How to remove the bad smell from the washing machine to prevent clothes from smelling bad

Georgina FiguerasMadrid Posted:

A bad smell in the washing machine is usually due to a combination of mold and bacteria . When we put clothes in the washing machine, body oil, dirt, hair and soap residue get trapped in the gaskets , rubber bands and the detergent dispenser . Over time, this mixture, along with moisture, ends up creating an unpleasant aroma.

Ironically, the machine that is supposed to clean your clothes starts to smell worse than the laundry itself. And it is that we usually think that the washing machine cleans itself with all the detergent and the water that passes through it. Unfortunately it is not. And we actually did an article on how to clean a washing machine. It would be like assuming that you never have to clean the shower because it is exposed to soap.

To get your washer working like (almost) the first day again, we have some simple tips on how to get rid of washer odor .

How to remove bad smell from washing machine

1. Clean the washing machine inside and out : It may seem obvious, but it's something we don't do often. Take the tray out of the detergent and soak it in baking soda before scrubbing it with a toothbrush. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth.

2. Remember that after each wash you should clean the door seal of the remains of detergent, dirt and residue can be left behind. If they are left for a long time, mold and bacteria may appear.

3. Perform a drum cleaning wash : This involves running the washing machine without clothes. Most manufacturers advise doing a maintenance wash once a month.

4. Check the pipes: If the odor persists even after cleaning the appliance, consider cleaning the standpipe. The pipe may be partially clogged. Use a plunger to remove residue buildup.

Tips to prevent bad odors in the washing machine

Now that you have eliminated the problem, it is essential to prevent the odor from returning. Here are some practical tips to avoid bad odors in the washing machine .

1. Consider changing the temperature of your wash – Some machines have automatic hygiene features. When washing at 60 °C, the hygiene function is automatically activated, which provides deep cleaning of the clothes, maintaining the same temperature throughout the wash cycle.

2. Use the correct detergent – ​​The washing machine manufacturer usually recommends the type of detergent to use with your washing machine. If you use powdered detergent, especially with your front-loading washing machine, it can produce more suds than your appliance can handle, so check the manual.

3. Make sure the drum is dry : take the clothes out as soon as the wash cycle is finished and leave the door open so that the drum can ventilate and dry. If the problem persists, it may be worth purchasing a dehumidifier to help remove the moisture.

4. Clean the rubber : There is no guarantee that the washer will stay dry if you don't clean the gasket as well.

5. Clean the filter of the washing machine on a regular basis to be able to remove all lint, paper scraps and any residue that can cause a bad smell.

Trick against the bad smell in the washing machine

If you want to delve into cleaning methods, you can consult this article. Now we are going to see a trick to specifically fight bad smell. This is the solution we use to clean our washing machine and it works wonders.

1. Mix a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water in a diffuser bottle. Add about 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice (not essential).

2. Spray the entire interior of the washing machine. Don't forget everything around and inside the folds of the rubber gasket. Take a damp cloth and rub the inside of the washing machine well.

3. Do the same on the outside of the washing machine and on the door. Avoid electric buttons.

This can help get rid of all kinds of bad odors, including mold, mildew, and rotten-egg or sewer-type odors.