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Apr 18, 2024 · Simple Habits to Prevent Washing Machine Smells. Deep clean your washing machine monthly. This includes wiping exterior surfaces, scrubbing the door seal, and running a hot, extra-long cycle (or a self-clean cycle if your washer has this function). Wipe the drum and door gasket with a dry cloth after each wash cycle.
- Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?
- How to Clean A Washing Machine That Smells
- What If My Washing Machine Still smells?
- How to Prevent Washing Machine Odors
- FAQs
There are a number of reasons your washing machine develops unpleasant odors, including: 1. Built-up mold or mildew 2. Accumulated residue 3. A drainage issue 4. Using the wrong type or amount of detergent 5. A dirty lint filter
Before you start scrubbing, remove detergent bottles and other laundry supplies from the top of the washing machine, make sure the machine is empty, and unplug the unit. Sniff around and inside the machine to see if you can pinpoint the source of the odor, and have a helper nearby in case you need to move the washing machine away from the wall. The...
If your washing machine smells like sewage, even after cleaning, the issue might be a clog in the drain standpipe. The standpipe sits at the back of the machine, so after you turn off and unplug the washer, you’ll probably need to pull the washer away from the wall to access it. Put on gloves and inspect the hose and standpipe for blockages; remove...
Now that your machine is clean, let’s keep it that way. A few small changes to your laundering habits will help keep your washer from getting musty again.
Q. Why does my washing machine smell like rotten eggs?
If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, there may be hydrogen sulfide gas present, which is produced by bacteria. Follow one of the above methods to clean your washing machine and help mitigate the issue.
Q. Why does my washing machine smell like sewage?
There are several reasons your washer may smell like sewage, including trapped moisture or built-up residue. Follow one of the above methods to clean your washing machine and help correct the problem.
- Appliance Repair Expert
- Identify the Source of the Musty Smell. First, you must determine where the musty or moldy smell comes from. In my experience, unpleasant odors in a washer can be due to detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, mold or mildew, and lingering moisture.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar or Bleach. To eliminate the smell of mold or must from your washer, it’s important to run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar.
- Scrub the Drum with Baking Soda. The next step in cleaning a washer that smells of mold or must is to use baking soda. Baking soda is my go-to when cleaning washers, as it can absorb and remove any lingering odor and further clean the drum.
- Clean the Detergent Dispenser. When removing mold from a washer, I always advise homeowners to inspect the detergent dispenser. You see, the detergent dispenser can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, so it’s essential to clean it well.
To do a vinegar-based deep clean: Empty the washing machine: Remove any clothes or laundry items from the machine. Add the vinegar: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum of the machine. Run a hot cycle: Set your machine to the hottest water setting and run a full cycle without any laundry items.
Jun 12, 2024 · 1. Run a cycle with vinegar. (Image credit: Getty images / Ivan Bajic) Cleaning with vinegar is the number one way to get rid of musty odors, and it is perfect for cleaning a washing machine to get rid of smells. ‘Run your empty washer on a hot water cycle with 1-2 cups of white vinegar instead of your normal detergent.
Here are some tasks to add to your routine: * Run a cleaning cycle: Check your washing machine’s user manual to see if it has a cleaning cycle or a setting that allows you to clean the machine with a washer cleaner. * Leave the lid open: After each use, leave the lid open to let the interior dry. This can help prevent moisture buildup.
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Aug 7, 2024 · Reasons Your Washing Machine Smells. A smelly washing machine is usually caused by a buildup of body oil and dirt, standing water, detergent residue, a dirty filter, or drainage issues. Mix 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda and pour it into the detergent dispenser, then add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and run a hot wash cycle.