Say goodbye to your smelly washing machine with these 4 tips

Whether your washing machine smells like mold, sewage, or old socks, a smelly washing machine is not only unpleasant, it’s also unhygienic. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a cleaning expert to get rid of the smell. Here are some tips for getting rid of a smelly washing machine.

Causes of smelly washing machines

One of the main causes of smelly washing machines is not cleaning the machine (properly), since sooner or later this can lead to a buildup of grime in the washing machine. This happens especially in the drain and around the rubber seal. So, if you think you can get rid of the bad smell simply by washing with your lovely detergents and fabric softeners, I’m afraid I have bad news for you. You also need to clean the machine itself. 

Another cause of smelly washing machines is using too much or too little detergent. If you use too much, the detergent clumps together with dirt, which can make your machine smell really bad. If you use too little detergent, it won’t effectively remove dirt and odors.

Now that you know the causes of smelly washing machines, you can finally get started on fixing the problem!

What does grime in the washing machine smell like?

Grime is a bacterial buildup that settles in the washing machine and causes a bad smell. It develops when washes at high temperatures are too infrequent or when the washing machine isn’t cleaned often enough.

So, what does grime actually smell like? Well, it’s not exactly something you’ll enjoy when you put your nose in the washing machine. It smells dirty, sticky, and musty. You can also compare the smell of grime to sewage.

How do you prevent a smelly washing machine?

Here are some simple preventive measures you can take to stop your washing machine from smelling awful.

1. Clean the rubber seal
The rubber seal around the washing machine door can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Clean the seal thoroughly with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any buildup.

2. Clean the detergent drawer once a month
Good news for everyone with a dishwasher: the detergent drawer can simply go in the dishwasher.

3. Clean the drum
Run an empty cycle at the highest temperature with a cup of vinegar. This will help kill any odor-causing bacteria and clean the machine’s drum.

4. Clean the drain pump
Check the washing machine’s drain pump regularly and remove any lint, coins, or other objects that could clog the pump. A clogged drain pump can cause a bad smell.

5. Leave the door open
Leave the washing machine door open after using it. This allows the machine to dry properly and helps prevent bacteria and odors. 

6. Use a washing machine cleaner
Use a washing machine cleaner to clean and maintain the machine regularly. Recommended: Dettol’s is by far the best washing machine cleaner; it beats unpleasant odors in your machine hands down.

7. Use odor-absorbing products
Place an odor-absorbing product, such as a washing machine cleaner or odor-absorbing granules, in the machine’s drum during regular maintenance. These products help neutralize odors and keep the washing machine fresh.

With these preventive measures, you can rest assured that your washing machine will always stay fresh and odor-free. Take them seriously and avoid having to deal with a smelly washing machine ever again! Would you like more information about the Dettol washing machine cleaner? Click the button below.

How do you get rid of a bad smell in your washing machine?

Now that you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to get started on solving the smell problem.

1. Baking soda and vinegar
Add a cup of baking soda and/or a cup of vinegar to a regular wash cycle. This helps remove unpleasant odors. Don’t use fabric softener; use vinegar instead. Add a small splash to the flower-marked compartment for every wash.

3. Washing soda
Once a month, add a handful of washing soda to an empty machine and run it at at least 60°C. The washing soda will clean the machine and remove unpleasant odors.

4. Lemon juice

Instead of washing soda, you can also add half a cup of lemon juice once a month. Run the machine at at least 60°C without any laundry.

5. Dishwasher tablets

Add 1 or 2 dishwasher tablets/capsules to the drum and run a hot wash (without any laundry, of course). This will rinse the drum thoroughly and give it an extra clean. 

Finally

In summary, a smelly washing machine is unpleasant, but fortunately there are simple ways to get rid of the odors. It’s also important to take preventive measures to keep the machine smelling fresh. I recommend cleaning and maintaining your washing machine regularly, and leaving the door open after use. Good luck!