Washing machine, the garnish is a nest of mold: the green method to sanitize it

Who would have said that 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 glass of vinegar and just 15 minutes to say goodbye to mold and smells in the washing machine are enough? Yet – surprisingly – it really works.

There is a point of the washing machine that tends to go unnoticed, but which is actually a real dirty receptacle: the gasket. That apparently harmless rubber strip, which instead hides muffles, bacteria and everything that the washes leave behind. They accumulate right there, between the rubber folds, where humidity stagnates and laundry can lose freshness. Yet with a natural and zero -cost method it is possible Hygose it thoroughly without ruining it. Also tested on washing machines with over 10 years of daily use, this remedy takes advantage of the combined effect of bicarbonate and vinegar: one cleans in depth, the other dissolves the residues and neutralizes the smells. And in a few minutes the difference is seen (and feels).

There is no need to disassemble anything, nor resort to industrial spray. Just an old toothbrush, a little patience and the final effect is guaranteed. And whoever has already tried this method know how important it is to repeat the cleanliness at least once a monthespecially if the washing machine is in the bathroom or in not very ventilated environments.

Because the garnish of the washing machine is so easily dirty

The garnish is like a small warehouse where everything accumulates. After each wash, among its folds they remain stagnant water, lanine, traces of soap and sometimes even hair. Constant humidity creates the perfect microclimate for the Proliferation of mold. The real problem? It is not just aesthetic. The molds and bacteria on the gasket can move to the garments, causing Unpleasant odors and for a long time, skin irritations also go, especially in the most sensitive subjects.

After all, who has never opened the porthole and heard that wet smell, similar to a towel forgotten in the basket? The secret lies in prevention: the more it remains clean the garnish, the longer the washing machine will last long. Like when the filter of the vacuum cleaner is neglected, ignoring this detail can compromise the entire functioning of the appliance. A simple monthly cleaning, however, can make miracles.

Green method and natural ingredients: what does it really need

You don’t need to spend in specific products: often the More effective ingredients are already found in the kitchen. Bicarbonate, for example, is a powerful antibacterial and disenchantment, while white vinegar has an degreasing and deodorant action.

The beauty is that these two elements, combined, release an effervescent reaction that penetrates the folds of the rubber, removing hidden residues and neutralizing the bad smells. A bit like a volcanic, but useful mini-entertainment.

Before starting, it is useful to have:

• 2 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate;
• 1 glass of white vinegar;
• 1 old toothbrush or a soft sponge;
• 1 dry microfiber cloth;
• gloves (optional, but recommended if you have sensitive skin).

Many also recommend the use of lemon juice, but only if there are no exposed metal parts: citric acid could accelerate corrosion.

How to sanitize the garnish of the washing machine in 5 moves

Once you have prepared everything you need, cleaning can start. It takes a few minutes to bring the garnish back to its splendor:

• Pour the vinegar directly on the gasket, insisting on the dirty areas;
• Sprinkle the baking soda Above vinegar: a slight foam will be formed immediately;
• Brush gently with the old toothbrush, following the rubber folds;
• Leave to act for 10-15 minuteswithout closing the porthole;
• Remove the residues With a damp cloth and dry well.

The result? A visibly cleaner garnish, without halos or smells.

For an even deeper effect, you can activate an empty washing at 60 ° C with 1 glass of vinegar in the basket: useful for cleaning the internal pipes.

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to prevent them)

It often happens to be wrong, even in good faith. Some behaviors, if repeated, may worsen the situation instead of improving it. Here are the most common mistakes:

• Leave the oblò closed after each wash;
• Never dry the gasket;
• Use too detergentwhich accumulates in the edges;
• Clean only when the visible mold appears;
• Forget to check behind the gasket (where the worst dirt lurks).

So better act in advance: always open the door after each wash and dry with a cloth. As they say, better prevent rubbing.

When and where to do it: frequency and useful advice

The Cleaning of the gasket should be made at least once a monthbut if the washing machine is used a lot (or is in a wet room) even every two weeks. Better to choose a time when you have time to let the products act, such as the weekend.

If possible, always leave the door open between a washing and another. In the windowless bathrooms it is useful to use a small dehumidifier or open the door to circulate the air.

In summer the risk is less, but with the arrival of autumn and cold the humidity increases and the mold is soon back. A clean garnish is not only an aesthetic question, but also of hygiene.

Conservation and maintenance: the makeup that few know

There is a simple gesture that makes the difference: pass a veil of borotalco on the gasket every 2-3 months. It helps to keep it soft, avoid cracks and hinders mold formation.

A small anecdote: a lady said she had inherited the mother’s washing machine, used for over 20 years. The garnish was still perfect. The secret? A teaspoon of borotalco every change season. Simple, but effective.

Alternatively, Vaseline oil can also be used (very little!), Applied with a cotton swab. But only on full rubber gaskets, not on those with plastic inserts.

Do you want an always fresh washing machine? Parts from the gasket

Often you focus everything on the basket or filter, forgetting the most critical point: the gasket. Still, keeping that rubber strip clean can make the difference between a fragrant laundry and one who knows damp.

With a simple, natural and economic method, new life can be restored to the washing machine and prevent serious problems. A small gesture, but with a great impact on the duration of the appliance.

And you, have you already checked your gasket today?

Photo © Stock.adobe