Appliance Spares
Viral “deep clean” hacks pile products into one cycle. Some combinations release toxic gas. Here’s what never to mix, and the routine that actually works.
Quick answer: Never mix bleach with vinegar, other acids or ammonia. Bleach and acid release chlorine gas, and bleach and ammonia release chloramine gas. Use one product at a time with a plain rinse between. If someone breathes fumes or swallows a cleaner, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, any time. For trouble breathing, call 000.
What never to mix
| Don’t mix | What happens |
|---|---|
| Bleach + vinegar | Chlorine gas |
| Bleach + acidic bathroom or descaling cleaners | Chlorine gas |
| Bleach + ammonia (some glass and multipurpose cleaners) | Chloramine gas |
| Vinegar in the drawer, then bleach straight after | They meet in the drawer and pipes. Run a plain rinse in between. |
The safe mixes for mould on the seal
Mild detergent, or 4 parts vinegar to 1 part water. For stubborn mould, diluted bleach: 250 ml in 4 litres of water. One or the other, never both. Your washing machine manual may restrict bleach or vinegar on the seal, so check it first.
Scrubbing the seal and drawer beats pouring in something stronger.
The safe monthly clean
- Wipe and dry the door-seal fold.
- Pull out and wash the detergent drawer.
- Clean the drain pump filter.
- Run the tub-clean cycle with one product your manual approves.
- Leave the door and drawer open to dry.
Seal split, or mould soaked in?
No cleaner fixes that. A new seal does. Shop washing machine door seals →
Frequently asked questions
Can I put bleach and vinegar in the washing machine together?
No. Together they release chlorine gas.
I’ve mixed them by accident. What now?
Leave the room, open windows and doors, and call 13 11 26. For trouble breathing, call 000.
Does vinegar damage washing machine seals?
Some manufacturers advise against regular vinegar use. Follow your manual.
Sources
- NSW Health. Mould. health.nsw.gov.au
- Poisons Information Centre, 13 11 26 (24 hours, Australia-wide).
More on washing machine smells and mould
- Washing cold saves up to 80% of the energy: do this once a month so your machine doesn't pay for it
- Mouldy laundry in a rental? Who fixes what, and the dryer fault soaking your walls
- Why your front loader stinks: five culprits, from a 2-minute fix to a new pump
- How to remove mould from a washing machine door seal
Oz Appliance Spares ships from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Australian-owned since 2009. Last reviewed 30 October 2026.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
