Electrolux Washing Machine: gasket mold

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you noticing black or gray mold and musty odors accumulating in the rubber door gasket of your Electrolux washing machine? This common issue arises from moisture retention, detergent residue buildup, and insufficient drying between wash cycles. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent mold growth and keep your washing machine smelling fresh.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux official guidance ties low‑temperature washing and excessive detergent use to mold build‑up and recommends wiping the seal dry after each wash and leaving door open to prevent recurrence.

Possible Causes

Moisture retention and poor ventilation in door gasket

How to Identify: Visible black/gray spots in folds of gasket, musty smell after wash cycles, damp seal when door is opened

Part: Door gasket (rubber seal)

Detergent and fabric softener residue buildup

How to Identify: Slime or gel‑like residue on gasket, lower wash performance, increased odor

Part: Gasket and detergent pathways

Frequent low‑temperature washes

How to Identify: Mold returns quickly after cleaning, especially if mostly cold washes are used

Part: Drum and gasket

DIY Solutions

Manual cleaning of gasket with vinegar or mold cleaner

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: spray bottle, white vinegar or commercial mold cleaner, soft brush/toothbrush, microfiber cloth, gloves
  1. Open washer door and peel back gasket folds
  2. Spray white vinegar or approved mold cleaner directly onto moldy areas
  3. Let sit 15–30 minutes to penetrate
  4. Scrub gasket folds with soft brush
  5. Wipe away residue with damp cloth and dry thoroughly
  6. Leave door open to air dry completely
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid mixing bleach and vinegar to prevent toxic fumes

Run hot maintenance wash

Easy 90–120 minutes
Tools Needed: washing machine cleaner or bleach/baking soda (as permitted)
  1. Ensure machine is empty
  2. Add washing machine cleaner per instructions or a measured amount of bleach/baking soda
  3. Run the hottest, longest wash cycle available
  4. Wipe down gasket and drum after cycle
  5. Leave door open to air dry
⚠️ Safety First: Follow manufacturer instructions for bleach use

Professional Repairs

Replace gasket/door seal

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 for part, $100–$300 labor

When to Call a Professional

Mold continues to return after repeated thorough cleaning
Gasket is physically cracked, torn, or failing to seal properly leading to leaks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Wipe gasket and door seal after each use: Moisture and residue accumulation that feeds mold
    Frequency: after every wash
  • Leave washer door open after cycles: Trapped moisture in gasket
    Frequency: after every wash
  • Run hot maintenance wash monthly: Biofilm and mold build‑up in gasket and drum
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Washing Machine gasket mold?
Gasket mold is typically caused by moisture retention, poor ventilation, and detergent residue buildup in the door seal.
How do I fix Electrolux Washing Machine gasket mold myself?
You can clean the gasket manually with vinegar or a mold cleaner, or run a hot maintenance wash with washing machine cleaner or bleach.
How much does it cost to fix gasket mold?
Replacing the gasket costs between $50–$150 for the part and $100–$300 for labor.
When should I call a technician for gasket mold?
Call a technician if the mold persists after DIY cleaning or if you need to replace the gasket for a proper seal.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • High humidity and poor ventilation in the laundry area
  • Detergent residue buildup due to using too much detergent
  • Infrequent cleaning of the gasket and door area

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the gasket with a mixture of vinegar and water. Use a soft cloth to scrub the moldy areas, ensuring to get into the folds of the gasket. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

  2. Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of bleach (if safe for your model) to eliminate mold and mildew. Follow up with a rinse cycle to clear any residues.

  3. Regularly wipe down the gasket after each use and leave the door ajar to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Electrolux Front Loader Washing Machine Gasket (Boot) Replac...

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