Although mould is a very common cleaning dilemma that affects many parts of a washing machine, many households don’t give a second thought to the rubber seal around their washing machine door.
The rubber seal is prone to gathering moisture, dirt, and detergent leftovers, which can quickly lead to mould formation.
This not only affects the washing machine’s ability to seal correctly but can also cut short its lifespan and taint your clothes with stains, smells, and unwanted grime.
However, according to cleaning guru Debbie Young from Scrub Hub, instead of reaching for harsh bleach, there’s a “simple and effective” alternative right in your kitchen cupboards. She recommends using dishwasher tablets – something many homes have on standby.
Dishwasher tablets, fantastic at cutting through grease, stains, and odours in dishwashers, are equally effortless powerhouses when it comes to cleaning your washing machine.
Debbie advised against calling in a pro or splashing out on expensive detergents, saying: “You don’t need to hire a professional to dismantle and deep clean your machine or use any pricy washing machine detergents. Traditional dishwasher tabs are a cheap and powerful option.”
To highlight the potency of dishwasher tabs, Debbie pointed out: “To clean filthy dishes, cooking utensils, cutlery, and cookware, we combine the power of hot water in a dishwasher and throw in a cleaning tab. This combo is equally efficient at getting rid of residue from the inside of washing machines.”
Banishing mould from your washing machine can be easily done with the help of dishwashing tablets, making it a breeze to keep this household essential in tip-top condition.
Make sure your washer is empty and pop one or two dishwashing tablets straight into the drum.
Pour some water into the dispenser compartment and select a toasty 90-degree setting for your machine, then let it run its cycle.
Following the wash, grab a clean cloth or sponge to give the rubber seal a good wipe – any grubby mould should peel away without fuss.
Keep future fungi at bay by leaving the door ajar post-wash, allowing the seal to thoroughly dry out, avoiding new mould from taking hold.
Cleaning whizz Debbie assures that tackling mould is “that simple”, and a sparkling, odour-free washing machine is the reward.
Debbie explained: “Set it to a hot wash and let the machine and tablet do the work for you. When the cycle is complete, you can use the machine as usual, and it will be clean and smell great!”
