What Is a Washing Machine Gasket?

Are you confused by the name ‘gasket’? Well, it is also known as a stopper, and this name mostly refers to it, but both are the same thing, used to seal the bucket opening of a washer and stop the water from flowing out.

Interestingly, a gasket is not just a structural but also a functionally important part of a washer. Let’s keep reading to get a general overview to know how it works, what some of its types are, what it is made of and how important it is for a washer.

The washing machine gasket improves the efficiency of your machine. You can improve the efficacy of your machine if you have the proper knowledge and understanding of the gasket.

A Brief Guide on Washing Machine Gasket

Without further ado, let’s quickly dive into an all-explaining guide on the washing machine gasket.

1. What Is a Washing Machine Gasket?

Washing machines are of two types depending upon the placement of their internal bucket. It is either vertically placed or horizontally. In a horizontally mounted bucket washing machine, water is more likely to fall out during the washing process.

Therefore, a gasket is placed around the circular edges of the opening. This gasket is usually made of rubber to make its edges airtight and stop water from coming out.

2. How Does a Gasket Work?

It must be put on the edges carefully to ensure it is airtight and perfectly fitted. Even a slight difference of a few inches can make it non-functional. This gasket holds power to stop the water pressure when it is moving forcefully during the wash cycle.

3. Types

Although so many companies are now making gaskets by mixing synthetic leather, brass, stopples, and different types of rubber, there are mainly three types of gaskets that can be categorized into steel-made and partially metal made. A third category includes all other materials except steel.

A. Steel Made

Steel-made gaskets are the best option for washing machines requiring higher voltages and loads. In fact, these are the only kind that can bear that load level. The temperature factor is also important in this case.

Washing machines with more loads also have higher temperatures, which is why they require more tolerant material for the gasket. These are either made of pure steel or mixed with iron and other metals according to each machine’s voltage load and temperature ratio.

B. Partially Metal Made

The gaskets are made with a mixture of rubber and metal components for washing machines with comparatively lower voltage and temperature stress. These are the most bought and used gaskets.

This type is made of two layers. The upper one is usually made of metal, and the layer underneath the metal one is nonmetallic. The metallic layer controls the load and temperature, while the nonmetallic layer seals the borders and stops the water from spilling.

C. Other Materials

So many other materials have good suction properties and are good shock absorbers, like leather, rubber, synthetic leather, etc. These are comparatively cheaper and are used for low-maintenance washing machines. This does not mean they are of low quality but just differently functional.

4. Important Structural Factors To Be Considered

All gaskets have a few parts and structures that can increase or decrease their quality and worth of it. For example, the number of pins and hooks attached to it, how much surface area it can cover around the edges of the opening hole, the number and material of the folds, and how much shock it can absorb as per the requirement of each machine.

• The number of hooks and pins is important. The more number better will be the grip.
• Some gaskets cover the larger surface area around the edge. They have a stronger grip and stay there longer.
• Boundary folds should be multiple instead of single.
• Inner and outer folds should preferably be of different materials for multiple purposes.
• Always notice the amount of shock-absorbing quality it provides.

5. Precautions

Although there is nothing we can do to keep it functional forever, a few steps can help extend its expiry date.

• Consistent cleaning: Always check your gasket consistently by turning its folds inside out and removing all the debris or any rust that accumulates there with time. Wash it with simple soap and water. Also, check for the moldy smell and remove it.
• Keep your washer door open after every use until completely dry, which takes about two to three hours. This prevents the accumulation of water vapors and any other possibility of mold formation.
• Do not let the clothes stay there after the spin for long. Take them out immediately.
• Do not store extra detergent in the washing powder bin. Take it out and arrange storage.

Keep a consistent check, and do not ignore even the most minor signs of malfunctioning.

The Bottom Line

A gasket ensures a safe washing cycle by making the basket airtight and reducing the vibration stress from the machine. It has three main types, two are made of metals, and one is nonmetallic.

A gasket works longer and more efficiently. It has more hooks, more extensive coverage around the edges, and multiple folds. You can prevent your gasket from all malfunctioning factors by keeping a consistent check, keeping it dry and washing regularly.