That black gunk is a combination of soap scum, detergent residue, body oils, dirt, lint, and mildew/mold, feeding on leftover moisture and creating a slimy buildup, especially in the rubber door seal, dispenser, and under the agitator, worsened by low-temperature washes and fabric softener. To fix it, run a hot "tub clean" cycle with bleach or a washing machine cleaner, clean the rubber seals and dispenser thoroughly, use less detergent (especially HE), and leave the door open after washing to air it out.
Black, slimy residue – This can be found in and around the door seal as well as inside the drum. The residue or soap scum is the build up of washing detergents and fabric softeners that stays in the washing machine and does not get rinsed away.
Black flakes after the clean cycle often come from deteriorating drum seals or residue buildup inside the tub. Inspect the rubber door gasket and tub seal for wear or mold. Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner designed to remove mineral deposits and residue.
To remove black mould from a washing machine seal, first wipe it with a cloth soaked in a solution of bleach, vinegar, or a specialized cleaner, scrubbing folds with a brush, then run a hot cycle with vinegar or cleaner; finally, wipe the seal dry and leave the door open to prevent recurrence. Always wear gloves, use good ventilation, and avoid mixing bleach with vinegar.
What is the black residue inside my washer?
Cleaning the drawer: Once the drawer is removed, begin by rinsing it with warm water to remove any loose residue or detergent build-up. Next, apply your Dettol Mould and Mildew Remover Spray to any areas affected by mould or mildew. Allow the spray to sit for a few minutes to penetrate and break down the mould.
Here's how to do it: Run a cycle with baking soda — “Start by adding one cup of baking soda to the drum and running a hot cycle. The baking soda works to lift grime, neutralise odours and gently scrub the inside of your machine.”
Vinegar is generally better for killing mold on porous surfaces because it penetrates roots and prevents regrowth, while bleach is better for non-porous surfaces (like tile) where it kills surface mold but doesn't stop roots and can damage porous materials; however, for large mold issues, professionals are recommended as both have limitations and bleach releases toxic fumes, making vinegar safer.
Over time, vinegar's acidity can wear down your washer's vital components, including rubber seals and hoses, leading to costly repairs or even permanent damage. To help your washing machine last, stick to manufacturer-approved cleaning methods and avoid the vinegar trap.
Safe Options. White vinegar – kills mold and disinfects. Baking soda – removes odor and residue. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – effective mold killer and safe for most rubber.
Helping your clothes stay vibrant and last longer - Washing with a warm water temperature − on cycles at 40°C or higher – is more suitable for heavy soiling, but can come with a few downsides such as colours fading and shrinking fabrics. Washing at 30 degrees can help keep your colours vibrant an minimise shrinking.
Residue in the Washer Drum
Over time, residue from dirty laundry, soap scum, grease, or even small debris can accumulate inside the drum. This gunk sticks to the walls and transfers onto fabrics during wash cycles. If you see spots on your clothes that look like dirt or grimy streaks, do a quick test.
Scrub: Use a cloth or toothbrush to scrub away the black gunk. Get into the folds and crevices. Clean the drum: Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda. Wipe dry: After the cycle, wipe the drum and gasket dry.
Clean Washer Tub with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda can also unclog buildup in your washer's drain. Start with an empty and dry washing machine. Set your washer to the cleaning setting or the hottest, longest setting you have. As the washer fills with water, add 3 or 4 cups of white vinegar.
Add an affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablet to the bottom of the tub to break up dirt and residue. If you don't have affresh® tablets you may be able to use liquid chlorine bleach, but check your use and care guide first.
To remove black mould from a washing machine seal, first wipe it with a cloth soaked in a solution of bleach, vinegar, or a specialized cleaner, scrubbing folds with a brush, then run a hot cycle with vinegar or cleaner; finally, wipe the seal dry and leave the door open to prevent recurrence. Always wear gloves, use good ventilation, and avoid mixing bleach with vinegar.
One of the best ways to clean the washing machine is using chlorine bleach and distilled white vinegar. Starting the washer on its hottest cycle, allow the drum to fill with water, then add one quart of chlorine bleach to the water before allowing the cycle to complete.
Black mould can be seen as dark, slimy patches inside your washing machine, especially around the rubber door seal and detergent dispenser. These patches may look unpleasant and can spread if not addressed.
However, because it is a mild acid, avoid using vinegar on aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone, as it may damage or cause etching in the finish.
Vinegar's acidic properties kill most types of mold effectively. Hydrogen Peroxide: For tougher mold, mix three parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide. Spray the solution and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. Baking Soda: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water.
While vinegar can handle small mold problems, large infestations, hidden mold, or recurring growth usually require professional remediation. Prevention is the real long-term solution. Whether you use vinegar or another cleaner, mold will return unless you address the underlying cause: excess moisture.
You may be surprised, but you can use a dishwasher tablet to clean the washing machine! Even your trusty washing machine needs a little cleaning now and then. To do this, simply toss a tablet into the drum of an empty washing machine, and run a hot cycle.