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Deep clean the gaskets on your appliances, kitchenware, and vehicles
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If you’ve noticed dirt, grime, or mold and mildew building up on a rubber seal, you might be wondering how to clean it safely. Rubber seals or gaskets are common features on kitchenware (like water bottles and pressure cookers), household appliances (like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators), and around car windows and doors. Keep reading to learn the best ways to clean rubber seals, remove odors, and keep your appliances and other items in good shape.
Cleaning Washing Machine & Refrigerator Seals
- Wipe down the seal with dish soap or laundry detergent, water, and a cloth.
- Lift up the seal and use a soft toothbrush or cloth to clean inside the cracks.
- Protect your car’s weather stripping with a silicone lubricant spray or paste.
- Put the seals of water bottles and other kitchen items in the dishwasher.
- Remove mold, mildew, and odors with a baking soda and water spray or paste.
Steps
Section 1 of 6:
Cleaning & Maintaining Appliance Seals
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Wipe down the seal with soap and water. No matter what kind of seal or gasket you’re cleaning, this is a good option for tackling light dirt and grime. Add about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of mild dish soap or laundry detergent to a bucket of warm water. Grab a cloth or soft toothbrush and dip it in the sudsy water, then wash the dirty seal. [1] X Research source
- You can also use an all-purpose cleaner that’s safe for use on rubber, silicone, or plastic.
- Alternatively, use a rag dipped in 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) vinegar in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water to clean the seal. [2] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- This works for seals around household appliances and the weather stripping around car doors and windows. [3] X Research source
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Clean cracks and crevices around the seal with a soft brush. When cleaning a rubber seal or gasket, make sure to wipe around and behind it. If you’re cleaning the seals on the door of your washing machine, lift up the seal and wipe away any lint or hair. If you’re cleaning a dishwasher seal, scrub any built-up food residue around the edges of the seal. [4] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Try to avoid abrasive tools that could damage the rubber. Wipe down dirty seals with a microfiber cloth or gently scrub them with an old, soft-bristled toothbrush. Steer clear of harsher cleaning tools, like steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff-bristle brushes. [7] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- As you’re cleaning, take the opportunity to inspect the seal for signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or holes. This can be a sign you need to replace it soon.
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Check with your manufacturer to see if it’s safe to clean with vinegar. Although some recommend using vinegar, the acids in it can eventually break down the rubber gaskets and hoses in washing machines and dishwashers, leading to leaks. Before using vinegar, check with your manual to see if it’s safe. [8] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- To clean with vinegar and remove mildew and odors, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe down the seals, using a toothbrush to scrub inside any crevices. [9] X Trustworthy Source Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA Food safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Go to source
- Try to avoid using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals. Not only can they potentially damage the seal, but they could also harm stainless steel surfaces in your washing machine or dishwasher. [10] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- Alternatively, spray the seal with an antimicrobial spray and wipe with a damp cloth. Check the label on the cleaner to make sure it’s safe to use on rubber first.
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Wash your seals once a week to keep them in good shape. Built-up dirt can prevent your seal or gasket from working correctly. Wipe your seals down with a damp cloth at least once a week to save yourself more work later on. [11] X Research source
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Section 5 of 6:
Killing Mold and Mildew on Rubber Seals
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Get rid of mold and mildew with baking soda or lemon juice. Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water in a bowl to create a paste and apply the paste to the mold. Let it dry, then scrub the area with a brush until the mold is gone. Alternatively, spray lemon juice directly on the mold and scrub with a soft brush. [20] X Research source Dry the area completely after you’re done.
- Make sure to wear rubber gloves , goggles , and an N-95 respirator mask when cleaning mold. [21] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Alternatively, use a non-abrasive cleaner that kills mold, mildew, and bacteria. [22] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
- If it’s safe to do so, spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the mold. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, then scrub with a toothbrush or wipe it away with a cloth.
- Spray your vehicle’s seals with a fungicide spray to fight off moss and other contaminants. [23] X Research source
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Wipe seals on household appliances dry after use to prevent mold. To keep mold from growing on washing machine gaskets and other seals, residential cleaning specialist Regina DeCorte says the “gasket should be thoroughly dried with a clean cloth after each washload and the door needs to be left ajar, which allows air to circulate.”
- If possible, leave the door of your washing machine open after washing or using it so that the seals can air dry. [24] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
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Tips
- If the seal is removable and made of 100% silicone, like the gasket inside a pressure cooker, wash it with soap and water and put it in the oven at 200 °F (93 °C) for 20 minutes to remove odors. [26] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Try to avoid mixing bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol. This can create toxic gasses. Check each product’s label before using one product after another. [27] X Research sourceThanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning, check out our in-depth interview with Regina DeCorte .
References
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/solved/items-to-never-clean-with-bleach
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/how-to-make-your-dishwasher-last-longer-a7937722178/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Fg06b2y1c9U?t=37
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2877/dishwasher-tricks/
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/home/organization/smelly-washer
- ↑ https://www.viamichelin.com/magazine/article/how-do-i-maintain-my-cars-rubber-seals/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/how-to-make-your-dishwasher-last-longer-a7937722178/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
- ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/removing-odors-refrigerators-and
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/dishwasher/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-a1075685014/
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/refrigerator-door-seal-stops-working/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Fg06b2y1c9U?t=58
- ↑ https://youtu.be/m4d-iIbkJy8?t=108
- ↑ https://youtu.be/m4d-iIbkJy8?t=147
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Fg06b2y1c9U?t=86
- ↑ https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/clean-germiest-kitchen-items
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-to-clean-your-stanley-cup-or-other-reusable-water-bottle/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/clean-with-baking-soda
- ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/removing-odors-refrigerators-and
- ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-energy-savers-project-cleaning-refrigerator-health-and-efficiency
- ↑ https://www.viamichelin.com/magazine/article/how-do-i-maintain-my-cars-rubber-seals/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/washing-machines/how-to-minimize-mold-in-your-washing-machine-a6065828553/
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/refrigerator-door-seal-stops-working/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-get-smells-out-of-silicone-kitchenware/
- ↑ https://www.skokie.org/1023/Dangers-of-Mixing-Household-Chemical-Cle
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