How To Prevent Mould In Washing Machine Rubber Gaskets

A washing machine is a silent partner in every home, handling mountains of laundry, soaking up sweat, dust, and stains from daily life. But hidden beneath that convenience lies a dark secret: mould. It creeps silently, nesting in the rubber gasket, the flexible ring around the washing machine door that seals water inside. Over time, moisture, detergent residue, and fabric lint turn this space into a breeding ground for slimy black patches and an odour that makes clean clothes smell anything but fresh.

Here's how you can prevent mould in washing machines; Photo Credit: Pexels

What's worse, mould isn't just ugly; it can trigger allergies, irritate skin, and shorten your machine's lifespan. The good news? It's entirely preventable. A few mindful habits and simple household ingredients can help keep that gasket clean and fresh, without breaking the bank or your patience. Here's a step-by-step guide to protecting your washing machine and your clothes from mouldy mischief.

Also Read: Automatic Washing Machines Under ₹30,000

Simple Habits To Keep Mould Away From Your Washing Machine

1. Keep the Door Ajar After Every Wash

Once a wash cycle ends, there's always that urge to shut the machine door neatly. But that simple act traps damp air inside, creating the perfect humid cave for mould. The trick is to resist closing it. Leaving the door slightly open after every wash allows air to circulate freely, drying out the gasket and drum naturally.

Think of it as giving your machine time to breathe. Much like leaving a tiffin box open to air out after lunch, it prevents stale smells from settling in. If you're worried about dust or curious toddlers, wedge the door open slightly using a clean towel. Within hours, you'll notice the machine smells fresher, and that sticky gasket slime will start to fade.

A tiny habit, yes, but one that saves you hours of scrubbing later.

2. Wipe the Gasket Dry After Each Use

A small effort after every laundry load can make all the difference. Once the clothes are out, grab a soft cloth and gently wipe around the rubber gasket. You'll often find water droplets, detergent bubbles, or bits of lint tucked in its folds. If left behind, they quickly become mould magnets.

Use a microfibre cloth or an old cotton handkerchief; it's absorbent and gentle on the rubber. Make sure to lift the gasket's edges slightly and reach into those hidden creases. A quick wipe takes less than a minute but keeps that musty smell away for good.

For those with busy routines, make it part of your washing ritual. Like switching off the geyser or hanging the laundry, this little step soon becomes second nature, and your gasket stays spotless.

3. Use the Right Detergent and Quantity

More detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes; it often means more residue. Excess detergent clings to the gasket, mixes with moisture, and forms a sticky layer where mould thrives. The secret is using high-efficiency detergent made for front-load machines, and measuring it properly based on the load size.

Liquid detergents usually dissolve better than powder ones, reducing the chance of build-up. If you're using hard water, choose detergents that specifically mention water softening properties; your washing machine will thank you.

Too much foam may look satisfying, but those bubbles trap dirt and linger even after rinsing. Less is truly more when it comes to keeping both clothes and machines healthy.

Use the right type of liquid detergent and quantity; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Run a Hot Water Wash Cycle Monthly

A simple yet powerful way to keep mould away is by running a hot wash without any clothes once a month. Add two cups of white vinegar or a tablespoon of baking soda to the detergent tray and let the cycle complete. The heat kills mould spores, while vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, dissolving detergent residue and grime.

If your washing machine has a self-clean mode, use it religiously. For older models, the plain hot cycle works just as well. It's like sending your machine to a spa, cleansing, refreshing, and rejuvenating.

Do this regularly, especially during humid months when mould grows faster. You'll be surprised at how much fresher your laundry smells afterwards.

5. Clean the Detergent Drawer Often

The detergent drawer is often ignored until it starts looking like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Detergent residue, fabric softener, and water droplets collect there, turning slimy over time. Since the drawer connects directly to the drum, the mould easily spreads to the gasket.

Every two weeks, remove the drawer (most models let you pull it out completely) and wash it under warm running water. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar to remove sticky build-up. Wipe it dry before sliding it back in.

It's a five-minute job that not only prevents mould but also ensures detergent flows freely during washes. Clean drawer, clean machine, clean clothes, simple math that works.

6. Avoid Leaving Wet Clothes Inside

Laundry emergencies happen, power cuts, unexpected calls, or a nap that lasts longer than planned. But leaving wet clothes sitting inside the machine for hours invites trouble. The dampness encourages mould and leaves your clothes smelling sour.

Try to remove washed clothes immediately after the cycle finishes. If that's not possible, open the door and let air circulate until you can unload. Even better, set a timer on your phone to remind you when the wash ends.

It might sound like a small thing, but mould doesn't need much time to grow. A few careless hours can undo weeks of good habits.

Avoid leaving your wet laundry inside the washing machine for too long; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda for Natural Cleaning

When it comes to mould prevention, nature provides the best cleaning team, white vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar kills mould spores while baking soda scrubs away grime without harming the gasket's rubber.

Once a week, sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda directly into the drum and pour a cup of vinegar into the detergent tray. Run a short warm wash cycle. You'll see the foam lift away dirt and residue like magic.

This duo is affordable, safe for the environment, and gentle on your washing machine. A ₹50 bottle of vinegar can keep mould away for months, a small investment for a big difference.

8. Check the Drain Filter Regularly

Every washing machine has a small drain filter, usually at the bottom corner, designed to catch lint, coins, or stray hairpins. When ignored, it clogs up, keeping water stagnant inside the machine, a playground for mould.

Open the panel, unscrew the filter cap, and let any trapped water flow out. Clean the filter under running water and wipe the area dry. Do this every few weeks or if you notice the machine smelling off despite cleaning the gasket.

A clear drain filter means less standing water, better washing performance, and no hidden mould lurking inside. It's like clearing your throat, simple maintenance that keeps things running smoothly.

9. Avoid Overloading the Machine

Cramming in that extra bedsheet or a few more towels may feel like saving time, but it's tough on both the machine and the gasket. When the drum is overloaded, water circulation suffers, and the detergent doesn't rinse off properly. That leftover residue becomes mould food.

Always leave enough space for clothes to move freely inside. A good rule is to fill the drum up to two-thirds full. This ensures efficient cleaning and reduces wear on the gasket.

Balanced loads also mean less vibration and less stress on machine parts, so you're extending its lifespan while keeping it mould-free. Smart washing, indeed.

Do not overfill your washing machine and leave some space for circulation; Photo Credit: Pexels 

10. Schedule a Deep Clean Every Six Months

Even with regular care, a professional deep clean every six months can work wonders. Many appliance service centres offer machine cleaning packages for around ₹800–₹1200. They use safe disinfectants, clean hidden components, and inspect the gasket for wear and tear.

If professional cleaning isn't an option, do a DIY version: mix equal parts vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle, spritz around the gasket, and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Wipe clean with a dry cloth, and your machine will feel brand new.

Consider this the festive cleaning your washing machine deserves, a small act of care for an appliance that quietly handles one of the most demanding household chores.

Products Related To This Article

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3. Samsung 8 kg, 5 star, Eco Bubble Tech

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5. LG Smart Choice, 7 Kg, 5 Star

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7.Samsung 9 kg, 5 star, Eco Bubble Technology

Preventing mould in washing machine rubber gaskets isn't about fancy chemicals or expensive maintenance. It's about small, consistent habits, letting the door breathe, wiping away moisture, and cleaning with simple household ingredients.

A washing machine that smells fresh not only gives you cleaner clothes but also adds a quiet sense of satisfaction to everyday chores. After all, no one wants freshly washed clothes that smell damp or unpleasant. With a bit of routine care and a pinch of attention, that rubber gasket will stay clean, the machine will run smoothly, and your laundry days will always end on a fresh note. Because sometimes, the best kind of care isn't grand, it's just consistent.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.