How to Clean a Rubber Gasket

Written By
Nick Davis
Nick Davis
Published: Dec 13, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

The gaskets need regular cleaning and refreshing especially if the rubber becomes dry and hard. When cleaning rubber gaskets, it is important to use a cleaning solution that will remove debris and any odors.

Things You Will Need

  • Bucket
  • Warm water
  • Dishwashing detergent: liquid
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Latex gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Small scrub brush or old toothbrush
  • 2 soft cloths or rags
  • Washing soda
  1. Mix in a bucket 1 qt. of warm water and 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach. Wear latex gloves and safety goggles to keep the mixture off of your hands and out of your eyes. Stir the mixture with a small scrub brush or old toothbrush .

  2. Apply the mixture to the rubber gasket and scrub thoroughly. For stubborn stains or a build-up of mold/mildew, let the mixture sit on the rubber gasket for 5 minutes then scrub the build-up vigorously to remove it.

  3. Repeat step 2 until the gasket is clean. Pour any remaining bleach mixture down a drain and rinse the bucket with warm water from a sink.

  4. Mix in the bucket 1 qt. of warm water and 2 tbsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir the soap mixture with a small scrub brush or old toothbrush then scrub the gasket with the soap mixture-soaked brush to remove any bleach residue and any debris surrounding the rubber gasket.

  5. Wet a soft cloth or rag with a warm water from a sink, wring out excess water and wipe the rubber gasket clean with the damp towel. Dry the gasket with a clean, soft cloth or rag.

The Drip Cap

  • Found on various household appliances and equipment, rubber gaskets keep air and liquids from escaping or entering the devices.
  • For stubborn stains or a build-up of mold/mildew, let the mixture sit on the rubber gasket for 5 minutes then scrub the build-up vigorously to remove it.
  • Pour any remaining bleach mixture down a drain and rinse the bucket with warm water from a sink.
  • of liquid dishwashing detergent.
Nick Davis

Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.