Like any household appliance washing machines need cleaning every now and then. If not then you may start to notice an unpleasant musty smell emanating from the machine, but what causes it and what can you do fix it?
If the washing machine is not allowed to dry out properly the heat and moisture present after a washing cycle can feed the growth of microorganisms in the drum and gaskets. Over time this organic matter will start to decay, causing your washing machine to have an unpleasant smell.
Cold water washes might be a good way to save money, but they don’t do the best job of clearing out residual detergent or fabric softener. If you’ve run a few cold cycles, you might want to try a hot one next time.
Also, remember to leave the drum door open after a washing cycle so that natural airflow to the inside of the drum can help dissipate the moisture.
If you’ve tried the simple options above and your washing machine still smells bad, then it’s time to give it a proper clean. Fortunately, there are a number of natural substances available which you might be able to find elsewhere in your kitchen.
A combination of vinegar and baking soda is one of the most frequently recommended ways of cleaning your washing machine. Just mix ¼ cup of baking soda in a similar amount of water and add it to the soap dispenser. Then pour two cups of white vinegar into the empty drum (don’t do this with laundry in the machine!) and run it through a hot washing cycle. This should dissolve the residue causing the unpleasant smell.
To complete the cleaning process, use a clean, damp cloth and a water/vinegar mix to wash down the rubber seal around the door. Be sure to get right into the folds of the rubber and clean out any residue hiding in there.
Follow these simple instructions and your washing machine should be back to its normal, odour-free self.
