Smelly Washing Machines Reasons Why
Smelly Washing Machine
If your washing machine smells bad, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, a smelly washing machine is a common issue that many homeowners face. While there are several causes of this problem, there are also several ways to fix it. So if your washing machine is starting to smell funky, read on for some tips on how to get rid of the smell.
Causes of a Smelly Washing Machine
There are several things that can cause your washing machine to start smelling bad. Some of the most common causes include:
Build-up of detergent:
When too much detergent builds up in a washing machine , it can start to smell bad. This is because the detergent will mix with dirt and form bacteria, and create an unpleasant odour.
Mould:
If your washing machine does not get enough air circulation, it can become a breeding ground for mould, and it can cause a nasty smell, as well as other health problems.
Cleaning a Smelly Washing Machine
There are several things you can do to clean a smelly washing machine. Here are a few of our favourite methods:
Use vinegar and baking soda:
This is one of the most popular methods for cleaning a smelly washing machine. Simply mix together equal parts vinegar and baking soda, and pour it into your washing machine’s detergent drawer. Run a cycle on hot water with no clothes in the machine. This will help to clean and deodorize your washing machine, or you could use some of the cleaning products available that are specifically designed to tackle this problem
Use bleach:
If you are dealing with a particularly bad smell, you may want to try using bleach. Add one cup of bleach to the washer’s detergent drawer and run a hot wash cycle. Be sure to avoid using this method if you have a front-loading machine, as bleach can damage the rubber gasket.
Use a cleaning tablet:
There are a number of cleaning tablets on the market that are designed to clean and deodorize your washing machine. Simply follow the instructions on the package to use it in your machine.
Preventing a Smelly Washing Machine
In order to prevent your washing machine from becoming smelly, there are a few things you can do. Some of our favourite tips include.
Correct amount of detergent.
If you use too much detergent , it can build up in your washing machine and create bacteria and an unpleasant smell. Be sure to follow the instructions on the detergent package and use the correct amount for your load size.
Clean your washing machine regularly:
This may seem like a no-brainer, but cleaning your washing machine on a regular basis can help to prevent it from becoming smelly. Be sure to clean the inside of the washer as well as the seals and gaskets.
Service wash
When we say service wash we mean cleaning the machine with a cleaning agent, it is one of the most efficient ways to clean your machine. You can either purchase a cleaning agent or make your own mixture of vinegar and baking soda as mentioned earlier.
Once you have mixed the ingredients well, pour them into the detergent drawer and run a hot cycle without any clothes in the washer . This will help to clean and deodorize the machine, you could do this once a month for best results.
Clean the rubber door seal.
The rubber door seal on your washing machine can also trap dirt and bacteria, which can lead to a smelly machine. Use a damp cloth to clean the seal, and be sure to dry it off completely afterwards, and leave the door open when the machine is not in use to let air circulate inside the machine.
Clean the soap drawer.
The soap drawer can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which can lead to a smelly machine. Remove the drawer and clean it with hot water and dish detergent, you can use an old toothbrush to get into the corners, also clean the syphon hole where the fabric softener goes. Be sure to dry it off completely before putting it back in place.
Low temperature washes.
Low temperature washers combined with liquid detergents are one of the main causes of smelly washing machines . The ingredients in the detergent don’t break down as well at low temperatures, which can lead to a build-up of bacteria and smells. Try using a higher temperature setting on your machine, or consider switching to a powder detergent if you are using a liquid one.
Detergents
We recommend using a quality powder detergent that is designed to eliminate smells and bacteria. There are a number of detergents on the market that come with this claim, so be sure to do your research before purchasing one.
Conclusion
A smelly washing machine can be a real annoyance, but by following the tips in this article you can help to prevent it from happening and clean it if it does become smelly. We hope you found this information helpful!