Many people are accustomed to closing the washing machine or dishwasher door immediately after use, forgetting about a small but important detail. Rubber seals, or cuffs, perform a critical sealing function, but they are the most vulnerable point if not properly maintained. Left in the folds moisture is not just water, but a catalyst for destructive processes.
The main danger that awaits equipment owners is black mold. The warm, moist environment inside the folds of rubber is an ideal incubator for fungal spores. If you do not wipe the seal dry, after a few weeks dark stains may appear that are almost impossible to remove. Mold grows deeply into the porous structure of the material, and superficial cleaning ceases to help.
In addition to the aesthetic problem, moisture provokes chemical destruction. Water mixed with residual detergents and conditioners has an aggressive effect on rubber. Over time, the material loses its elasticitybecomes hard and brittle. This inevitably leads to the appearance of microcracks through which water begins to leak out, threatening flooding or short-circuiting the electronics.
Another unpleasant companion of dampness is musty smell. Bacteria that multiply in the water under the rubber band release specific odors that, over time, transfer to your clothes or dishes. Even the most expensive chemicals will not be able to eliminate this smell if its source is in a rotting cuff.
Regular care takes only a few seconds, but significantly prolongs service life devices. It is enough to get into the habit of going over all the folds of the seal with a dry cloth after each wash or wash. This simple step will keep your items sealed, protect you from costly repairs, and guarantee the freshness of your items.
