The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning & Maintaining Rubber Seals

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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

  1. Wipe down the seal with dish soap or laundry detergent, water, and a cloth.
  2. Lift up the seal and use a soft toothbrush or cloth to clean inside the cracks.
  3. Protect your car’s weather stripping with a silicone lubricant spray or paste.
  4. Put the seals of water bottles and other kitchen items in the dishwasher.
  5. Remove mold, mildew, and odors with a baking soda and water spray or paste.
Section 1 of 6:

Cleaning & Maintaining Appliance Seals

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  1. 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]
    • 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]
    • This works for seals around household appliances and the weather stripping around car doors and windows. [3]
  2. 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]
    • Dip a cotton swab in water and dish soap to get into tight spots. [5]
    • Use a small toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach areas around your car’s rubber seals. [6]
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  3. 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]
    • 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.
  4. 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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
    • 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.
  5. 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]
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Section 2 of 6:

Protecting Car Seals

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  1. After washing your car’s seals with soap, water, and a microfiber cloth, apply heavy-duty silicone lubricant to your car’s window seals and work it in with a cloth. [12] Gently rub the paste or spray into the stripping along your car door. [13]
    • Silicone lubricant can help keep out the rain, snow, and wind while you’re driving. [14] It may also help prevent your car door from freezing shut in the winter. [15]
    • WD-40 also makes a silicone lubricant that you can work into your vehicle’s seals.
Section 3 of 6:

Washing Kitchenware Seals

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  1. Gaskets on kitchenware like food storage containers can harbor tons of bacteria and mold. To clean them, simply pry the gasket off the item and place it in the dishwasher. Make sure the gasket and the item are both completely dry before reassembling. [16]
    • To handwash the seal, soak it in hot soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub with a soft toothbrush. Hand dry it with a soft towel or leave it to air dry. [17]
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Section 4 of 6:

Removing Odors from All Seals

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  1. Combine 2 tbsp (27.6 g) baking soda with hot water in a bucket or spray bottle. Apply the solution to the gasket and wipe it with a sponge or microfiber cloth. [18] Rinse the area with water or 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of chlorine bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. [19]
    • Baking soda is safe on most rubber seals, like around washing machines and refrigerator doors.
    • Optionally, add a drop or two of dish soap to the hot water to increase its cleaning power.
    • Don’t forget to dry the seal with a clean towel when you’re finished!
Section 5 of 6:

Killing Mold and Mildew on Rubber Seals

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  1. 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] 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]
    • Alternatively, use a non-abrasive cleaner that kills mold, mildew, and bacteria. [22]
    • 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]
  2. 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 wash load 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]
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Section 6 of 6:

When should you replace seals and gaskets?

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  1. Even with proper care, rubber seals can crack, tear, warp, or weaken. When you’re ready to replace an old seal, carefully peel off the seal, then clean the channel or groove behind it with soapy water and a soft brush. Follow the instructions on the package to install your new seal. [25]
    • Buy the replacement seal from the company that made your item or appliance.
    • It may be time to replace the seal if you notice leaks (e.g., from around the door of a washing machine or dishwasher) or if the door of your appliance no longer stays closed properly.
    • Check your seals once a year for tears, cracks, and holes. If you notice this type of damage, it’s time to replace the seal.

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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]
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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]
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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

      1. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/solved/items-to-never-clean-with-bleach
      2. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/how-to-make-your-dishwasher-last-longer-a7937722178/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fg06b2y1c9U?t=37
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2877/dishwasher-tricks/
      5. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/home/organization/smelly-washer
      6. ↑ https://www.viamichelin.com/magazine/article/how-do-i-maintain-my-cars-rubber-seals/
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/how-to-make-your-dishwasher-last-longer-a7937722178/
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
      9. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/removing-odors-refrigerators-and
      1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/dishwasher/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-a1075685014/
      2. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/refrigerator-door-seal-stops-working/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fg06b2y1c9U?t=58
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/m4d-iIbkJy8?t=108
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/m4d-iIbkJy8?t=147
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Fg06b2y1c9U?t=86
      7. ↑ https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/clean-germiest-kitchen-items
      8. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-to-clean-your-stanley-cup-or-other-reusable-water-bottle/
      9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/clean-with-baking-soda
      10. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/removing-odors-refrigerators-and
      11. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      12. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      13. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-energy-savers-project-cleaning-refrigerator-health-and-efficiency
      14. ↑ https://www.viamichelin.com/magazine/article/how-do-i-maintain-my-cars-rubber-seals/
      15. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/washing-machines/how-to-minimize-mold-in-your-washing-machine-a6065828553/
      16. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/refrigerator-door-seal-stops-working/
      17. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-get-smells-out-of-silicone-kitchenware/
      18. ↑ https://www.skokie.org/1023/Dangers-of-Mixing-Household-Chemical-Cle

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