How to clean gum in a washing machine

Not all housewives know how to clean gum in a washing machine. But it is precisely for this reason that most often an unpleasant rotten smell starts to come out of the drum, which for a long time remains on the washed clothes. Also a sure sign of contamination of the sealing gum in the machine will be dark stains on the surface of the cuff.

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Causes of contamination of the rubber seal in the washing machine

It would seem, where can dirt and mold come from in a washing machine, because washing uses detergents? In fact, powders and conditioners cannot kill mold and fungus, which starts in the drum of the machine and on the rubber seal of the door.

The most common causes of mold are:

• water, accumulating in an elastic band, hose, powder compartment and conditioner;
• too thick laundry gelwhich film covers the “inside” of the washing machine;
• left laundry in the drum;
• continuous wash at low temperatures.

The door O-ring is a great place for bacteria to develop, as water and detergents remain in its bends. To prevent this from happening, you must constantly wipe it. If pollution could not be avoided and the rubber is already blackened, then you can try to wash the seal.

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Gum Cleaners

Depending on the type of pollution, you need to choose a cleaning agent. In stores you can find many specialized tools, but most of them cost a lot of money. And there are funds that cost a penny and can be found in almost every home.

If mold or fungus has appeared on the sealing gum, then they will help to cope with them:

• chlorine solution;
• baking soda;
• acetone.

With a scum perfectly cope:

• lemon acid;
• table vinegar.

These tools can efficiently and quickly clean the dirt on the o-ring in a washing machine.

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How to clean the gum?

If black spots of mold or scale were noticed on the rubber band, then the fight against them should be started as soon as possible so that the pollution does not lead to the appearance of a strong unpleasant odor or to the breakdown of the automatic machine. First you need to decide on a cleaning agent, and then start the procedure.

Important! If the contamination is small, then you can not remove the gum, if the mold penetrated the inside of the washing machine, it must be carefully removed.

Cleaning with chlorine solution

1. Use a damp cloth to clean visible dirt inside and outside the gum.
2. Moisten a new sponge for washing dishes in chlorine bleach and apply to the sealant. More funds can be poured directly into the rubber ring, as this is where the most mold appears.
3. Cover the door and leave it for 30-40 minutes.
4. Use a dry cloth to remove the remaining bleach and start the rinse.

Important! According to the same scheme, it is possible to purify with acetone.

Cleaning with vinegar

1. Pour a glass of vinegar into the sealing gum and start the longest washing mode for 5-10 minutes, then put the process on pause for an hour. During this time, vinegar will penetrate all inaccessible places.
2. After this, start the wash and wait for it to finish.
3. After washing, wash the drum and gum with water, wipe with a dry sponge.
4. To better eliminate vinegar, start the quick wash without laundry.

Citric acid purification

1. Dilute a packet of citric acid with water to a state of gruel.
2. Toothbrush gum thoroughly and inside and out.
3. Rinse the remaining gruel by turning on any quick wash mode.

If the contamination is really very strong, then you need to remove the o-ring with a flat screwdriver. Gently pick up the elastic with a tool and slowly detach it from the case in a circle.

Important! After removing the seal, access to the electronic door closing device will open. Do not allow moisture to get in, otherwise a professional machine repair will be required.

After the cuff is removed, it must be placed in a container with water and chlorine bleach for several hours. Chlorine perfectly corrodes both mold and scale from any surface. When the contaminants are removed, the gum should be washed with clean water and dried well, then carefully put in place. In this way, you can also remove an unpleasant odor.

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Preventive actions

In order to not have to constantly clean the sealing sleeve, it is necessary to constantly carry out preventive maintenance:

1. Leave the door after washing the washing machine open so that the remaining moisture can evaporate and odors do not stagnate.
2. Wipe after each wash O-ring, inside of the drum.
3. Powder container and conditioner Remove and soak in chlorine solution from time to time. If the container is non-removable, then wipe with soda solution.
4. Periodically wash at maximum temperature without linen.
5. Take out the laundry immediately after washing.
6. Clean once a year drain hose.
7. Do not use too thick gel powders and conditioners.

Important! If the sealing gum is damaged (torn, cracked), then it must be replaced with a new one as soon as possible, otherwise dirt will accumulate strongly at the site of damage.

Following the recommendations for prevention, you can forever forget about the contamination of the washing machine and the unpleasant odor from the drum or from washed items.

Mold and fungus on the sealing gum is not only an unpleasant odor, but also a threat to human health. This question is especially acute if there is a small child in the family. It is important to remove contamination immediately as soon as its appearance is noticed.

In the video below, you will find a good example of how to clean gum in a washing machine in the most popular way - using citric acid.