Many people overlook the rubber seal on their washing machine door, but it is a hotspot for bacteria and mould if not cleaned regularly. 

This rubber seal can quickly accumulate moisture, dirt and detergent residue which will soon become mouldy, affecting the performance of a washing machine as the door will not be able to close properly. 

Not only will it reduce the lifespan of your washing machine but the mould can also transfer to your laundry, making it stained, smelly and less hygienic.

However, rather than turning to a bottle of bleach, Debbie Young, a cleaning expert from Scrub Hub, has shared there is a “simple and effective” cleaning tool already sitting in your kitchen that will effortlessly get rid of mould. 

She said: “You don’t need a costly speciality cleaner for this; instead, use dishwasher tabs, which the majority of us already have at home.”

Dishwasher tablets are designed to eliminate grease, stains and odours so are very effective at cleaning a washing machine with no effort at all.

Debbie said: “You don’t need to hire a professional to dismantle and deep clean your machine or use any pricy washing machine detergents. Traditional dishwasher tabs are a cheap and powerful option.

“To clean filthy dishes, cooking utensils, cutlery, and cookware, we combine the power of hot water in a dishwasher and throw in a cleaning tab. This combo is equally efficient at getting rid of residue from the inside of washing machines."

How to get rid of washing machine mould using dishwashing tablets 

All you need is to ensure there are no clothes in the washing machine and empty it completely if there is. 

Then place one or two dishwasher tablets directly into the drum of your empty washing machine and add some water to the detergent compartment. 

Set the washing on a warm 90C wash, close the washing machine door and run a wash cycle.

Once the wash is done, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the rubber seal and any dirt build-up or mould should come away easily. 

In the future, leave the washing machine door open for a while after doing laundry to allow the rubber seal to dry completely which will prevent mould. 

According to Debbie, is it “that simple” to clean away mould from your washing machine and it will also get rid of any musty smells which have developed due to the mould.

Debbie said: “Set it to a hot wash, and let the machine and tablet do the work for you. When the cycle is complete, you can use the machine as usual, and it will be clean and smell great!”