How to clean mold from a cuff in a washing machine?

The rubber seal ensures the tightness of the drum due to its complex design with bends and folds. But it is in these folds that powder residues and other debris settle, which, with high humidity, lead to the appearance of fungus. If you do not wipe the rubber constantly, microbes will quickly multiply and damage the material. There is only one way out - to clean the cuff from mold. It remains to figure out how to clean and with what means.

Cleaning products

Once the fungus has appeared, it is not difficult to remove it from the cuff: just moisten the sponge in white or vinegar solution and carefully treat the folds. To clean the rubber seal of an automatic washing machine from deeply ingrained mold, you will need more serious compounds. The following brands have proven themselves to be excellent.

1. Mellerud – chlorine spray. A concentrated universal-use product that is effective in combating fungus and unpleasant odors. Destroys all types of mold and is suitable for disinfecting tiles, joints, walls, ceilings, wood and artificial materials. It has an antibacterial effect and is approved for treating washing machine cuffs. Easy to use: just spray from a distance of 5 cm onto an unprepared surface, leave for 20 minutes and rinse with clean water. Price – 518 rub.
2. HG is a universal spray based on chlorine and surfactants. Removes mold and unpleasant odors, preventing the re-spread of fungus. Sprays from a distance of 5 cm and fights spores in 10 minutes. Stubborn stains are treated again, and then the product is washed off with plenty of water.A bottle costs about 400 rubles.

Anti-mold sprays contain chlorine and surfactants.

3. Bagi's Anti-Mold offers a quick way to get rid of mold. The spray is applied to the affected area and left for 10-20 minutes. Due to the antibacterial composition with chlorine and nonionic surfactants, the product carefully destroys the fungus without damaging the cuff and other parts of the washing machine. Cost – from 349 rubles.
4. Cillit BANG “Black Mold” is another effective remedy for combating fungus. The powerful formula is safe for everyday cleaning, making it great for cleaning your washing machine. Also used for cleaning sinks, showers and kitchen surfaces. The cost of a bottle is 750 ml. – from 280-340 rub.
5. Sion also has its own mold removal spray. The product acts instantly and effectively kills the fungus, removing stains caused by spores. At the same time, the moldy smell is eliminated, and the previously affected surface becomes clean and glossy. Apply directly to contaminated areas without prior preparation. The results last a long time and no additional cleaners are required.
6. BON offers a universal extended action spray. An active antibacterial composition with nonionic surfactants removes not only odor and mold, but also limescale. The product is easy to use: spray from a distance of 20 cm and leave for at least 20 minutes. Afterwards, the affected area is cleaned with a brush or rag, and then thoroughly washed off and wiped dry. Costs about 500 rubles.
7. Unicum is a universal spray that is effective against mold and putrefactive odors. It costs 200-300 rubles, has an antibacterial effect and does not require mixing with other cleaners.

Removing emerging mold is half the battle. The second step is to determine and eliminate the cause of the overgrown fungus. Let’s look further at where the colonies on the rubber band come from and what provokes their growth.

Where does mold come from?

There is only one way to prevent the spread of mold at home - to deprive the fungus of an environment favorable for “life”. The fact is that microscopic spores always hover in the air and, when they get into moist and darkened places, they begin to grow and multiply. Several operational issues aggravate the situation of the washing machine.

• Incorrect installation of the machine. When the machine is located on a slope, the drainage of water slows down, most of the liquid remains in the pipes and increases the humidity in the equipment. When evaporating, some of the moisture settles on the cuff and provokes mold growth.
• Wash at low temperatures. Constantly turning on only “quick wash” prevents disinfection of the machine with hot water.
• Closed door. After using the machine, you need to wipe the body, drum and cuff and open the hatch wide open. Otherwise, the remaining water will begin to “attract” spores.

After using the machine, leave the hatch door open!

• Storing laundry in a drum. Dirty clothes in the washing machine help the fungus to multiply faster.
• Incorrect use of rinse aids. Many types of conditioners require a high-quality double rinse. Otherwise, the oily coating is not completely removed, but helps mold to multiply.

The main unfavorable factor is the lack of preventive and comprehensive cleaning of the machine. The machine must be properly maintained, otherwise the mechanisms and hoses will become clogged, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Cleaning technique

A favorite place for mold is the folds at the bottom of the cuff. To remove the fungus, you need to bend the edges of the seal to the side with one hand, and with the other take a sponge or soft rag soaked in cleaner and thoroughly treat the entire surface. Particular attention is paid to hard-to-reach areas.

You should not immediately wash off the product from the gum. It is more effective to close the hatch door and leave the treated cuff for 30-40 minutes. After half an hour, the procedure ends with repeated washing of the folds and drying. To be sure, it is better to run the “Fast” or “Cotton” cycle, and then leave the drum wide open.

When cleaning the cuff, do not use caustic or aggressive acids. Such compounds can corrode the rubber seal, causing more harm than good.

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