People always assume that their washing machine cleans itself. What with all the detergent and water that runs through it. But that is not how it works. Like any other appliances in your house, you will need to clean your washing machine too. This article will tell you what causes the stinky odor in your washing machine. It will also provide you with simple yet effective ways how to remove odor from washing machine.
Helpful Tips on How to Remove Odor from Washing Machine
You might be asking yourself this, why does my washing machine smell? Yes, your washing machine is always filled with detergent and water. But you’re also stuffing it with your dirty and smelly laundry. Think about all the sweat and dirt that has built up on your clothes and towels before you throw them in your washer.
The main culprit of why your washing machine is smelly is the combined mold, mildew, and bacteria. There’s so much humidity accumulating in and around your washer. So, it makes sense that bacteria grow there.
What if the smell isn’t going away even after a deep clean? Another reason that makes your washing machine stinky is the pipe or sewage issue. You will need to call a plumber to fix this issue. Remember that the best way to remove odors from your washing machine will depend on what you’re smelling.
You might want to take into consideration the type of washing machine you own. Front-load washing machines are usually more energy-efficient. That’s because these units use less water. But this means that mold can accumulate faster in your unit. Moreover, front-load machines use a rubber door gasket to seal shut. This makes it easier for water to get trapped.
As for the top-load washing machines, they tend to have more issues with drainage tubes.
If you believe that the source of the odor from your washing machine is grime, you should learn how to remove odors. A few simple ways could help get rid of that stench. Here are some effective methods on how to remove odor from washing machine:
● Using Baking Soda
Plenty of people use baking soda to remove several odors throughout their homes. The good thing is, it also works for washing machines. When using baking soda, you can start by mixing 1/4 cup of this white powder with equal parts of water. Then, pour the mixture into where you usually put your laundry detergent. After that, run a normal cycle without any laundry in it.
● Using Vinegar
Like baking soda, you can use vinegar to get rid of the washer smell. You only have to add two cups of distilled white vinegar into your washer’s detergent dispenser. Then, run a cycle on your machine’s hottest setting and longest cycle.
If you’re using a top-load washing machine, you can increase the amount of vinegar to 4 cups. Make sure to allow the machine to fill up part of the way before opening the lid and pausing the cycle. Then, you can introduce the vinegar into the water and allow it to sit for one hour.
You can also choose to throw vinegar into the mix with your baking soda and water combination. This combo will help in removing moldy residue and the foul odor from built-up grime.
Remember not to use bleach. You might think that this is the easiest solution to clean and remove odor from your washing machine. But the thing is, bleach can be very harsh on your machine. It can also erode the surface of the drum,
Keeping Your Washing Machine Odorless
You should learn how to clean a smelly washing machine. This way, you will know how to deal with present odors. These tips can help you prevent your washing machine from being stinky:
- Make sure to always keep your washing machine door open between washes. This way, you will let excess moisture evaporate. this can also prevent mildew growth. If you use a dryer, make sure to do the same thing as well.
- You should use High-Efficiency Detergents. Is your machine a high-efficiency appliance? Are you using front-load washers? High-Efficiency detergents can lessen the soap scum build-up.
- Make sure to clean out your gasket seal on occasion. Keep in mind that the gasket is the most likely suspect for washing machine smells. That’s why it is important that you keep your clothes and laundry room fresh.
- You should use the auto wash feature of your washing machine. Most washing machines nowadays offer an auto wash function. This can help prevent washing machine odors from happening. Make sure to run an auto wash every few months. This is to keep it running at an optimal level.
- Make sure to remove your wet clothing from the washing machine as soon as possible.
- Don’t forget to wash your clothes inside out. This way, the odors and dirt trapped inside of your garments get a more thorough clean.
- Make sure to check if your pipes are draining in a proper way.
- Remember to wipe down the interior surfaces of your washing machine. Keep in mind that if you leave your washer untouched, it can start to get smelly over time. As such, you need to wipe down the interior surfaces on a regular basis. This way, you can avoid buildups of grime and residue.
Do you think your house is in need of regular cleaning? You might want to hire professional cleaners from PCT Clean to clean your home. We have expert cleaners who can help maintain your office’s pristine condition. We also offer office cleaning and move in, move out cleaning services. If you have inquiries, you can call us at (770) 422-5326 or drop us a line here.
