Keep washing machines mould-free for years with three 'easy' 5-second tasks

Mould thrives in warm, damp conditions - precisely the environment found inside most washing machines. Following each cycle, residual water, detergent, and fabric softener can stick to components like the rubber door seal and detergent compartment.

When these areas aren't cleaned regularly, they become perfect breeding grounds for mould and bacteria. Front-loading machines face particular risk, as their door seals are engineered in a manner that traps moisture more readily than top-loaders.

Without adequate maintenance, mould can accumulate rapidly and impact both your machine's performance and your laundry's freshness. In other similar news, Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.

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Brittany Bailey shared on her blog, Pretty Handy Girl, that there are merely three straightforward methods to stop mould from establishing itself in washing machines, requiring only five seconds each, reports the Express.

She revealed that over a decade, she'd only cleaned her washing machine's interior twice - once after it remained in her garage for more than a month, sealed during renovations, and again when a house guest "didn't know to do three things to keep the washer clean and smelling fresh."

How to maintain washing machines mould-free permanently

Always wipe the door after every load

Develop the routine of wiping the door following each wash, or at minimum weekly. A swift wipe can significantly prevent grime accumulation.

Always clean the gasket (top to bottom)

This is to eliminate any water and moisture, as the rubber seal is the primary area where mould and mildew will accumulate first.

Gently tug the gasket towards you to clean inside and behind it. Pay particular attention to the drain holes at the bottom.

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Keep the door and detergent drawer open after every wash

Once your wash is finished, leave your washing machine door open to thoroughly ventilate your washer. Aim to keep the washing machine door and drawer open for about 30 minutes after you've completed a load.

For those who notice visible mould in the form of black stains inside the rubber seal, Brittany has offered a simple home remedy. She suggests mixing a small quantity of bleach and water in a container, dipping an old scrubbing brush or old toothbrush into the mixture, and scrubbing the spots with the brush.

Afterwards, wipe clean with a clean cloth soaked in water to remove the bleach mixture. Repeat as necessary. Once the mould has been removed, dry off with a clean cloth.