With frequent use, some washing machines tend to develop a funny smell, which eventually leaves clothing also smelly (even though washed). Residues from fabric softener and detergent can accumulate and create an environment conducive to mildew and bacteria growth, leading to unpleasant smells in the machine. When this happens, you know your washing machine needs proper cleaning. One easy way to avoid this smelly washer situation is to leave the washing machine door open after each use. This helps air out the machine and prevents the growth of mildew or bacteria inside the drum. This cleaning chore you can do yourself, without investing too much time, effort and resources.
How to Stop the Smelly Washing Machine Blues
A useful tip for removing unpleasant odours from the washing machine is to run a hot wash cycle. This is basically running the machine empty on the hottest temperature setting, which will help eliminate odors caused by mildew and mold. Hot water will dilute and remove more residue and gunk from inside the machine.
If a normal hot wash doesn’t quite cut it, try adding baking soda or white vinegar to the mix. Both can help break down tough soap scum or any lingering unpleasant smells.
Cleaning the washing machine – the known problematic areas.
- Unclogging the filter – the filter of a washing machine is one of the areas where gunk and grime tend to accumulate, the constant moisture inside the machine in combination with all the gunk in the filter will likely make up for a nasty smell. If you’ve noticed poor washing results recently, it’s likely because the filter is clogged. A musky washing machine smell might mean the machine is not draining properly thus retaining moisture, making the bad smell even stronger. Clean the filter thoroughly using hot water and detergent, scrub off any gunk grime with a hard bristle brush. Neglecting the filter can also contribute to sewage smell or worse. Cleaning the filter is usually a messy affair so wear and apron and gloves, spread a drop sheet or place a bucket on the floor near the washing machine to keep everything clean.
- Clean and wash the detergent drawer – the detergent drawer will develop sticky residue from powder and liquid detergents, as well as other washing additives uses frequently. Clean and wash the drawer with hot water and medium brush. Don’t forget to give it a quick wipe after every wash cycle to prevent soap scum from forming. You can also use an old toothbrush and get in all the nooks and crannies where grime and residue might have built up. A smelly washing machine can also be linked to how often you clean the washer’s detergent dispenser.
- Cleaning the seals and interior – the door seals and certain parts of the washing machine drum are known to develop mildew and cause that unpleasant smell. The rubber seal around the washing machine’s door can often become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, so giving it a good scrub is key. Clean the rubber seals with detergent and hot water. Leave the solution on the seals for about ten minutes and then wipe clean using a clean, dry cloth. Do the same for the washing machine drum, and try to be as thorough as possible. Using a microfibre cloth dipped in white vinegar can be handy for reaching those tricky spots.
- Running an empty cycle – this step can be both the first and last form of cleaning you perform on your washing machine. Add a pinch of washing soda crystals or a small amount of white vinegar to the empty cycle to get best possible results. If you’re worried about the remaining vinegar smell, a follow-up rinse cycle should do the trick. Once you have cleaned and wiped everything listed above manually, it is not a bad idea to run another empty cycle on maximum temperature setting to sanitise everything for optimal results (remember to add the washing soda crystals). When the final empty cycle is finished, take a quick look inside the drawer and drum to check for any bits and pieces of old detergent, gunk etc. which may have come loose during empty. Leaving the detergent drawer partly open after each use can help prevent moisture buildup too. Wipe the draw and drum clean and dry with a clean rag just to ensure a fresh start.
Tackling Persistent Washing Machine Smells with a Service Wash
If your washing machine smells persist, try using a washing machine cleaner designed to eliminate odors. Front load washing machines are especially prone to smells due to trapped moisture after each washing cycle. This can also lead to lint filter mould. A regular service wash means spinning the machine empty on a hot cycle with a cleaning solution to remove residue. Make sure your laundry room is well-ventilated to prevent odors from worsening. Adding a service wash to your routine can keep your washing machine fresh and odor-free.
Regular cleaning maintenance is the key
Performing this basic cleaning maintenance regularly will keep the washing machine clean, and your clothing smelling fresh. However, if the smell persists, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer’s customer service line for more tailored advice.
