Have you ever wondered what's lurking in the depths of your trusty washing machine? Well, one Aussie mum, also known as Soph, sure did, and she stumbled upon a shocking discovery – black mould growing in the rubber door seal. Now, don't fret, because we're here to shed some light on these dirty laundry secrets and help you keep your washing machine spick and span.

So, picture this: a concerned mum, baffled by the mysterious substance lurking in the rubber seal of her front-loading washing machine, turned to the Mums Who Clean Facebook group for guidance. And boy, did the suggestions start pouring in!




The advice ranged from vinegar to bleach, mould remover spray, and even clove oil – a virtual laundry aisle of solutions. But, let's not get stuck on just the seal. One laundry expert, Vivien Fodor from Whirlpool, has more secrets to spill about hidden nooks and crannies you should be keeping an eye on.


First up, it's not just the seal you should worry about. There are other ‘hidden’ departments that deserve your attention, such as the drum barrel, and filters. Yes, they exist, and they can get pretty grimy too.

But let's backtrack to that mysterious grime on the rubber seal. Some claimed it wasn't mould at all, but a combo of body fat and soap residue. Their advice? Use less detergent – just half the recommended amount. Grab a two-litre bottle of plain vinegar and pour the whole thing in. Then, put your machine on the longest, hottest wash cycle it has. Your machine will thank you – it'll be like new, and a machine repairman even vouched for it.

Front-loader users, remember to keep the door ajar between uses. That's right, let your drum breathe. And as for fabric softener, some reckon it's the culprit behind that gunk, so skip it. One clever cleaning enthusiast suggested using clove oil. Dilute it in a spray bottle and give your machine a wipe-down after each wash. A few drops in a cup of water should do the trick.



But why are so many of us in the dark about washing machine hygiene? Vivien says it's mostly due to a lack of education and awareness. But it's essential to clean your machine regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Think of it as giving your trusty laundry companion a spa day.

Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Your washing machine has three departments that need some TLC. First, there's the filter, which collects lint and debris. But here's the trick: place a tray underneath it before opening to catch any debris-laden water that might spill out. Twist the filter cover to drain the water and check for visible lint or debris. It's a monthly must-do for a fresh-smelling wardrobe and a long-lasting machine.

And don't forget the surface – the rubber seal and drum. Give them a wipe-down with a damp cloth once a month. If your washing machine boasts an auto-clean cycle, don't overlook it. Make use of this feature alongside washing machine cleaner – it's a real game-changer.

Now, that detergent drawer tucked away in the top corner of your front loader? It's another sneaky spot that deserves some attention. Soap and detergent love to build up there, especially if you're a fan of fabric softener. Clean the drawer every five cycles to keep things running smoothly. Vivien also suggests not leaving damp clothes in the drum for too long. Bacteria love to party in there, and you definitely don't want your laundry smelling funky.



Lastly, if you're up for a deep cleaning session, start by removing the detergent drawer and give it a good scrub. Wipe down the inside of the drawer, put it back in place, and clean the filter. Soph also suggests spraying the drum with vinegar and laundry powder, wiping down the inside of the rubber seal, and running an empty cycle to clean your machine right up.

There you have it, members! Your washing machine may not have a ‘wash me’ sign, but it definitely needs some love and attention. Say goodbye to mystery gunk and hello to a cleaner, more efficient laundry buddy. Your clothes will thank you, and you'll feel like a true laundry pro.

Happy cleaning, and may your washing machine be forever mould-free! What are your thoughts on this, members? Share your stories with us in the comments below!