As of: February 13, 2024, 1:30 p.m
By: Andrea Stettner
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When cleaning the washing machine, the rubber seal on the door is often neglected.
The result is bad smells.
Home remedies can help here.
Cleaning the washing machine is firmly on many people's to-do lists to prevent the drum from smelling unpleasant.
The smells can even be transferred to the freshly washed laundry, which then also smells.
However, very few people think about the rubber seal on the washing machine door.
A lot of dirt and germs accumulate here too.
How to clean the rubber – and which cleaning products help.
Instructions: How to clean the washing machine rubber
The rubber seal of the washing machine should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and bacteria.
© artursfoto/Imago
To clean the rubber seal on the washing machine door, all you need is a small bucket or bowl, a soft cloth and a few simple home remedies:
Mix water with a few squirts of dish soap or another mild cleaning product such as neutral detergent.
Then wipe the entire surface of the rubber with a rag.
Next, use your fingers to push the rubber forward and clean the inside of the fold.
Dirt, lint, hair or even small objects such as hair ties or coins that have accidentally gotten into the laundry tend to collect here - just like in the washing machine's lint filter, which also needs to be cleaned regularly.
If the rubber is more dirty, certain home remedies can help you clean the rubber thoroughly: Mix baking soda or baking powder with a little water to form a paste and spread it on the rubber.
Then wipe with plenty of water – done!
If bad smells have already settled in the door seal, try using a mixture of water and citric acid and then wash everything off thoroughly with water.
What helps with mold in the rubber seal?
If you find mold while cleaning the rubber seal, you can simply remove it with vinegar.
To do this, mix vinegar with twice the amount of water and wipe the mold stain with it.
There shouldn't be more vinegar because the acid attacks the rubber seal.
Wipe thoroughly with water and a new, clean cloth.
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Allow the rubber seal to dry thoroughly to prevent bacteria
No matter which method you choose: After cleaning, you should always wipe the rubber seal with a dry cloth and leave the washing machine door open.
Otherwise, new bacteria will quickly form again and cause bad smells.
Even after washing, the door should always remain slightly open so that any residual moisture can escape.
If the washing machine already smells unpleasant, it's time for a basic cleaning.