How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

When we think of washers, one thing comes to mind – our fresh-smelling clothes. Washing machines are supposed to have a clean and comforting aroma. In fact, we expect them to be efficient and gentle on clothes while cleaning them better.

However, there are times when your washing machine is emitting a bad odour, and you might think that it’s defective. Well, we can assure you that it just needs some tender loving care. With just a few simple steps, you can eliminate the musty, mildewy, sour-scented odour from your washer.

Although you must first know why washing machine stinks and how you can prevent this from happening.

Why your washer stinks?
There are two types of washing machines, the front-loaders, and top-loaders, and it’s known that front-loaders are more efficient than its counterpart. In fact, it uses less water since its drum rotates on a horizontal axis, and the clothes tumble through the water – cleaning it more efficiently.

But most of us use various types of soaps and softeners, and this could affect the drum in the time since it might get coated with layer debris, dirt, and soap scum. If left unchecked, this could lead to bacteria, mould, and mildew.

Without proper maintenance, your washer will stink since its rubber door gasket keeps water from leaking out, so the source of the smell is trapped under the gasket, and it keeps building up until you clean it.

How to get rid of that smell

• Use baking soda

You may think that bleach is better for cleaning your washer, but we recommend that you use something gentler like baking soda. We suggest that you mix ¼ cup baking soda with an equal amount of water, then add this solution to your washer’s detergent container.

• Vinegar as alternative

You might also want to use white vinegar, so just pour two cups into the drum then run a normal cycle, preferably at high heat, to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the smell.

• Scrub away any remaining debris and grime

If you noticed that there are stubborn spots remain, you could clean it by using the rough side of a kitchen sponge just mix it with water and white vinegar.  Also, you can repeat this cleaning method at least once a month to ensure that your washer is odour free.

How to properly maintain your washing machine

• Use only detergents for high-efficiency machines

Normal detergents are known to produce more suds than your front-loading washer can handle. Therefore, fewer suds will mean less scum that can develop and gather stinky lifeform into your laundry appliance.

• Always keep the drum dry

Ensure your washer’s drum doesn’t stay wet and damp for hours, so you need to remove your laundry after the cycle ends, don’t leave them on your machine for a long time because this can produce more moisture that can be trapped in the drum.

• Get in touch with a reliable washing machine repair and maintenance company

We recommend contacting an experienced washing machine repair company like QLD Washers who can offer washing machine and dryer repairs in Brisbane. This will ensure that your washer will perform efficiently and will always be gentle on your clothes.