This washing machine mistake is making your clothes smell bad — here's how to fix it

You’d like to think that with so much water and detergent thrown at it, a washing machine would clean itself. Unfortunately, to keep your washing machine working efficiently, it requires a bit more care and attention than relying on the normal washing cycles to keep it clean.

I know from experience that the worst part of my washing machine to keep clean is the rubber seal around the door, otherwise known as the gasket. While it seals in water from spilling from the tub of front-loading washing machines, it can become a breeding ground for mold and grime, as moisture and detergent residue make themselves at home.

However, with a little help, you can extend the life of your washing machine by knowing how to clean your washing machine and ensuring your rubber seal is kept hygienic. If the gasket is left to its own devices, you’ll soon notice that your washing machine starts to smell, tainting your freshly cleaned laundry with an unpleasant odor.

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How to clean the rubber seal on your washing machine

My washing machine is often on twice a day, and it takes a real battering. If I don’t keep the rubber seal clean, I start to notice a buildup of black mold in the seal, and once it’s set in, it’s harder to remove. So, to keep on top of the maintenance, I regularly carry out a simple task every time a cycle has finished. What’s more, it’s also recommended by washing machine experts.

"A crucial step in ensuring your washing machine always produces clean laundry that smells fresh is to regularly clean the machine, in particular the rubber seal of the washing machine door, also known as the gasket," notes the appliance brand Siemens.

Luckily, cleaning your washing machine seal won’t take much time, but I recommend doing it after each cycle. Siemens says, "A soft cloth or rag and some warm water are all it takes. Gently wipe the seal to remove residue and dirt and protect against mold and unpleasant odours."

And it advises to keep to this natural approach, and warns against using hard cleaning ingredients, adding, "Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or home remedies such as vinegar or citric acid as they can attack the seal material."

Let the fresh air in

There’s another tip that’s worth following to ensure your washing machine seal stays free of mold. Simply, leaving the door open after every wash cycle will allow the drum and seal to dry out. This step prevents mold and bacteria from forming, which can lead to a bad odor.

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