Just because a washing machine is used for laundry doesn’t mean its rubber seal is immune to dirt. In fact, it’s one of the areas that accumulates the most dirt over time and is a major culprit behind unpleasant odors emanating from the laundry and the machine itself. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean it to avoid ending up with smelly clothes.
The rubber seal on the washing machine door traps moisture inside, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. Let’s explore how to overcome this problem using natural ingredients and the right techniques.
How to clean your rubber seals and eliminate bad odors?
What you will need:
- A clean towel or cloth
- Dishwashing liquid
- white vinegar
- sodium bicarbonate
Vinegar is a great replacement for chemical cleaning products that are harmful to the environment and your health. It can be used to clean the washing machine, refrigerator, kitchen countertops, or even microwaves.
To begin, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drum near the rubber seal. Then run an empty wash cycle, and you should be able to deodorize your machine. For best results, it’s best to set the washing machine to 90°C , which will clean not only the seal but also the machine itself.
You can also pour a mixture of 2 cups of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water into the detergent drawer and then run the machine for an empty wash. When the machine finishes its wash cycle, prepare a smooth mixture of warm water and dish soap, then soak a clean cloth in it and wipe the seal. Be sure to clean all sides, including the gaps.
Another method using white vinegar to clean the gasket
Another cleaning tip is to soak a sponge in white vinegar and then clean with the rubber gasket. For less accessible areas, use a cotton swab soaked in vinegar to reach them.
Don’t neglect the joint crease either. To clean it, gently pull it towards you and insert a cotton swab to rub it and remove any debris or residue. Be sure to clean the entire joint and plan on using more than one swab.
Once you’ve cleaned, rinse thoroughly to remove the white vinegar and any remaining dirt from your machine. To do this, run a warm water drain cycle or use the self-cleaning function if your appliance has one. Wipe the seal one last time with a microfiber cloth or let it air dry with the washing machine door wide open.
How to prevent mold from forming on your washing machine gasket?
To prevent mold from building up in your washing machine, follow these steps:
- When you’re not using the washing machine, leave the door ajar to allow air to circulate. You can also do this right after the wash cycle.
- As soon as the wash cycle is finished, use a soft cloth to dry the door, glass, and seal.
- Take the clothes out right after finishing the laundry
- Avoid excessive use of detergents and washing at low temperatures. These two factors contribute to the formation of mold and the appearance of gelatinous or greasy dirt.
As you can see, cleaning the washing machine should also include cleaning the rubber seal if you want to avoid unpleasant odors. Of course, the best thing to do is perform regular maintenance on your washing machine to increase its lifespan.