A bad smell from the washing machine is more common than you might think. It will not only spread throughout your home, but can also remain on washed clothes. How can you get rid of unpleasant smells in the washing machine? Read our article and find out about the most common causes of such smells and effective ways to get rid of them.
A bad smell from the washing machine is more common than you might think. It will not only spread throughout your home, but can also remain on washed clothes. How can you get rid of unpleasant smells in the washing machine? Read our article and find out about the most common causes of such smells and effective ways to get rid of them.
What is the cause of unpleasant smells from the washing machine?
There are several reasons why your washing machine may have an unpleasant smell. Usually this is due to irregular cleaning of the machine. Manufacturers of all household appliances clearly state that long-term reliable use of their products largely depends on periodic maintenance. This applies to washing machines as well as dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators, so start off by checking the instructions and finding information regarding regular cleaning.
If you want to find out more about the maintenance of other household appliances, e.g. how to get rid of the smell from the refrigerator, read another one of our articles with practical tips.
Dirty washing machine filters
The first priority will be to regularly remove dirt from the washing machine filter. It collects everything that did not end up in the drain, i.e. hair, fur, dust, threads etc., which will start to rot over time and generate an unpleasant smell. How can you get rid of unpleasant smells in the washing machine? The filter is usually easily accessible, and should be pulled out and washed under running water. Also get rid of any dirt in the filter chamber. This process should be repeated every month.
Too much laundry detergent
When doing your laundry, you should always add an amount of detergent recommended by the manufacturer. The same applies to washing and rinsing liquids, and adding more detergent will not make the washing process more efficient. The washing machine uses exactly as much water as it needs to dissolve the required amount of washing detergent. If too much detergent is used, it will accumulate in various parts of the machine, e.g. on the rubber door seal or in the detergent drawer. The resulting residue will create an unpleasant smell.
Mould in the washing machine
The moisture and heat in the washing machine create ideal conditions for mould, which often forms in the filter or in the detergent drawer. However, it also very often appears on the rubber seal around the door, which is usually the result of leaving wet clothes in the drum after washing. The door should be left ajar to let the moisture out from inside.
Washing machine drain pipe is not properly connected
The cause of the unpleasant smell does not have to be in the washing machine itself. A sewage-like smell could suggest that the drain pipe has not been properly connected and sealed.
The reason for a clog or damage is often hidden deep in the pipe system. The endoscope camera from Steinberg Systems is the first choice so that you can get an impression of pipelines and inspect damaged areas in detail.
What could cause a petrol smell in the washing machine?
The only source of such a smell in the washing machine are clothes soaked in petrol or similar chemicals. This problem is most often experienced by mechanics, but it can actually happen to anyone who accidentally gets petrol on their clothes, for example at a petrol station. If you throw petrol stained clothes into the laundry, a specific smell will come out of the washing machine drum. To avoid this, soak the dirty clothes in cold water for a few hours before putting them into the washing machine. And remember to wash them separately!
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Home methods for cleaning your washing machine
If you are wondering how to get rid of the smell from your washing machine, you will have to choose an appropriate method sooner or later. As in the case of other cleaning activities, such as disinfecting your home, also here you can choose from among a few different cleaning products.
However, you can also try proven home remedies for getting rid of washing machine smells. They are usually based on every-day products used in most households.
Cleaning a washing machine with vinegar
The use of vinegar for household cleaning is very common. In addition to cooking, it is also used to descale household appliances, remove stains from clothes, and most importantly, it helps to get rid of unpleasant smells in washing machines.
Vinegar has bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which is why it is used to get rid of mould and bacteria that contribute to the breakdown of filter residues. It can also be used to clean rubber seals. If the problem is located in the drum itself, then it is enough to pour a glass of vinegar into the washing chamber or detergent drawer and do an empty washing cycle. The unpleasant smell of vinegar can be reduced by adding a small amount of washing powder or diluting it with water.
Cleaning a washing machine with baking soda
Baking soda is another popular method used for household cleaning. It softens the water and lets you remove residual limescale, as well as destroys microorganisms, which makes it ideal for cleaning washing machines. Additionally, soda dissolves the fat that contributes to the unpleasant smell. This fat is usually deposited on rubber seals, as well as on cables and filters.
Pour a glass of baking soda into the detergent drawer and set the maximum washing temperature. The machine should be empty during the cleaning cycle. However, if your machine does not have an empty laundry function, you can put a few old rags inside.
Cleaning washing machines with bleach
Fabric bleach can help to deal with unpleasant smells from the rubber seal of your washing machine. It comes in handy when dirt build-ups as a result of using too much washing powder or liquid. Bleach should be mixed with warm water in a ratio of 1:1, before thoroughly wiping the dirty parts of the washing machine.
But bear in mind that bleaches are corrosive and can burn your skin, so protective rubber gloves are recommended. Start the washing machine and start an empty laundry cycle.
Cleaning the washing machine of petrol
Due to its oily structure, petrol and other similar chemicals should be disposed of in a specific manner. How can you get rid of their smell from the washing machine? Bicarb soda will be perfect for the job. Pour it into the washing powder drum and set the temperature to a maximum of 30 °C. Higher temperature will cause the petrol particles to penetrate the rubber parts of the washing machine. As a result, the smell will last much longer. To be sure, after the washing cycle is over wipe the seal with a cloth dipped in vinegar.
Unpleasant smells from the washing machine drainage pipe
As already mentioned, a cause of smells in the washing machine may be related to the drainage pipe. This could be due to both clogging of the drainage pipe and incorrect installation. In both situations, drain cleaning tools will come in handy.
If the problem is a clogged drain pipe, you can remove the blockage mechanically. Spiral cleaners will do the job well, as they help break up the accumulated dirt and clear the water flow.
In the case of an incorrect connection to the sewage system, the problem is often the result of simply inserting the drainage pipe into the wall without a siphon. In such cases the installation will often end up having an unpleasant sewage smell.
The siphon is designed to prevent a backflow of water and also smell. Connect it to the installation pipe, and then attach the drainage pipe to it. The connection can be additionally tightened using a clamp. Remember to clean the siphon regularly, as it can also accumulate dirt with time.
If you want to avoid limescale build-up on the drum or heater of your washing machine, then using a water softener is a good idea. The device captures the calcium and magnesium that form limescale. This will extend the lifespan of the washing machine, and you will not have to use large amounts of detergents. Soft water makes the detergents dissolve better and therefore more effective. This water softener system can be used for up to 4 people, for example. Or maybe you’re looking for a 2-in-1 water softener system with built-in water filter to keep your washing machines clean.
How to remove unpleasant smells from your washing machine – summary
Unpleasant smells from your washing machine are a problem that can happen to anyone who has a washing machine at home. It is often the result of improper maintenance or inadequate preparation of the clothes to be washed. Fortunately, home methods for getting rid of bad smells make it much easier to solve the problem. After reading this article, you should now be able to locate the source of the smell in your washing machine, so cleaning it shouldn’t be a challenge.
You will also find tips on getting rid of smells in the fridge in our next article.
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