Few things are more frustrating than taking out freshly washed clothes and finding that it smells bad or has stains that weren’t there before.

The cause is usually inside the washing machine, mold. This common and often invisible problem It is installed in areas such as the door rubber, the box or the drum, and feeds on persistent moisture and accumulated detergent residue.

Although it may seem like a minor detail, Mold formation on the rubber can affect the entire laundry. Cleaning expert Alicia Martínez (@aly_deco_home on Instagram), known for her practical advice on social media, warns against daily habits that cause it and gives keys to easily prevent it.

First mistake: closing the drawer after washing

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As Alicia explains, one of the most harmful customs is Leave the detergent drawer closed right after finishing the laundry.

“That water that remains inside does not evaporate, it accumulates and creates an ideal environment for mold to appear,” comments. His advice is clear, after each wash, take out the box and leave it open to dry completely.

This small gesture can make a big difference in the long term. The box is an inconspicuous area, but if it remains wet, Internal passages also retain moisture and debris. Over time, that can clog the washer or create odors that pass directly into your clothes.

Other common mistakes that promote mold

In addition to the box, There are other habits that, without knowing it, contribute to the washing machine becoming a source of moisture and dirt:

• Close the washing machine door after use: It is vital to leave it ajar so that the drum can air out. If it is kept closed, the humid environment favors the appearance of mold on the rubber and the interior, in a similar way to what happens with the detergent drawer.
• Not cleaning the rubber regularly: Soap residue, lint and dirt accumulate in the folds of the rubber. If not cleaned frequently, mold easily settles and grows.

• Forget the filter: The washing machine filter accumulates everything from coins to socks. When not cleaned, it can rust and cause stains on clean clothes.
• Using too much detergent: The excess soap does not dissolve completely and ends up creating a viscous film that sticks to the walls of the drum and the rubber.

Monthly cleaning with baking soda, vinegar and heat

To keep the washing machine in good condition, Alicia proposes a deep cleaning at least once a month. The procedure is simple and very effective:

1. cast a cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
2. Duck two cups of concentrated cleaning vinegar in the boxes.
3. Schedule a long cycle at high temperature.

With this combination Remains of detergent are removed and the interior is disinfectedneutralizing bad odors.

This method of cleaning the washing machine with vinegar and baking soda is not only respectful of the appliance and the environment, but it avoids the need to resort to aggressive products.

How to remove mold if it has already appeared

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If mold has already been detected on the rubber, cleaning expert Alicia Martínez recommends acting as soon as possible.

The method he shares consists of applying liquid active oxygenlet act for at least an hour and then rub with a scouring pad and a cloth. This product removes mold safely and without damaging the materials in the washing machine.

To maintain the result, just do a weekly review with a damp cloth and ensure that both the drum and the box are properly ventilated.

Use a good clothesline

In addition to taking care of the washing machine, Alicia is also committed to facilitating drying with appropriate tools. Recommend a large clothesline ability to hang up to three washing machines, soaring wings to prevent clothes from touching the floor, hooks for small parts and wheels to move it easily.

This type of details Not only do they improve the experience of doing laundry, but they They help prevent wet clothes from remaining accumulated for a long timeanother factor that can generate mold or bad odors, even outside the washing machine.

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