Washing machine rubber seal

[PHorwood]

The rubber seal on the door of my washing machine is black on the inside and pretty disgusting.
Does anyone know how to get it clean? I have tried bleach and acid to no avail. I have also tried abrasives which have no effect either.
Many thanks.

[Ethel]

My guess is you wash mainly at low temperatures (less than 60) and use liquid or bleach free detergents.

This allows the mould to build up. You need to buy the cheapest washing powder (MUST be powder) with bleach and run your machine empty on the hottest wash.

This should improve the mould, but may not remove it all together. You can add a handful of soda crystals to the drum if you like, before you start the hot wash cycle. You need to do this maintenance wash every month or two if you don't want to change your washing habits.

Leave the machine door slightly open too between washes - this allows the seal to dry out thoroughly.

You may have to replace the seal if it is too bad. :(

[adamhornsby]

I guess you use low temperature washing?

What you need to do, is run the hottest and longest cycle with a normal dose of biological detergent, and that should get rid of the gunk

[Brooksy]

I would look in your Yellow pages or Thompsons for a local spares supplier & buy & fit a new one, then follow Ethel`s advice.

[PHorwood]

Thank you all, I think a new seal is the answer. We use a low setting of 30c as advised to economise. I guess the cost of a seal will offset the savings.