Washing machine rubber seal

[Antonela]

I have a build up of scum or detergent residue building up in my washing machine. It is not mildew or mould and I just can’t remove it. I have experience the same problem with my previous machines and would rather tackle it now before it gets worse. Any advice?

When you say you can't remove it, what have you already tried that hasn't worked?

Scourwith metal scouters?
Also get washing machine cleaner

Use descaler / cleaner for washing machines and do it very regularly, as you'd be shocked at how build up affects the performance of a washing machine!

Is it hard water limescale? You can add something to each wash that softens the water, but that always seemed a bit expensive, clean as frequently as necessary with de-scaler on a hot wash (no clothes in the wash) read the instructions. You might need to do it a few times close together to get it under control, and clean the filter in between to get rid of the bits.

Have you used a washing machine cleaner and run a clean cycle?

Do you use washing powder?

A washing machine cleaner or white vinegar on a hot wash, spray with white vinegar first and leave for an hour.
In the future use washing powder, liquid occasionally only for darks/delicates and definitely no fabric conditioner, it's unnecessary, ruins clothes and clogs up machines! I haven't used it for years and find no difference in softness of anything

Also always empty the machine asap when the cycle has finished and leave the door ajar in between washes so it can dry properly.
I run a cleaning cycle (hot wash) every couple of months on mine with some machine cleaner

Liquid pods are not good for most machines, especially at low temperatures, its best to use powder. An engineer told me that you should run the machine empty, on the hottest setting using bio powder once a month to keep the machine clean and clear of build up. Use calgon or similar in every wash if you are in a hard water area.

Yes tried various ways - never used a scourer as it could damage the rubber. Normal household cleaners of various types, eg Cif cream and Cif household floor work surfaces etc. do not work either.

Never use liquid pods, just liquid on low temperatures. The machine tells us when it needs a clean. Powder just won’t melt in low temps. Thanks for all the advice,

Absolutely agree about fabric conditioner - absolute rubbish. Not keen on powder as it doesn’t work so well on low temperatures.

Have you tried a mould and mildew spray? I get that it's not mould but I had a stain on my draining board that I tried everything on including regular bleach but nothing worked until I tried the spray!

This is going to sound barmy but use Astonish oven and cookware cleaner (in a blue tub), very mild and a fantastic product. Also cheap to buy.

It's telling that you talk about washing at low temps - do you ever do a hot wash? 60℃? Our Bosch actually has a warning light if a hot wash hasn't been done in a while.
Powder detergent is better than liquid for your machine.
Never use fabric softener.
Do a hot wash once a week.

It's possible to remove the seal and put a new one in. There's a series of bands to remove and replace. If it's too much, get an engineer in to do it.

Can anyone suggest a way of removing spots - possibly tea/coffe/blood spots on a plain wool carpet? I have tried carpet cleaner, stain remover and various household cleaning products and nothing has worked..

I’ve sourced custom FVMQ parts through goflexion.com before, and it made the RFQ process way less painful since they handle tight specs and molding in Thailand and Vietnam. If you’ve got exact dimensions or fuel‑exposure requirements, they’re good at hitting those without blowing up the budget, even with fluorosilicone’s higher material cost.