Why Your Washing Machine Smells (and How To Get Rid Of It!)

Does your washing machine smell? It’s a common problem, but it’s one that can be easily fixed. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of washing machine smell and provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean and maintain your washing machine to keep it smelling fresh.

Causes of Washing Machine Smell

There are several factors that can contribute to washing machine smell, including:

• Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments, and your washing machine is the perfect place for them to grow. If you don’t regularly clean your washing machine, mold and mildew can build up on the inside of the machine, causing an unpleasant odor.
• Bacteria: Bacteria can also cause washing machine smell. Bacteria can build up on the inside of the machine, especially if you wash clothes in cold water or don’t use enough detergent.
• Detergent residue: If you use too much detergent, it can leave a residue on the inside of your washing machine. This residue can attract dirt and bacteria, which can lead to a smelly washing machine.
• Hard water: Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up on the inside of your washing machine. These deposits can trap dirt and bacteria, which can lead to a smelly washing machine.

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

If your washing machine smells, there are several things you can do to clean it and restore its freshness.

1. Run a hot water cycle with bleach. This is the most effective way to kill mold and mildew and remove bacteria from your washing machine. Add 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser and run a hot water cycle.

2. Clean the gasket. The gasket is the rubber seal around the door of your washing machine. It can trap dirt and bacteria, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the gasket and remove any dirt or debris.

3. Clean the detergent dispenser. The detergent dispenser can also trap dirt and bacteria. Remove the detergent dispenser and wash it with hot water and soap.

4. Clean the drain hose. The drain hose is the tube that drains water from your washing machine. It can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can lead to a smelly washing machine. Use a drain snake to clean the drain hose.

5. Wipe down the outside of the washing machine. The outside of your washing machine can also get dirty and dusty. Wipe down the outside of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

How to Maintain a Fresh Washing Machine

Once you’ve cleaned your washing machine, there are several things you can do to maintain its freshness.

• Run a hot water cycle with bleach once a month. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your washing machine.
• Clean the gasket and detergent dispenser regularly. This will help to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up.
• Use the right amount of detergent. Using too much detergent can leave a residue on the inside of your washing machine. This residue can attract dirt and bacteria.
• Use a washing machine cleaner. There are several commercial washing machine cleaners available that can help to remove dirt and bacteria from your machine.
• Leave the door and lid open after each use. This will help to air out the machine and prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Other Tips for Preventing Washing Machine Smell

In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to prevent washing machine smell.

• Don’t overload your washing machine. Overloading your washing machine can prevent clothes from getting clean and can also lead to mold and mildew growth.
• Wash clothes in warm or hot water. Washing clothes in cold water can leave behind bacteria that can cause a smelly washing machine.
• Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine. Wet clothes can create a damp environment that is perfect for mold and mildew growth.

Takeaways

Washing machine smell is a common problem, but it’s one that can be easily fixed. By following the tips in this blog post, you can clean and maintain your washing machine to keep it smelling fresh.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Why does my washing machine smell like mold?
A: Mold and mildew can grow in damp, dark environments, and your washing machine is the perfect place for them to grow. If you don’t regularly clean your washing machine, mold and mildew can build up on the inside of the machine, causing an unpleasant odor.

Q: How can I prevent my washing machine from smelling?
A: There are several things you can do to prevent washing machine smell, including:

• Run a hot water cycle with bleach once a month.
• Clean the gasket and detergent dispenser regularly.
• Use the right amount of detergent.
• Use a washing machine cleaner.
• Leave the door and lid open after each use.

Q: What should I do if my washing machine smells like bleach?
A: If your washing machine smells like bleach, it’s likely that you’ve used too much bleach. To remove the bleach smell, run a hot water cycle with no detergent. You can also add 1 cup of vinegar to the hot water cycle to help neutralize the bleach smell.