When a washing machine smells bad and the door gasket is covered in mold, the fix is usually replacing the gasket, not cleaning it. Once mold works into the rubber, cleaning does not remove it. On this job in Irvine, CA, I replaced the door boot and the machine was back in service the same day.
The customer called because his washing machine smelled bad, and when I looked at it, the door boot (the rubber seal around the door opening) was covered in mold throughout.
Why does a washing machine smell bad?
In this case, the smell came from mold growing on the door gasket. The gasket is the flexible rubber seal that keeps water inside the drum when the door is closed. Its folds hold moisture after every wash, and over time mold takes hold in the rubber itself.
Can a moldy door gasket be cleaned instead of replaced?
Usually not, and technicians generally do not attempt it. Surface wiping does not reach mold that has grown into the material, so the smell and the staining come back. I explained this to the customer and he agreed to replace the rubber seal instead.
How I fixed it
I replaced the door boot with a new one. The whole job was completed within one day, so the customer in Irvine was not left without a working washer.
What can you safely check yourself?
You can inspect the door gasket without any tools. Open the door and pull back the folds of the rubber seal. If you see black or dark spotting that does not wipe off, the mold is in the rubber and the gasket needs replacement. Anything beyond inspection, meaning removing the seal or opening the machine, is a job for a technician.
FAQ
How do I stop my washer door gasket from getting moldy again?
Leave the door open between washes so the drum and seal can dry out, and wipe standing water out of the gasket folds after use. Moisture trapped in the closed machine is what lets mold establish itself in the first place. A new gasket kept dry lasts far longer than one that sits wet with the door shut.
How long does it take to replace a washing machine door gasket?
On this job the replacement was done within one day, including sourcing the part and installing it. Timing on any given repair depends on part availability for your specific machine, so a technician will typically confirm the model first, get the correct seal, and then schedule or complete the swap.
Is a smelly washing machine dangerous?
Mold in a washer is mainly a hygiene problem: it transfers odor to your laundry and keeps clothes from ever smelling clean. It is worth addressing promptly rather than masking it with extra detergent or scent boosters, which do not touch the source. Replacing the contaminated gasket removes the mold reservoir entirely.
Need help in Irvine, CA?
If your washer smells bad or you see mold on the door seal, give us a call. We can inspect it, tell you whether the gasket needs replacing, and in most cases get it done quickly.
