How to Clean Your Washing Machine Rubber Seal Properly

If your front-load washing machine smells musty or you’ve noticed black spots on the rubber gasket, you’re not alone. 

The rubber seal (also called the gasket) is notorious for trapping moisture, lint, detergent scum, and even pet hair — the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. 

Left unchecked, this not only creates foul odors but can also transfer stains and smells onto your freshly washed laundry.

The good news? With the right method, you can restore your washing machine gasket to a clean, fresh condition. 

Below, we’ll walk through a complete step-by-step guide on how to clean a washing machine rubber seal — plus share maintenance tips to keep it from getting grimy again.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Wipe Down the Gasket to Remove Loose Debris
• Step 2: Apply a DIY Vinegar Cleaning Solution
• Step 3: Scrub with a Toothbrush
• Step 4: Check and Clean the Gasket Drains
• Step 5: Rinse and Wipe Thoroughly
• Step 6: Tackle Stubborn Mold Stains
• Step 7: Prevent Future Mold and Odor
• Final Thoughts

Step 1: Wipe Down the Gasket to Remove Loose Debris

Start with the basics. Open the washer door and gently pull back the rubber seal to expose hidden areas where dirt and grime collect. Using a damp paper towel (or disposable cloth), wipe away visible lint, detergent residue, and mold.

Pro tip: Paper towels are easier than cloth towels for this first step since you can toss them after wiping up the gunk, avoiding re-washing contaminated towels.

This quick wipe-down clears away the “easy stuff” so your cleaning solution can penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

Step 2: Apply a DIY Vinegar Cleaning Solution

For stubborn grime and odor, make a simple but effective cleaner:

• 1 cup white vinegar
  
• 1 cup warm water
  
• 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap (the blue variety works best)
  

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and generously spritz it onto the gasket. Make sure to coat all folds and crevices where mold tends to hide. Allow the solution to sit for at least 5–10 minutes so it can break down buildup.

• Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer and mild disinfectant.
  
• Dawn dish soap cuts through detergent scum, grease, and oils.
  

If you’d prefer not to use vinegar on rubber, you can leave it out and rely on diluted dish soap instead.

Step 3: Scrub with a Toothbrush

Once the solution has had time to work, grab an old toothbrush and scrub the gasket thoroughly. The bristles are soft enough not to damage the rubber but small enough to reach into tight crevices.

Tip: Pull the seal gently in different directions while scrubbing. Mold and dirt often hide deep inside folds you might miss at first glance.

If you prefer a tool, a handheld electric scrubber (like a Rubbermaid Power Scrubber) can make the job easier, especially for larger machines.

Step 4: Check and Clean the Gasket Drains

Most front-load gaskets have tiny drain holes at the bottom that allow trapped water to escape. If these get clogged with lint, hair, or detergent sludge, water pools inside the seal — creating the perfect environment for mold.

• Locate the small drains along the bottom of the seal.
  
• Use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to gently clear out the holes.
  
• If water was pooling before, it should now drain freely.
  

This simple step prevents recurring odors and mildew growth.

Step 5: Rinse and Wipe Thoroughly

After scrubbing, it’s crucial to rinse away any cleaner and loosened debris. Using two towels — one damp and one dry — wipe down the gasket completely.

• Start at the top and work downward to prevent dirty water from dripping into cleaned areas.
  
• Pay attention to all folds and edges to ensure no residue is left behind.
  

Leaving cleaner or moisture trapped in the seal can encourage mold to grow back, so take your time with this step.

Step 6: Tackle Stubborn Mold Stains

Sometimes, even after a deep clean, dark stains remain etched into the rubber. These marks are often from long-standing mold and can be tough to remove.

One option is to apply a mold remover gel (such as Sugary Gel Cleaner or a similar product). Spread a layer directly on stained areas and let it sit for at least 24 hours before rinsing.

If stains still won’t budge and the gasket looks heavily damaged, it may be time to replace it. This usually requires special tools, and depending on your washer model, you may want to call a professional technician.

Step 7: Prevent Future Mold and Odor

Cleaning the gasket is only half the battle — preventing future buildup is key. Here are three habits that will keep your washing machine rubber seal cleaner for longer:

1. Dry the Seal After Every Wash
   After your last load of the day, use a clean towel to wipe moisture from the gasket. Removing water reduces the chance of mold taking hold.
   
2. Leave the Door Open Between Washes
   Keep the washer door slightly ajar to allow airflow and prevent humidity from being trapped inside. You can use a simple magnet clip or door prop to ensure it doesn’t close accidentally.
   
3. Run a Monthly Cleaning Cycle
   Use a washing machine cleaning tablet once a month to flush out hidden buildup in the drum, gasket, and drain system. This keeps your machine fresh and reduces the need for frequent deep cleans.
   

Final Thoughts

Your washing machine rubber seal may seem like a small part of the appliance, but keeping it clean makes a huge difference. 

A dirty gasket can spread odor and bacteria throughout your laundry, while a fresh, well-maintained seal helps your machine run efficiently and keeps your clothes smelling clean.

By following these steps — wiping, spraying, scrubbing, rinsing, and maintaining — you’ll prevent mold growth and save yourself from costly repairs or replacements. 

With just a little regular care, you can say goodbye to that “washer stink” once and for all.