If your washing machine emits an unpleasant odor or you notice a black substance inside, you might have mold growing on the rubber seal. This seal, found in most front-loading washing machines, prevents water leakage during operation. However, its location and frequent contact with dirty laundry make it prone to grime and mold buildup.
One homeowner, Carole Hampsey, took to a Facebook group dedicated to cleaning influencer Mrs. Hinch for advice on cleaning the pesky seal. Mrs. Hinch, known for her cleaning tips and lifestyle advice, boasts over 4.8 million Instagram followers. Her fans have become a valuable resource for sharing solutions to common household problems.
Carole’s post, asking for cleaning ideas, was met with numerous responses, but the most popular suggestion was to use a mold and mildew spray. Jez Lunn, Sharon Stoddart, and Susan Monk all recommended Astonish Mould and Mildew Remover.
Mel Dyson also chimed in, suggesting a two-step approach: using mold and mildew remover followed by soaking kitchen roll on the seal for an hour.
Astonish Mould and Mildew Blaster, readily available online and in supermarkets like Morrisons, The Range, and Iceland for around £1.50, claims to remove stubborn stains without scrubbing and prevent future mold growth. The product boasts a 4.6/5 star rating on the Morrisons website, with numerous users praising its effectiveness.
However, some shoppers reported that the product wasn’t effective or had an unpleasant smell.
Other alternatives suggested by Mrs. Hinch fans include dishwasher tablets, Dettol Mould and Mildew remover, and Kilrock gel. Janet Smith-Calverley vouched for the effectiveness of dishwasher tablets, while Carol Stanners recommended Dettol’s mold and mildew remover, and Kathleen Hanlon suggested using Kilrock Gel with a brush.
These simple solutions, shared by a community of cleaning enthusiasts, offer effective and affordable ways to tackle mold buildup in your washing machine seal, keeping your laundry fresh and your machine functioning optimally.