4 hour cleaning cycle, I put it through an additional 1 hour hot cycle, twice and there is still residue.
Thank you for this video! This man is the real MVP. Our washing machine had mold similar to this machine, and we were dreading changing out the boot, seeing as it is $100 plus the headache.
1 hour and 2 pool shock treatments later, the mold is gone! No hassle, it cost us $30 and good as new!
How long after the first treatment did you do the second one?
I did I right after.
*it
After cleaning I would dry up the rubber and put on a thin layer of liquid vaseline for protection _ I do the same with my car doors time to time. Other important thing, after every use of washmashine I put a sponge cloth in the door seal in order to absorb the wather leftover, and I keep the door slightly open all the time
Thank you
If you have a septic tank, you might want to think before using that pool shock as it may destroy the septic.
It would certainly be very harsh on the bacteria that you need to have a healthy, properly working, septic system.
I have a septic and an in ground pool. The pool water doesn't drain into the septic but out into the lawn when I vacumn. The water which has chlorine and shock in it doesn't seem to hurt it because its diluted. Im thinking it will be pretty diluted when you run a cycle through the washer as well so the septic should be ok. Unless you use a whole bag and don't wipe off the residue.
@@kathsch8966 There is a huge difference between a washer load and a pool when you consider dilution. A septic can handle a lot, but if you ever get exposed to a failed septic, you would think long and hard before experimenting. Don't ask me how I know.
@@JANtheDane I’m assuming they didn’t use a whole bag and wiped the residue off before doing a load in the washer. But you are correct if they use to much and don’t wipe it away. I believe a bag does 10k gal in my pool so you would only need a tblsp to make into a paste and apply.
If I used a salt water pool shock with stabilized chlorinating granules instead, would that be OK for septic system?
Thank you for this!!!
Thanks so much. Did this today and it worked perfectly!!
It worked!!! Thank you!!!
Hi Ben, could you do a post about removing the molded gasket, so many people have this issue including me. At least a post explaining the pros and cons of replacing one.
You can also use cascade dish washing soap gel. Put some water in and with an old tooth brush scrub. Run clean cycle and it’ll remove all the mold.
Cascade dish washing soap is definitely NOT adequate for significant mold build up in many cases. We moved into a house with a front load washer (not my choice for this and many other reasons) with unknown years of mold on the door boot seal. Bleach, Oxy, multiple cleaning products and hours of elbow grease have made minimal difference in the mega mold of our door seal. I am going to buy pool shock tomorrow and try this.
Good stuff!!
Watched it; tried it; worked as shown. Didn't make the worst mold stains disappear, but I concluded that I didn't have to replace the gasket.
Please guys leave the door open after you wash. It solves the mold issue. Don't ever leave it closed!
I have this exact model and it's clean as a whistle after 5 years. It even has a special magnetic catch that allows you to close the door but keep it propped in place. I've only ever run the "self clean" cycle maybe 3 times in it's life, and I've never used any bleach or chemicals on the gasket. Just wipe the rubber and the door every once in awhile with a microfiber cloth- that's it. OH YEAH- don't overdose detergent, and liquid fabric softener is the work of the devil. Don't use it! (except maybe a teeny tiny amount).
That's what I thought when we got a front load.... Unfortunately it's not true in reality. Leave ours open all the time and still gets the black build up and odour. It's a Bosch.
@@DavidSmith-lo7wf Might need to wipe with a towel all around the gasket, is it in a basement?
@@inchristalone25 yes. In the basement so leaving the door open is not an obstruction
@@DavidSmith-lo7wf might not be drying out enough in the basement. I live in Florida so with all the air conditioning things dry out quickly in my house.
I can confirm this tip works, thanks mate , cheers
I have found a new solution- use Clorox toilet gel with bleach. The big issue with using bleach to clean is how it doesn't contact the mold long enough before it drains out (especially on the top where it just falls off), but the gel will stick to it and you can let it sit for 10-30 mins and then run a hot cycle. It took three ish cycles to get the majority out but works great.
just leave the DOOR OPEN !! problem solved !!! NO need for nasty chemicals
Not true @@karmendimas5274
There’s also a bleach gel pen that’s meant for grout. Might be a little strong for the seal, though. I don’t know if it would degrade the rubber. You definitely want to have good ventilation with these products.
@@karmendimas5274 wrong.
@@kconway2263 that bleach pen does wonders! I just scrub the grime and dirt off after 20-30 minutes of application
Subbed thank you for a secret that no one has told me
I have 2006 LG front load cherry red washer and dryer and both have been the best I’ve ever owned. I had to replace the door switch on the washer and it’s time to replace the three spin dampers. I’ve never had a mold issue on the door boot. I will point out that I slightly raised the front using the floor level feet so any water would naturally drain out. I keep the coin catcher clean also. I have never had to prop the door open either. It sits in a unconditioned sealed porch area off the kitchen, that’s 7x7 at the rear of a 1920’s wood frame house in Central Fl. I guess I’m lucky. Thanks for the video! Oh I only use Kirkland HE pods, one per load and sometimes fab softener but generally not. Liquid bleach for whites sometimes too. 🎈
Great video!!!!!
so helpful
Thank you!!
I made a paste out of baking soda and bleach. I applied only to the boot over night then did a clean plus cycle and voila
Thank You for showing how to clean my Mom’s front loader.
I use Clorox bathroom gel with bleach and use makeup pads to hold the bleach in place all around the seal. Works perfectly to get the mold stain out 100%>
Great tip! How long do you leave the pads around the seal? Currently facing this problem and looking for multiple sources/advice on best practices and methods…
I wonder if Clorox wipes will work also instead of makeup pads.
@@TheKBDestiny I left them in overnight. Everything was gone in the morning.
@@irinab.6676 I couldn't find any wipes with bleach. Just the scented ones. I wanted to try the bleach pen but apparently they don't make it anymore.
I like this idea!
Yep with our LG front loader we keep a rag next to washer, dry door every time and seal. Leave door open for about an hour after to air out then close. Never had an issue with mold or smell. Then I run the tub clean cycle about 2x a month
I have a lg front loader and do the same! Washes as good as the day I bought it. (June 2016)
Only thing I can add to your suggestions was to use baking soda & vinegar or lemon juice during the tub clean. Leave the door open, and your machine will be mold free and operate for years to come
Awesome video! Thanks 😊
Thanks 🎉
+I stuffed some dry, inexpensive fabric micro cloths in the lower moldy sections of the seal. Used a squeeze bottle to soak the towels with regular household bleach. Left over night and the mold was gone! Recommend gloves, a squeeze bottle for applying the bleach, and safety glasses .
Leaving the door open and use powder will help at keeping mold away. Only occasionally use liquid like wool wash.
And stay from fabric softener.
Tried this on a front loader LG with lots of mold in the front, rubber, gasket...really did a tremendous job. Would recommend wearing a mask though.
Thanks you just saved me from buying a new seal & tearing the machine down to replace it
Thanks for the video. I work as maintenance tech in a 300 unit apartment complex. Done everything but nothing works, We have a few request for 1.5 year old machines for this problem, since we have this chemical I’ll give it a try.
Man I wish a trip to the store for gloves was really that quick!!!
As a pool owner I recommend you to dilute that pool shock with water first.
I LOVE that you use the word GUNK ! LOL my fav word lol