Taking care of your washing machine is the key to ensuring your clothes come out truly clean and extending the appliance’s lifespan. However, many of us make unconscious mistakes that can lead to the buildup of mold, bacteria, and bad odors—as clearly seen in the condition of the rubber gasket in the photo.

Here are the 7 most common mistakes everyone makes with their washing machine:

Failing to clean the door seal: Water and detergent residue often collect in the folds of the washing machine gasket, creating an ideal environment for mold and dirt.

Leaving the door closed after washing: Shutting the door immediately after a cycle traps moisture inside, which promotes heavy odors and mold growth.

Using too much detergent: More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes; instead, it leaves sticky residue that traps dirt and creates layers of mold.

Overloading the drum: Overfilling the washing machine prevents proper circulation of water and cleaning agents, leaving both the clothes and the machine itself unclean.

Neglecting maintenance cycles: Washing exclusively at low temperatures favors bacterial growth; running a high-temperature cleaning cycle with disinfecting products periodically is recommended.

Forgetting to clean the detergent drawer: The drawer where detergent and softener are poured is often prone to moisture and black mold, and it should be cleaned regularly.

Not checking the filter: Neglecting to clean the filter causes dirt, lint, and small debris to block the water drainage system.