I get this type of call at least twice a week, it's becoming a big problem with newer washing machines. front load washer door prop
First, let's look at why it is happening.
1. The way we wash our laundry has changed a lot over the past 20 or so years. We now regularly turn down the temperature of wash cycles to 30 degrees or below, so there is never any hot water inside the washing machine to keep the washing machine or the door seal clean.
2. Modern washing machines use quite small amounts of water, meaning the rubber door seal never gets washed thoroughly.
3. These days laundry detergent rarely contains bleach (which kills germs, mould and bacteria) and as we are not using very hot water any more, there is nothing to kill the germs and bacteria.
This is what is causing the problem. Those horrible black marks and stains on your washing machine door rubber are actually bacteria and spores that are growing in the warm, moist and dark conditions of your washing machine.
What can you do to prevent the problem?
Try doing a 60 degree wash once a week. The good housekeeping guide recommends that all bedding should be washed at 60 degrees as a minimum to help kill dust mites.
The hot water will also help to kill mould and bacteria in your machine.
Dry the door rubber.
Once or twice a week run a dry cloth around the door seal of your machine to keep it clean and dry. Leave the door slightly open to allow fresh air to circulate around the inside of the door seal and drum.
How to remove the black stains and marks.
Once the black spores and bacteria have got a hold on the machine door seal, the only way I know to remove it is regular household bleach. The bleach needs to stay in contact with the mould, marks and stains for at least 8 hours though.
I personally soak a cloth in bleach and lay it directly on to the stains on the door seal and leave it over night. Sometimes this needs to be done 2 or 3 times to get great results.
Whatever you decide to do, if you are using bleach, take proper care as bleach can be dangerous. Never, never try to scrub the door seal with anything abrasive, you will damage it and end up out of pocket.
