How to replace the door seal in your washing machine

Open the door fully to expose the door seal.

Locate the outer wire band with its spring around the front lip of the seal.

Lever the spring with a flathead screwdriver and lift the band off the seal.

Fold the loosened lip of the seal outward and pull it clear of the front panel.

Roll the released seal inward and tuck it into the drum cavity to make space.

Expose the inner retaining clamp that secures the seal to the tub.

Feel for the clamp screw and square nut on the inner band.

Hold the nut with one finger and turn the screw counter-clockwise with the flathead screwdriver.

Loosen the clamp until it slides freely off the gasket.

Insert a finger between the tub lip and gasket and lift to unseat it.

Pull the old seal completely away and remove it from the machine.

Scrub the tub rim and front panel groove with a sponge until the surfaces feel smooth.

Remove limescale with an acid-based cleaner if necessary.

Wipe the area dry so the new seal sits flat.

Brush a thin coat of warm soapy water onto the inner lip of the new seal.

Wet the tub rim with the same solution to ease installation.

Position the seal so its inner lip aligns with the tub rim.

Press the lip into the rim while working around the circumference with both thumbs.

Use crossed hands to keep seated sections in place as you progress.

Rotate the seal and confirm it spins smoothly, indicating correct seating.

Slide the inner clamp over the seated seal.

Hold the square nut and tighten the screw firmly with the screwdriver.

Check that a finger cannot slip between band and seal to verify tightness.

Inspect all around to ensure the gasket remains evenly seated.

Pull the outer lip of the seal onto the front panel flange, starting at the door hinge.

Work the lip fully into the groove, using soapy water if needed.

Position the wire band, seat the fixed side, then stretch and lock the spring.

Press all around the gasket to confirm it lies flat and secure.

Place absorbent paper under the door area.

Run a rinse or water fill program and watch for drips.