How to easily and inexpensively remove mold in a rubber/elastic washing machine?
The washing machine has long become an integral part of any home. The basis of its long-term operation is periodic maintenance and constant cleanliness.
Like any other household appliance, the washing machine requires some care and a very unpleasant moment is the mold that appears on the rubber.
About, how to remove mold in the washing machine on rubber/elastic, and also prevent its occurrence, and this article will be.
Content
What are the reasons for the appearance?
The main consequences of mold: the appearance of dark spots on the sealing rubber and unpleasant mold smell in the drum of the washing machine, which is subsequently transferred to the washed items.
Mold cannot be ignored, as it is a direct breeding ground for various diseases. Several common causes of mold and mildew:
Washing clothes at low temperatures. This is strictly prohibited; it is better to alternate both operating modes and the temperature threshold.- Remaining water inside the drum. Liquid can remain in the washing machine only if its drainage system is not properly maintained and is clogged. A simple button causes constant moisture in the drum.
- Unclosed door. The seal not only prevents water from leaking out during washing, it also prevents air from entering the machine after the process itself.A little liquid and excess oxygen are a favorable environment for the appearance of harmful microorganisms.
Leaving water in the drum even once can lead to rapid mold growth. Therefore, the washing machine requires constant care and periodic inspection.
How to remove using folk remedies?
The first thing you need to do to combat mold is a thorough inspection of all work surfaces to identify all pockets of mold.
These surfaces include:
- drum door seal,
- washing powder tray,
- filter,
- water inlet and outlet hose.
In general, places that are constantly in contact with water. After processing and cleaning, these areas should be re-inspected.
Vinegar is the main enemy of bacteria
Many housewives prefer to use table vinegar in the fight against harmful microorganisms, as a practical and inexpensive remedy. In terms of its effectiveness, vinegar is not inferior to expensive household chemicals.
Vinegar cleaning sequence:
Pour at least 200 ml of table vinegar into the bleach container. For convenience, you can use a measuring cup.- Start the longest operating mode and set the maximum temperature. Make sure the water in the washing machine is hot and the heating element is working properly.
- After finishing washing, pour 200 ml of vinegar into the container again. If desired, vinegar can be replaced with citric acid - it leaves a pleasant and fresh smell inside the drum. Start rinse mode.
- After the washing machine has finished working, you need to repeat the process and turn on the rinse mode again.Now you don’t need to add vinegar or add citric acid, just rinse everything with plain water.
- Once the repeat rinse is complete, you can open the door and wipe the inside of the drum clean with a dry cloth. Leaving wet spots is strictly prohibited.
Lemon acid
Easy and quick cleaning sequence washing machine rubber with citric acid:
- Preparation of the working surface. To do this, wipe the rubber seal over the entire surface with an ordinary damp cloth. You can also use a soft dishwashing sponge and a mild soap solution. Use a sponge or napkin to wipe off dirt and debris on the seal.
Coat the seal with cleaning agent. It is best to use a household cloth with a denser structure. Soak the cloth in surface cleaner, then generously wipe the rubber around the drum cover.Hard-to-reach places should not be missed; this is the first breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- Close the door tightly and leave the machine for at least 2 hours. After the specified time has expired, you can not wipe the seal, but simply start the washing machine in the “Rinse” mode. It's better to do this a couple of times.
- Add citric acid and turn on short-term operating mode at maximum temperature. After first making sure that the heating element is working properly.
After the above steps, the cleanliness of the rubber seal is guaranteed, you can safely start washing your clothes.
Peroxide and boric acid
You can clean the rubber of your washing machine using products sold in every pharmacy: hydrogen peroxide and boric acid.
Hydrogen peroxide should not be applied immediately on rubber, before the process it must first be cleaned of mold. This drug is very effective - it kills the remains of bacteria that are not visible to the human eye, and then whitens the surface.
Before using boric acid, it must be diluted with plain water.. After dilution, the solution should be applied to the rubber seal using cotton wool and left for 1-1.5 hours, then rinsed off.
Before applying boric acid, it is necessary to protect the skin; simple household gloves are suitable for this.
Baking soda
Baking soda is an inexpensive and practical way removing mold from both rubber and paint surfaces.
Baking soda diluted in water (one teaspoon per glass of water is enough) will not harm paint or enamel.
It is enough to wipe the contaminated surfaces with a sponge or household rag several times, and then rinse off the solution with plain water.
Top 5 chemicals for cleaning rubber parts
If folk remedies don’t help, it’s time to turn to special household preparations. Top 5 products will remove mold or mildew quickly, permanently and inexpensively.
HG
A universal product that removes mold, various types of harmful microorganisms, and unpleasant odors. HG is more often used for cleaning tiles, but it is suitable for rubber and silicone products.
Mode of application:
- apply to mold or mildew,
- wait 1-2 hours,
- wash off with a damp sponge.
Price: from 400 rubles.
Tiret
The combination of affordable price and effectiveness makes Tiret a very popular means for cleaning a washing machine from mold or mildew. The cost of 250 ml is only 200 rubles.
Mode of application:
- moisten the sponge in Tiret and wipe the infected area several times,
- leave for 30-40 minutes,
- rinse with clean water.
Blanidas
Blanidas belongs to the category of professional chemistry. Like HG, it is most often used to clean tiles and tiles, but can also be applied to rubber seals. Price: 400 rubles.
Mode of application:
- soak a sponge in Blanidas and wipe the infected area several times,
- leave for 1-1.5 hours,
- rinse with clean water.
Dr. Beckmann
Good quality product at an affordable price. Cost of Dr. Beckmann is only 300 rubles.
Mode of application:
- fill up the contents of one Dr. package. Beckmann directly into the washing machine drum,
- turn on the “Rinse” mode,
- After finishing work, wipe the inner surface of the drum thoroughly and dry.
Sama
A cheap but high-quality product for removing mold and mildew. In addition to cleansing, it also has a disinfecting effect. Price: 100 rubles.
Mode of application:
- apply to the contaminated surface,
- after 30 minutes, rinse with clean water.
How to prevent mold stains from appearing?
The washing machine is cleaned of harmful microorganisms, but if not used correctly, mold and mildew can return.
To prevent this, Here are some useful tips to follow:
- Even if the washing machine drain is working properly, after washing the surface of the drum should be wiped dry with a dry cloth. Excess moisture not only leads to mold, but also shortens the service life of metal parts.
The ideal condition for the appearance of microorganisms is leaving wet laundry for an hour or two. To avoid this, laundry should be collected immediately after washing.- Do not leave water in the powder and bleach tray. After washing, take out the tray and wipe it dry with a cloth.
- The filter of the washing machine must be changed according to the instruction manual for the household appliance. A minimal delay will create favorable conditions for mold to grow.
- Periodic maintenance is a prerequisite for long-term operation of a washing machine. Therefore, 2-3 times a month you should wash your clothes at the maximum temperature setting.
This will help remove the breeding ground for harmful microorganisms in the bud, and also clean all surfaces of the household appliance from scale and other deposits.
What to do if nothing helps?
If all methods, methods and means have been tried, and mold still remains on the seal, then the only way out is to replace it.
It is better to do this in a specialized center, or by calling a specialist to your home.
Improper replacement of the seal will lead to constant water leakage during washing., which will not have a very favorable effect on the further operation of the household appliance.
Video on the topic
How to clean mold from a washing machine:
Summing up
The article discusses the most practical and effective methods for cleaning the sealing rubber of a washing machine, as well as its internal parts.
The most effective are traditional methods: table vinegar and citric acid.. These products not only destroy mold and mildew, but also clean the surfaces of the washing machine parts from scale, which has a beneficial effect on its service life.
Vinegar stinks, so don't use it. Is citric acid better??