Advisory Summary
Miele has issued a preventive maintenance advisory for all front-loading washing machines regarding mould and mildew buildup in the rubber door seal (bellows gasket). While this is not a defect, persistent moisture trapped in the door seal folds can lead to unpleasant odours, dark discoloration, and in severe cases, potential allergen exposure for sensitive individuals.
Affected Models
This advisory applies broadly to all Miele front-loading washing machines, including:
- W1 series (WCA, WCB, WCD, WCE, WCF, WCG, WCI ranges)
- Classic series (W 1611, W 1712, W 1714, W 1900 ranges)
- Professional series (PW 5065, PW 6065, PW 6080)
Prevention Measures
Follow these steps after every wash cycle to prevent moisture buildup and mould growth:
- Leave the washing machine door slightly ajar after each cycle to allow air circulation and moisture evaporation inside the drum and seal.
- Wipe the inner folds of the rubber door gasket with a dry cloth after use. Pay particular attention to the bottom fold where water pools.
- Run a hot cotton cycle (60°C or above) at least once per week. Low-temperature washes do not kill mould spores effectively.
- Use the correct amount of detergent — overdosing creates excess residue that feeds mould. Follow the dosing guide on the detergent packaging for your water hardness level.
- If your machine has a drum-cleaning program, run it monthly with a suitable washing machine cleaner or a small amount of citric acid.
What to Do If Mould Is Already Present
If mould has developed on the door seal, clean it thoroughly with a diluted bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 10 parts water) or a specialist washing machine cleaner. Allow the solution to sit on the affected areas for 15–20 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
If the mould has penetrated deeply into the rubber and cannot be cleaned, the door seal should be replaced. Contact Miele service to arrange a replacement — attempting to remove the seal without proper tools can damage the front tub and void warranty coverage.