How to ReallyClean the door seal on washing machine. HELP please ??

Was this running when you got this? Had it been sitting outside? Perhaps you should take into someone to work on this they generally can let you know if it is fixable and about how much it will cost.

please be sure not to mix vinegar and bleach when cleaning it is toxic - can you call a repair person to help you out? contact the mfg.of the machine and ask them what to do so as not to damage the drum, seal, etc. so sorry you are dealing with this

you may have to replace the door seal and use a vacuum to get out the pieces of dirt, rocks, etc that is in there

I would look up the manufacturer and contact them for advice.

You need a skilled repairman or give a call to the company that manufactured your w/d, have the make and model numbers ready so they can look up what to do.

Talk to whoever gave you the machine and where it was stored. Was it in a location that flooded? You can Google the make and model to find out more information. You can also check with the manufacturer of the machine.

You need to talk with the person who gave it to you and get some more info about it.

There's something strange about it! It must have been stored wrong?

You checked with the manufacturer for a recommended recommended cleaning practices? Trying to look up the manual online or call that might be suggested. I know with my eco-friendly low water volume washing machine I use affresh tablets and run theclean cycle on my machine in a regular basis.

Either there's something in the machine that is coming out in little bits at a time that will just need to run its course, or something is breaking down in pieces and bits. The last thing is that some of these machines have a drain you can clean out. I would call either a repair person or the manufacturer to troubleshoot.

My first thought is that the machine may have in a flood area and has been caked with mud, etc. Check with the manufacturer and the person who gave it to you to get more information.

It sounds to me like the cause of the problem stems from one of two situations:

1. Someone tried to wash very dirty work clothes that were saturated with concrete, drywall mud, paving residue, or similar, through the machine. The heat from the dryer has dried out the gunk and it is now adhering to the rubber surfaces.
2. Some interior part of the machine is disintegrating and similar to #1 above, the heat from the dryer is 'baking' the material on to the inside of the machine

From your description as to how unsuccessful the results have been with your trying to clean the machine, I would say that the filters are most likely completely clogged, and may even now be destroyed.

I would foresee that the cost of getting a repair person to come to your home, look at the unit, and then trying to 'fix' the problem, if it is indeed repairable, would exceed the value of the machine, and may even exceed the cost purchasing brand new appliances.

You might want to consider replacing the seal if it is that damaged. Check into using afresh product, which is designed for cleaning washing machines.

Here is how to clean the door seal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3zit2LBzqY

ou can use 2 cups of vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ water

Sounds as if the Fluff filter needs a good clean out or the hose conecting it between washer and dryer.

1. Add 1 cup of baking soda around the seal inside the drum.
2. Run the washing machine empty for a few wash cycles. To achieve the best results, use the 90°C setting. This is the easiest way to clean the rubber seal. This goes for the washing machine itself as well.
3. Add 1 cup bleach and 1 cup baking soda into the washing powder drawer. You can use 2 cups of vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ water instead if you do not have bleach on hand.
4. When the cycles are completed, put a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water and mix it well. Using a clean cloth, wipe down the rubber seal on all sides with the mixture.
5. Make sure to wipe around and underneath the seal, as well.

You also need to clean the lint trap. There is a little door usually on the bottom of the washer. It has the overflow tubes and a filter that needs to be cleaned out. That will also cause an odor.

I had to replace mine because it was moldy, contact your appliance person and give them the serial # on your machine.

Tara I was just unloading my washer and realized there is one other place you should clean. That is the soap dish area. I have a shelf that pulls out and there was so much gunk in there from detergent. I used a toothbrush and got it all out. My area did not smell but yours may be the cause of odors.

To give it a good clean buy a bottle of alcohol and clean with that

Look for a filter there should be some kind of filter to clean out

At this point, I'd probably reach out to the manufacturer and see if they can give you any tips so that you're also not damaging the seal too.

Given your situation, you may need to replace the door seal. It is best to also look up the manufacturer and contact them.

Thank you all for the replies. Took me a while to find this conversation!!

I have already tried most of the suggestions, including the soap tray etc, (all but the lint trap) which I have stated in my original question.

With all my machines I use machine cleaners regularly and water softeners regularly to keep them working longer.

I was gifted the machine from the Nextdoor app and the person is no longer a member so cannot contact them or even remember their names.

I cannot afford call-out charges to have it inspected, hence asking here.

It now seems to be running clear, however my clothes do not smell clean.

I will just keep trying to clean it as I cannot replace it.

But thank you for the suggestions. Some are things I have done already and are Indeed helpful.

Thank you.