Why does my washing machine smell? To get your machine back on track, we’ve got some simple tips on how to get rid of the smell in the washing machine.
Why does my washing machine smell? Probably because of rotting detergent, trapped water, a dirty filter, or a drain tube/hose/filter.
Please read on for more detailed information.
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?
To understand how you can say goodbye to smelly washing machines for good, it’s important to understand what exactly makes your washing machine smell so badly.
There could be a few reasons for this:
Rotting Detergent
It’s ironic that the super fragrant detergents that make your clothes smell and feel extra fresh could also be a contributing factor to the smell of your washing machine. Sometimes dirt can build up in and around the drum or filter from the detergent and the grime that it has removed from your clothes. This combined with the damp environment inside the washing machine makes it a breeding ground for bacteria.
Trapped Water
Front-loaders occasionally trap water inside the drum, and because the drum also contains foul-smelling materials, this water can eventually start to smell. Your washing machine may begin to smell if you keep the door closed as this will trap a lot of moisture and humidity.
A Dirty Filter
If your washing machine has a bad smell or is not cleaning your clothes properly, this is likely the most common cause. Filters are a standard feature of all washing machines, and they capture all the residue and dirt from clothing. These filters frequently go uncleaned for months or even years. They can be greatly improved by cleaning.
Drain Tube/hose/filter
There’s a good chance that the drainage system is the cause of the sewage-like odor coming from your washing machine. Similar to the machine’s internal filter, the drainage hoses, filters, and tubes can clog up with debris over time, drastically reducing your washing machine’s efficiency and making it smelly.
How Do You Get Rid of Smells in Washing Machines?
- Consider changing the temperature of your wash: Certain machines, like the smart Axi washing machine, have automatic hygiene functions. By washing at 60°C, the Hygiene function is automatically activated, which provides deep cleaning of clothes while maintaining the same temperature for the entire washing cycle. All with a single button click!
- Use the correct detergent: The manufacturer of your washing machine will typically advise you on the best kind of detergent to use with it. If you use powdered detergent, especially with your front loader, it may produce more suds than your appliance can handle, so do check the manual.
- Ensure the drum is dry: Remove clothes as soon as the cycle is over and leave the door open for air to circulate. Use a fan in the laundry room to facilitate the circulation of fresh air. If the problem persists it may be worth purchasing a dehumidifier to help eliminate the moisture.
- Clean the gasket: Even with correct detergent and after emptying the drum after each wash, there is no guarantee your washer will keep fresh unless you clean the gasket too. For an ecofriendly option use a mixture of water and vinegar once a month. Invest in some Care+Protect products: Your machine can be kept clean with a few great products and little work. Find the ones that work best for you and keep your machine smelling clean and fresh for longer.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine?
Fortunately, most odorous washing machines are easily repairable with routine cleaning and maintenance. Learn how to deodorize a washing machine by following a few easy steps. Baking soda, vinegar, and water should be used as a base.
- In the detergent dispenser, combine ¼ cup of baking soda with the same amount of water.
- Two cups of vinegar should be added to the washing machine’s drum.
- Run a regular cycle of the washer at high heat without adding any clothes.
This ought to dissolve any stuck-on debris and eliminate any unpleasant odors. After doing this, take some time to deep-clean some smaller parts by hand. The soap dispenser, bleach dispenser, and softener dispenser can all be removed from your washing machine so that you can scrub any leftover gunk off of them. If you want to make sure the drum is completely clean, you can do the same thing.
It’s crucial to maintain the cleanliness of your washing machine now that it has been cleaned. Without regular maintenance, the accumulated dirt and the foul odor will likely return. As a result, you ought to establish a routine for cleaning your washing machine.
How to Prevent Mould and Bad Smells in Your Washing Machine?
- Dampness is the one thing that mold spores need to thrive. Moisture won’t build up if the laundry room has good ventilation. To allow any water residue to dry out, keep the washing machine door and detergent dispenser drawer open for a short while after each use.
- Make sure you use the right detergent for your type of washing machine, always follow the instructions on the box and measure out the correct amount of powder/liquid; when you use too much detergent and/or fabric softener that’s when you get residue
- After a wash cycle is finished, always remove wet clothing right away. This is where a delay end featurereally comes in handy!
- Regularly clean out the pump filter and lint filter
- Clean the detergent dispenser drawer and the washing machine every few weeks
FAQs
Why is There a Terrible Smell Coming from My Washing Machine?
Odors that waft from a washing machine are commonly caused by a combination of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Over time, soap scum, dirt, body oil, and hair get trapped inside the washer’s seals, gaskets, and dispensers.
How Do You Fix a Smelly Laundry Drain?
Pour a 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Additionally, pour 1/2 cup of lemon juice down the drain. Plug the drain and let the solution work for one hour. Finish by running the hot tap water down the drain.
Summary: Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?
Why does my washing machine smell? Probably because of rotting detergent, trapped water, a dirty filter, or a drain tube/hose/filter.
How do you get rid of smells in washing machines? Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with the same amount of water and pour this into the detergent dispenser. Pour two cups of vinegar into the drum where the clothes are washed. Run the washer on a normal cycle at high heat but without any clothes.
Thank you for reading.
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