Washing machine warning: The little-known places you must clean, according to Whirlpool laundry expert

Experts have warned Australians to thoroughly clean their washing machines after a woman discovered mold growing.

The mother was shocked to discover that there was black mold in the rubber door seal of her washing machine and did not know how to clean it.

Dozens quickly shared their suggestions with recommendations ranging from vinegar to bleach, mold removal spray and even clove oil.

Hotpoint and Whirlpool laundry expert Vivien Fodor told FEMAIL that the seal is not the only nook or cranny that people need to clean regularly.

The laundry category manager said he had to keep an eye on other ‘hidden’ departments, including filers, drums and filters.

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‘I just realized there is some black stuff (maybe mold?!) on the rubber seal of my washing machine. How do I clean this?’ asked the woman in a after to the Mums Who Clean Facebook group.

The mother had found dirt and mold in the inner layers of the rubber seal around the door of her front-loading washing machine.

One woman thought the dirt wasn’t mold but a mixture of body oil and soap scum and suggested using half the recommended amount of detergent with each wash.

‘Apparently we use way too much soap. Use only half the recommended amount. Buy a large two-liter bottle of cheap, no-frills vinegar. Pour the entire bottle into the machine. Put on the longest hottest wash ever,” she said.

‘Your machine will be like new. A machine repairman told me years ago.’

Many said front loader users should always leave the door open between uses to allow the drum to dry out, and others said they should stop using fabric softener.

‘Do not use fabric softener. This is the cause, but you also need to leave the door open as others have said. But the fabric softener is the worst for the machine,” said one woman.

‘I haven’t used it once in my current machine and I don’t have any of this stuff. A repairman told me not to use fabric softener and I think he was right.’

“Clove oil and make sure you wipe it out and dry it after you’re done washing,” said another, adding, “I dilute it in a spray bottle.” A few drops in a cup of water’.

Vivien said many people do not wash their machines due to lack of education and awareness and do not know how.

“While it may seem counterintuitive, cleaning your washing machine is key to preventing bacteria buildup and growth,” she said.

‘The average washing machine has three sections that require maintenance. They are specifically designed to be accessible to the user – so yes, they need to be cleaned!’

One area Vivien said she had to pay attention to was the filter that removes lint and dirt from the laundry.

‘Because the filter does not dry out the dirt, it is collected with some residual water. To prevent it from spilling onto the floor while cleaning, place a container underneath it before opening it,” she explained.

‘Then twist the filter cover until it comes loose to drain the water and check for any visible lint or debris buildup.’

The laundry professional said it was a “good practice” to check the filter every month to keep clothes smelling fresh and extend the life of the appliance.

Vivien also said to regularly wipe the surface, including the rubber seal and drum, with a damp cloth.

‘This should be carried out approximately once a month to maintain the overall appearance of the appliance – especially important for free-standing cabinets that are visible in the kitchen and therefore affect the overall aesthetic of the home,’ she said.

‘If your washing machine has an automatic cleaning cycle, we always recommend using this function in addition to washing machine cleaner.’

The detergent drawer in the top corner of each front loader is another area to keep an eye on.

‘Over time, the soap and detergent can build up quickly – this is especially common for people who regularly use fabric softener,’ says Vivien.

‘We recommend cleaning the tray every five cycles to prevent build-up.’

Vivien said it is also better to remove damp clothes from the drum as soon as the load is ready.

“We know laundry can be tricky and it’s not always possible to remove clothes from the machine straight away after they’ve finished washing,” she said.

‘If you leave clothes in the drum for a long time, bacterial growth can occur, causing unpleasant odors.’

Cleaning and organization guru Soph shared how she deep cleans her washing machine, starting by removing the detergent drawer and cleaning the inside with a spray and cloth.

She then wipes the tray in the sink before replacing it and cleaning the filter.

Soph pours the excess water into a container and sprays the compartment.

The mother sprayed the drum of the washing machine and cleaned it, the inside of the rubber seal and a door with a cloth.

Finally, she wipes the front of the machine and sets it to an empty cycle with vinegar and washing powder.