Goodbye to mildew and odor – just put this on the washer rubber and it will look like it just came out of the store according to the technicians

June 11, 2025
Goodbye to mildew and odor - just put this on the washer rubber and it will look like it just came out of the store according to the technicians

We all want our appliances to have an up-to-date maintenance and to have to call the technician as little as possible. In recent weeks, a homemade trick to keep washing machines clean and free of bad smell and mold has gone viral. Simple and free, the council recommends placing a plastic or wooden spoon in the rubber of the washing machine to let air circulate and remove moisture. A practical and useful trick to extend the life of washing machines.

Appliances

One of the biggest investments you make in a home is buying appliances. We need more and more equipment, and the variety is increasing. Low consumption, different sizes, different colors, shapes and prices. If we make a list, we can count up to 10 necessary appliances; washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, stove, kettle, toaster, blender and kitchen robot (counting only the basics).
Some are more important than others, such as the fridge or dishwasher or washing machine, which are used practically every day.

Maintenance of appliances

The durability of our appliances will not only depend on the brand or manufacturer, but also on the maintenance and good use we give it. Keeping them clean, airy and making good use of them is essential to extend their useful life. The case of the washing machine is particularly important. If you do not take into account the maintenance of it, it is very likely to stop working before time, also that even our clothes could suffer the consequences.

A washing machine and a spoon

Recently, a trick to keep your washing machine clean, free of mold, moisture and bad smells has gone viral on social media. It seems incredible given the rudimentary of it, but it is very effective. The method consists in placing a wooden or plastic spoon preferably on the rubber of the washing machine. This helps the air to be drawn in and out, dries the drum and prevents mould and moisture. Everything has been through social networks, but the trick has managed to accumulate hundreds of positive comments, affirming not only its effectiveness, but other benefits such as the need to clean the inside of the washing machine less frequently.

When it’s time to put the washing machine in, we just think about putting in the detergent and tending it when we’re done. But the reality is different. The handicap that has this appliance is the ease of proliferation of fungi and moisture if not maintained in the right way. Many people close the door after washing, forgetting the importance of letting the drum air. That’s why tricks like this come to light, so we don’t have to invest a lot of time and money.

How to clean the inside of a washing machine?

Although the spoon trick is very effective, washing machines need an internal wash every so often to remove waste. The most used product in these cases is white vinegar, for its degreasing, disinfecting and deodorizing properties. Follow these steps and you will see how your washing machine looks shiny:

  1. Mix equal parts hot water and white vinegar. This natural solution will remove detergent residues, bacteria and bad odors.
  2. Apply the mixture to the most problematic areas like the case or door gum. Use a cloth or sponge.
  3. To increase its effectiveness, rub these surfaces with a soft brush.
  4. Finally, pour a cup of white vinegar and half of baking soda into the drum or detergent compartment. Start a short cycle (without clothes), and when finished, leave the washing machine door open until it dries.

Another piece that cannot be overlooked in the maintenance and cleaning of a washing machine is the filter. That’s where all the dirt from our washes goes, so it is advisable to remove it several times a year and wash it to keep it clean!

Learn about more cleaning housemade tricks here!