Mildew on a washing machine door seal is common and unsightly, removing it can be difficult and time consuming but is worth doing.
One of the primary reasons for outbreaks of mildew and mould on washing machine door seal is the growing popularity of low heat washing programs. Most people tend to select wash programs at around 40 degrees centigrade (104 F). In many, cases this may drop as far as 30 degrees (86 F). While it may be true that the low heat wash is a considerable energy saver, it may not be such as great idea in terms of hygiene. These low temperatures coupled with trapped moisture makes the area behind the machine door seal an ideal propagation ground for bacteria and mould. If mould is allowed to develop here unchecked, it will release a musty odor that can be quite unpleasant. If you reach under the washing machine door seal and run your hand across the rubber, it is possible to feel the black sludge that has developed there. This is indicative of mould or mildew. Read more