If your washing machine smells bad, it can make doing laundry an unpleasant experience. Not to mention, it can also cause your clothes to smell bad. Bad odors in a washing machine can be caused by a variety of things, from mold and mildew to dirty washing machine drums.
Help! My Washing Machine Smells Awful!
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of washing machine smells and how to get rid of them. We will also provide tips on preventing future washer odors from occurring.
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Bad?
One of the most common causes of washing machine smells is mold and mildew. This can happen if your washing machine doesn’t have proper ventilation or if you don’t clean it regularly. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments, so it’s essential to keep your washing machine as clean and dry as possible.
Another common cause of bad washer odors is a dirty washing machine drum. Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and dirt can build up on the inside of the washing machine drum, and this build-up can start to stink over time.
If your washing machine smells bad, you can do a few things to fix the problem. First, you should clean the washing machine itself. This includes the washing machine drum and all other machine parts that come into contact with water or laundry. Follow our steps below on how to clean a washing machine. You should also ensure that your washer is draining correctly and has proper ventilation, especially when not in use. Finally, you should take steps to prevent future washer odors from occurring, which we will review below.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
If your washer smells bad, one of the first things you should do is clean the door seal and gasket. Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and dirt can build up on these surfaces and cause odors. If your washer smells like mildew, the gasket generally needs a thorough cleaning.
A critical step for getting rid of bad washing machine odors is ensuring that mold, mildew, and debris are cleared from the washer gasket.
Here’s what to do:
- Gently pull back the rubber gasket that seals the door to the washer.
- Remove any foreign objects, such as paper clips, dirt, coins, or hair.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Thoroughly spray the vinegar solution onto and into the rubber gasket.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub the gasket clean for especially dirty areas.
- Wipe the entire gasket clean and allow it to dry.
How to Clean Inside a Washing Machine Drum
Over time, the washing machine drum can also become filled with dirt, detergent, and fabric softener. This build-up can cause odors, causing a smelly washer tub.
To clean the washing machine drum:
- Fill the washing machine drum with equal parts vinegar and water.
- Run a regular washing cycle on hot.
- After the cycle is complete, leave the door open to allow the washing machine to air out.
Alternatively, we recommend Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to help remove odor-causing grime and residue.
How to Prevent Washer Odors
Now that we’ve gone over how to get rid of washing machine smells let’s discuss how to prevent future odors.
Here are some tips:
- Clean the washing machine monthly, and ensure the gasket is clean and mildew-free.
- Use the correct detergent for your washing machine.
- Remove washed clothes as soon as the cycle is complete.
- Leave the washer door open when not in use to allow it to air-dry.
By following these tips, you can keep your washing machine smelling fresh and prevent bad odors from occurring.
Removing bad washing machine smells is one thing, but call the professionals at Same Day Appliance Repair if you need expert washer repair. Our fast and friendly technicians provide high-quality repair service to get your appliances back in working order in no time!
