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 is also unhygienic. Fortunately, you don't have to be a cleaning guru to get rid of it. 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), as sooner or later this will lead to grease bacteria building up in the washing machine. This happens especially in the drain and rubber seal. So, if you think you can get rid of the unpleasant smell by washing only with your lovely detergents and fabric softeners, unfortunately 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 very bad. If you use too little detergent, it will not effectively remove dirt and odors.

Now that you know the causes of smelly washing machines, you can finally get to work solving the problem!

 

What does grease bacteria in the washing machine smell like?

Grease bacteria are bacterial contamination that settles in the washing machine and causes an unpleasant smell. They develop when laundry is not washed at high temperatures often enough or when the washing machine is not cleaned frequently enough.

So what does grease bacteria actually smell like? Well, it is not exactly something that will make you happy when you stick your nose into the washing machine. Grease bacteria smell dirty, sticky, and musty. You can also compare the smell to sewage.

 

How do you prevent a smelly washing machine?

Here are some simple, preventive measures you can take to prevent your washing machine from starting to smell 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 who has a dishwasher: the detergent drawer can simply go in the dishwasher.

3. Clean the drum
Run an empty wash 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
Regularly check the washing machine's drain pump and remove any lint, coins, or other objects that may 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. Recommendation: Dettol's is by far the best washing machine cleaner; it wins the battle against 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 periodic 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 prevent yourself from ever having to deal with smelly washing machines again! Would you like more information about Dettol washing machine cleaner? Click the button below.

How do you get an unpleasant smell out of your washing machine?

Now that you know what you are dealing with, it is time to get to work solving the smell problem.

1. Baking soda and vinegar
Add a cup of baking soda and/or a cup of vinegar to a normal wash cycle. This helps remove unpleasant odors. Do not use fabric softener; use vinegar instead. Add a small splash to the compartment with the flower symbol during every wash cycle.

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

4. Lemon juice

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

5. Dishwasher tablets

Add 1 or 2 dishwasher tablets/capsules to the drum and run a hot wash cycle (without putting any laundry in, of course). This allows the drum to rinse properly and gives it an extra thorough clean. 

 

Finally

In summary, a smelly washing machine is unpleasant, but fortunately there are simple solutions for removing the odors. In addition, it is important to take preventive measures to ensure that the machine continues to smell fresh. I recommend cleaning and maintaining the washing machine regularly and leaving the door open after use. Good luck!