In a nutshell
- 𧟠Baking soda raises pH (â8â9), disrupts mould-friendly biofilm, gently abrades residue, and neutralises odours while remaining non-corrosive to seals.
- âď¸ Safe use: 2â3 tbsp weekly in-drum for prevention; 1/4 cup in an empty 60â90°C cycle for maintenance; paste for stains; do not mix with vinegar in the same cycle; follow manufacturer guidance.
- đŹď¸ Routine habits: ensure airflow by leaving door and drawer ajar, wipe seals after cool washes, alternate soda and vinegar cycles to avoid neutralisation, and manage hard water deposits.
- đ Quick reference: clear actions, dosages, and frequencies; the key principleâconsistency beats intensityâkeeps seals fresher than sporadic deep cleans.
- 𧺠Results: fresher seals, fewer mould hotspots, reduced sour smells, and longer appliance life when baking soda is paired with heat and drying.
Black specks on the rubber gasket, a sour odour when you open the door, towels that never quite smell clean: mould in washing machines is a household nuisance that quickly becomes a hygiene problem. A humble cupboard stapleâbaking sodaâoffers a practical defence. This mildly alkaline powder can disrupt the environment mould prefers, neutralise smells, and help lift the biofilm that clings to the door seal and detergent drawer. Used correctly, sodium bicarbonate works with heat and airflow to keep seals supple and fresh. Small, regular doses go further than dramatic deep cleans, preventing buildup before it takes hold and extending the life of your machineâs rubber components.
Why Baking Soda Stops Mould in Washing Machine Seals
The black staining and slime that gather in a washerâs door seal are largely a biofilmâa mix of detergent residue, skin oils, limescale, and microbes. Mould thrives when this film stays damp and slightly acidic. Baking soda shifts the balance. As an alkaline compound (pH around 8â9 in solution), it raises the wash environmentâs pH, which can make it less hospitable to mildew and helps loosen the sticky matrix that anchors grime to rubber. Its gentle abrasiveness also aids mechanical removal during a hot, empty cycle or a targeted wipe of the seal.
Unlike chlorine-based treatments, sodium bicarbonate is non-corrosive to common seal materials and safe for septic systems when used sparingly. It does not bleach, but it does neutralise odours caused by bacterial metabolites. Think of it as a conditioner for the cleaning process: it wonât replace heat or ventilation, but it enables both to work better. The result is a fresher gasket and fewer places for mould to recolonise between washes.
How to Use It Safely and Effectively
For routine prevention, sprinkle 2â3 tablespoons (about 30â45 g) of baking soda directly into the drum once a week, then run your next regular wash as normal. For a maintenance clean, add 1/4 cup (60 g) to the drum and run an empty cycle at 60â90°C, following your machineâs guidance. Wipe the door seal afterwards: pull back the lip, remove lint, and dry any standing water. If residue is visible, make a paste (1 part water to 2 parts soda), apply to stained areas, leave for 10 minutes, then wipe and rinse.
Use the detergent drawer sparingly for soda; it can cake in humid dispensers. Do not combine large amounts of baking soda and vinegar in the same cycleâthey neutralise each other, releasing COâ and reducing cleaning performance. If you like vinegar for descaling, run it in a separate hot, empty cycle. Avoid overuse: excessive powder can leave a film in low-water eco cycles. Always check your manufacturerâs instructions for temperature limits and seal care.
Routine Maintenance: Pairing Baking Soda with Vinegar, Heat, and Airflow
Good habits stop mould from getting a foothold. First, prioritise airflow: after every wash, leave the door and detergent drawer ajar so moisture can evaporate. Wipe the seal and glass if youâve run low-temperature cycles or used liquid detergents, which can contribute to film. Build a monthly routine: one hot, empty programme with 1/4 cup baking soda in the drum helps lift grime. On a different day, run a hot cycle with 200â250 ml of white vinegar in the drawer to tackle limescale in pipes and the heater.
Separation is key: alternate soda and vinegar cycles, never together, to avoid neutralisation. If you live in a hard-water area, combine these habits with a water softener or occasional descaler to reduce mineral deposits that trap odours. Front-loaders are especially prone to a musty biofilm because of tight seals and cooler eco programmes, so the combination of soda, heat, and drying time is your best long-term defence.
Quick Reference: Dosage, Frequency, and Cautions
The guide below distils the essentials so you can keep your machineâs seals fresh without guesswork. Consistency beats intensity: small, regular measures are more effective than sporadic heavy treatments.
| Action | Amount | When | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routine prevention (in-drum) | 2â3 tbsp (30â45 g) baking soda | Weekly | Raise pH, reduce odour, loosen film | Run with your next normal wash |
| Maintenance clean (empty, hot) | 1/4 cup (60 g) baking soda | Monthly | Dislodge residue, freshen seals | Wipe seal and drawer afterwards |
| Descale (separate cycle) | 200â250 ml white vinegar | Monthly or bi-monthly | Dissolve limescale | Never mix with baking soda in same cycle |
| Drying and airing | â | After every wash | Reduce moisture, deter mould | Door and drawer ajar |
Used with a light touch and a bit of routine, baking soda becomes a reliable ally against mouldy gaskets, sour odours, and dingy laundry. It complements heat, promotes a less friendly environment for mildew, and helps keep the machineâs seals supple and clean without harsh chemicals. The real win is prevention: dry the drum, air the drawer, and keep the pH in your favour. With these habits in place, you can stretch the life of your washer and enjoy fresher fabrics. Which of these steps will you adopt firstâand what results will you be looking for in the next month?
Did you like it?4.5/5 (22)