Why is there water left in the washing machine cuff?
At every stage of a washing machine's operation, water enters the drum. To prevent leaks, a special rubber seal called a gasket is installed between the machine's body and the door. However, after washing, water remains in the rubber seal. Owners have to wipe away the moisture after each shutdown. Why does water accumulate on the gasket, and what are the risks of allowing water to remain on the machine?
How to prevent water from accumulating?
The design of the rubber seal allows moisture to accumulate in the folds. Trying to prevent this is pointless. However, it is essential to thoroughly wipe the seal after each use. Otherwise, mold will form in the appliance and an unpleasant odor will develop.
Important! To ensure the seal dries properly, leave the washing machine door slightly open after washing.
If dirt or mold has accumulated on the cuff, the part should be cleaned. A simple damp cloth and water cleaning is not sufficient. Special cleaning agents are required.
What chemicals should I buy?
If mold has recently appeared on your washing machine, getting rid of it is easy. To do this, take a cleaning sponge, dip it in a solution of vinegar, bleach, or baking soda, and wipe all the folds of the cuff. Fighting mold that's deeply embedded in rubber is more difficult. You'll need to buy specialized household chemicals for this. Among the products available in retail stores, the following brands are considered the most effective.
Mellerud is a concentrated spray containing chlorine. It is designed to kill fungi. It can be used to disinfect walls, tiles, ceilings, and wood surfaces. It is also suitable for wiping washing machine seals. It is easy to use: spray the spray from a distance of 5 cm from the stain, leave it for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with water. The price per bottle is $5.20.
HG. A versatile spray based on anionic surfactants and chlorine for removing mildew and odors and preventing mold re-growth. The product is easy to use: spray it onto the washing machine seal. Ten minutes is enough to kill fungal spores. After this time, rinse the surface thoroughly with water. To combat stubborn stains, clean the seal several times. A bottle of spray costs $4.
Bagi. This brand produces a spray called "Anti-Mold" and offers an effective and fast way to remove mold. The product is sprayed on and rinsed off after 10-20 minutes, depending on the severity of the stain. Thanks to the presence of nonionic surfactants and chlorine, it has an antifungal and antibacterial effect without damaging appliance parts.
Cillit BANG. This concentrated antifungal "Black Mold" product is safe and suitable for everyday cleaning. It can be used if water accumulates in the manhole cover and needs to be cleaned and protected from mold. It is also suitable for cleaning shower stalls, bathtubs, sinks, and kitchen sinks. It is sold in 750 ml containers. It retails for approximately $3–$3.50.
Sion. An instant-action spray that combats mildew, removes stains caused by mold spores, and eliminates odors. It can be applied without pre-treatment.
BON. This product contains antibacterial components and nonionic surfactants. It combats not only mildew and musty odors but also limescale. The manufacturer recommends using the spray as follows: spray from a distance of 20 cm from the stain, wait 20 minutes, clean the surface with a cloth or brush, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and wipe dry. A bottle costs about $5.
Unicum. A universal solution designed to remove mold and odors. It can be used without additional cleaners. Available in stores for $2–$3.
Most household anti-mold chemicals are based on chlorine and surfactants. Many also have antibacterial properties.
Please note! These products are safe for use on rubber seals.
How to clean rubber properly?
Mold most often appears in the folds at the bottom of the cuff because this is where water accumulates. To remove it, follow these steps.
Bend the edge of the elastic to the side.
Wet a cloth or sponge with cleaning solution and wipe the entire cuff. Be sure to thoroughly clean any hard-to-reach areas.
Close the washing machine door without rinsing off the cleaning solution. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Then rinse the folds again and wipe them dry.
For even more effective washing, you can run the "Cotton" or "Quick Wash" program. After the washing machine has finished washing, leave the door slightly open. Do not use aggressive detergents to clean the rubber cuff. They may damage the part.
At every stage of a washing machine's operation, water enters the drum. To prevent leaks, a special rubber seal called a gasket is installed between the machine's body and the door. However, after washing, water remains in the rubber seal. Owners have to wipe away the moisture after each shutdown. Why does water accumulate on the gasket, and what are the risks of allowing water to remain on the machine?
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