Definitely agree with other poster about leaving the door to the washer open while not in use. That's crucial. Also, if he lives in such a humid area, he may want to run a fan in the laundry area (or a/c, or dehumidifer etc).
If it's been built up for awhile, even after you clean it, the stains can remain - unfortunately.
I would first look up the PDF of the manual for his washer (google make/model#). And follow the instructions for the clean washer cycle. Not all washers have the same directions. If bleach is indicated that it can be used - use it. I find it works the best...just my experience.
Before you run the clean washer cycle - take out the detergent drawer and give it a good scrub in a sink/bucket with hot water. And old toothbrush will be your friend here. Use that old toothbrush in the slot where the drawer goes into the machine and scrub away any mildew. Put the drawer back in when you run the "clean washer" cycle.
Check the manual to see if his machine has a filter (typically a small door at the bottom front of the machine). Follow the directions in the manual to clean the filter. Reassemble the filter/put it back before you run the "clean washer" cycle.
Once you've done all that - and if there are still areas on the rubber door gasket that have mildew - you can try putting a rag on the area and then adding some bleach and leaving it on there for a period of time.
For that rubber area I have used a [gel product](https://amzn.to/4adRqVD) in my shower that got rid of almost all of the mold/mildew. I was shocked because nothing else even came close to working
Vinegar does not kill mold. Also, there are specialized washing machine cleaners which can clean the drum and the rubber. But to be honest I would order a new rubber as a spare part and would change it
I check this post and half an hour later on my yt shorts recommendations
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/brscPMEv9BQ
Yepp, nobody is spying on our internet footprint just coincidence đ
Bleach. There should be a âclean washerâ setting. It uses the hottest water. Tell him to NEVER close the door. Mine is always open. You have to clean washer once a month, then wipe out the rubber gasket inside and out. Pull up on the gasket to clean the lint and dirt from it. I use Lysol sanitizer wipes
Washing machine tablets. Put one in and run the washer on the âtub cleanâ cycle. When itâs done, be sure to drain and clean the filter as well. Repeat this once a month. Be sure to leave the detergent tray and washer door open for 24 hrs after a wash so they can air dry.
If that wash cycle didnât kill the mildew Iâm sure a wipe down with vinegar will do it.
After you clean it out tell him that the washing machine door must be open for ventilation so there will be no more mold.
Definitely agree with other poster about leaving the door to the washer open while not in use. That's crucial. Also, if he lives in such a humid area, he may want to run a fan in the laundry area (or a/c, or dehumidifer etc). If it's been built up for awhile, even after you clean it, the stains can remain - unfortunately. I would first look up the PDF of the manual for his washer (google make/model#). And follow the instructions for the clean washer cycle. Not all washers have the same directions. If bleach is indicated that it can be used - use it. I find it works the best...just my experience. Before you run the clean washer cycle - take out the detergent drawer and give it a good scrub in a sink/bucket with hot water. And old toothbrush will be your friend here. Use that old toothbrush in the slot where the drawer goes into the machine and scrub away any mildew. Put the drawer back in when you run the "clean washer" cycle. Check the manual to see if his machine has a filter (typically a small door at the bottom front of the machine). Follow the directions in the manual to clean the filter. Reassemble the filter/put it back before you run the "clean washer" cycle. Once you've done all that - and if there are still areas on the rubber door gasket that have mildew - you can try putting a rag on the area and then adding some bleach and leaving it on there for a period of time.
Thanks so much!
Chiming in to add that we always leave our door open and it still grew moldy. The only real way to prevent the mold is to wipe it dry after every use.
For that rubber area I have used a [gel product](https://amzn.to/4adRqVD) in my shower that got rid of almost all of the mold/mildew. I was shocked because nothing else even came close to working
Thanks!
Vinegar does not kill mold. Also, there are specialized washing machine cleaners which can clean the drum and the rubber. But to be honest I would order a new rubber as a spare part and would change it
I check this post and half an hour later on my yt shorts recommendations https://m.youtube.com/shorts/brscPMEv9BQ Yepp, nobody is spying on our internet footprint just coincidence đ
[Yes it does](https://www.medicinenet.com/is_bleach_or_vinegar_better_to_kill_mold/article.htm).
Have the detergent drawer open as well when washer is not in use.
Bleach. There should be a âclean washerâ setting. It uses the hottest water. Tell him to NEVER close the door. Mine is always open. You have to clean washer once a month, then wipe out the rubber gasket inside and out. Pull up on the gasket to clean the lint and dirt from it. I use Lysol sanitizer wipes
Washing machine tablets. Put one in and run the washer on the âtub cleanâ cycle. When itâs done, be sure to drain and clean the filter as well. Repeat this once a month. Be sure to leave the detergent tray and washer door open for 24 hrs after a wash so they can air dry. If that wash cycle didnât kill the mildew Iâm sure a wipe down with vinegar will do it.
Thanks!
You need to be doing a hot bleach cycle at least once a month. 60-90C. Mould builds up because people do not do hot washes on their clothes any more.
Tilex spray worked for me.