Need suggestions for those with HE washers

[isis]

Does anyone know how to remove mildew spots on the rubber gasket? My dh closed the door on the washer and I was away for a few days and came back to black spots all around the gasket! I hate my machine looks dirty!

I wasn't sure what bleach would do to the rubber, so in a bucket, I mixed Dawn with warm water and cleaned it with a rag. It was sooo gross! I had to dump the nasty water a few times. I had no idea of the buildup inside that ring!

[amylynne01]

You all are inspiring me to attack my washer today lol. I will fully admit that I have never cleaned the rubber gasket in the 3.5 yrs I've owned it! Maybe I'll run a clean cycle too.

[Gertie2u]

According to the manufacturer of my front loader, you should always leave the door open after your last load to allow the gasket to dry out as that smell is the result of moisture trapped there. This was prominently posted using a bright safety orange sticker on the front of the instruction manual for my washer. In practice, I find things like bits of paper, hairpins, and change left in pockets also congregate in the little space in the gasket, as well as a good bit of water. I usually just wipe it out with a dry washcloth when I am done doing laundry and leave the door open overnight. I have never had any smell.

[mom2cade]

My washer has a small door down at the bottom left corner. A repair tech friend told me to open it, place a LARGE bowl/bucket below it, unclamp the hose and empty the water into the bucket. Do this in addition to wiping gasket regularly and leave door open. HTH!