Operating a washing machine seems straightforward: load the drum, add the detergent, and run the appropriate program. Yet, maintaining the appliance between cycles also plays an important role. Over time, moisture, product residues, and dirt can become trapped in some less visible areas. The result is sometimes noticeable quickly: a musty odor inside the drum, laundry coming out less fresh, and streaks appearing. Among the tips circulated to limit this phenomenon, one involves a surprisingly simple object: a plain spoon.
A spoon can help limit humidity in the washing machine
Contrary to what its name might suggest, this is not about tossing a spoon into the drum with the clothes. The utensil should be placed near the door once the cycle finishes, to maintain a slight opening and facilitate air circulation. Wooden or plastic models are generally preferred to avoid damaging the machine. The goal is simple: prevent the interior of the washer from remaining completely closed while it still contains moisture after a wash.
The rubber seal around the door deserves particular attention. Small amounts of water can lodge there after each cycle, accompanied by traces of detergent, fabric softener, limescale, or dirt from the laundry. If the door is closed immediately, this moisture takes longer to disappear. A warm, humid, and poorly ventilated environment can then foster bad odors and, in the long run, the development of mold in certain parts of the appliance.
Maintaining your washing machine also involves good ventilation
Keeping the door slightly ajar after use, on the other hand, allows the seal and the drum to dry more easily. The spoon thus simply serves as a wedge to prevent the door from closing completely. That small gap is enough to promote air renewal and limit condensation. The trick can be particularly useful when the door tends to drop by itself. It does not replace standard maintenance actions, however. If deposits have already accumulated in the seal, the drum, or the detergent drawer, a simple airing will not suffice to remove them, reports the site La Razón.
To keep a washing machine clean, it is better to regularly wipe the seal after cycles, paying attention to the folds where standing water, lint, and small debris can hide. The detergent drawer should also be cleaned periodically, as residues from products can end up sticking there. As for the drum, occasional empty runs help remove some deposits that have built up. Before using vinegar, baking soda, or another household product, it is still preferable to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations, as some materials and components may require special precautions.
The washing machine filter, this area not to neglect
The filter is another often overlooked point. Depending on the machines, it can trap hairs, textile fibers, coins, or small objects left in pockets. Its clogging can hinder water drainage and hinder the machine’s proper functioning. Its cleaning should therefore be performed regularly by following the washing machine’s user manual. Before handling it, it is advisable to unplug the appliance and have a container or floor protection ready, as some amount of water may still spill when opening it.
The famous spoon is not a miracle product: it mainly serves to keep the door ajar so that moisture can escape more quickly after washing. This very simple gesture can help keep the drum and the seal drier, provided it is combined with proper maintenance of the washing machine. Wiping damp areas, cleaning the filter and the detergent drawer, and letting the appliance air out remain the most useful reflexes to limit odors and preserve its proper functioning over the course of washes.
