A Reddit user has shared a simple, cost-free habit to prevent mould and grime buildup in washing machines: drying the rubber seal and detergent drawer after every use.
The Method
On the Reddit forum Cleaning Tips, one user asked for time-saving cleaning habits. In response, a woman explained that she dries the rubber seal and detergent drawer of her washing machine every time she uses it. She said: "Drying the rubber seal and detergent drawer of my washing machine every time I use it. I never have to remove mould or gunge from it as it is never allowed to build up."
Other Users' Experiences
Another Reddit user agreed, saying: "I started doing this last month after an incredibly disgusting deep clean, and it's already helped SOOO much. Especially as someone with 3 dogs, it keeps dog hair from building up. I just hang the microfiber on the washer door and wash it every couple loads."
However, someone else countered: "Just leave the door and detergent drawer open. Same thing, no work." The woman replied: "I have always left the drawer and door open on my washing machine and it still got mouldy/mildewy. I think the trapped water doesn't dry out very easily."
More Cleaning Tips
Other tips shared in the thread included washing dishes while washing hands to clean items as they accumulate, reducing clutter by owning less, and weekly fridge tosses before garbage collection to prevent buildup.
