95p ‘game-changer’ item removes washing machine ‘black buildup’ in ‘10 minutes’

Sometimes, a washing machine can start to smell a little bit nasty, and households may wonder what’s causing the odour. 

If the washing machine drawer and filter have been checked, in most cases it will be the seal around the washing machine that is causing the foul smell.

Households could find that this area of the appliance could be covered in black buildup, which will be mould, without them even realising.

For those struggling with ways to clean the rubber seal once they spot the issue, luckily some clever cleaning enthusiasts are on hand to help.

Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, one person anonymously posted a picture of their washing machine where a large area of the seal was covered in tiny black spots and asked for ways to remove it.

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They said: “Help. I’ve neglected our washing machine since becoming a mum and now it has a buildup of black on the seal that I can’t seem to wipe off. Any suggestions, please? Thank you.”

When cleaning a washing machine gasket covered in mould, it is important to target both the visible upper surface of the seal and the underside where the water drains away. 

This is a common, hidden spot where mould accumulates and then spreads around the machine and onto the laundry.

A popular suggestion from the comments section was to use Astonish Mould and Mildew Blaster as many claimed that this is the fastest method. Anne Morris wrote: “Astonish Mould and Mildew spray. If you use this you’ll find that the mould wipes straight off.”

In response to Anne, Gina Simmonds wrote: “This stuff is really good. Recently I used it in the detergent drawer and where the water comes out. It’s a game changer for removing black buildup and only costs 95p from Wilkos.”

Diane Selby commented: “Mould and mildew spray, give it a scrub then put some more on and put on empty leave door and draw open after every wash and wipe seal with a cloth.”

Michelle Cairns said: “Cover with kitchen roll and saturate with Astonish Mould and Mildew spray. Leave it for 10 minutes and wipe clean.”

Ferdush Ahmed agreed: “Astonish Mould and Mildew. Spray it on and leave it for a few minutes and it’ll all come off.”

Other Mrs Hinch fans suggested going down the natural route using items that consist of white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.

Suzi Abako wrote: “White vinegar works amazingly on it, mine was really bad but it worked wonders on it.”

Patricia Connor said: “White Vinegar, rub it all around the seal then leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Then put white vinegar in the conditioner and powder draw and throw some into the drum and set off at a 60 wash with nothing in it.”

Linda Cook said: “Bicarbonate soda and white wine vinegar hot wash at 40 degrees.” Sandra Glennon suggested: “Try bicarbonate of soda with lemon juice and leave for 15 mins, then put the machine on empty at 60 degrees.”