It's not weird if you're dealing with a smelly washing machine. This is a common problem and luckily, it's easy to fix. But why does your washing machine suddenly smell bad? Let's think about these 3 possible causes:
1. Buildup of dirt and detergent residue: Washing machines often build up residue from detergent and fabric softener, along with dirt from your clothes. These leftovers can hide in tricky corners or behind the door seals, which can cause a musty smell.
2. Low wash temperatures: More and more people are washing at low temperatures. This is great for saving energy, but if you always wash at a low temperature, it gives mold and bacteria a chance to live in your washing machine. That can cause unpleasant odors.
3. Grease louse: If you use too much detergent and fabric softener, a greasy layer can build up in your washing machine. This is called 'vetluis'—but don’t worry, it’s not an actual louse! It’s a bacterial biofilm. This 'vetluis' creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can cause a nasty smell. Read this article to find out what 'vetluis' is and how you can tackle it in your washing machine.
How do you tackle a smelly washing machine?
Follow these steps to make your washing machine smell fresh again:
1. Clean the Soap Tray
• Take the soap drawer out of your washing machine.
• Soak it in hot water with a bit of dish soap to remove soap residue and mold.
• Rinse it well and dry it before putting it back.
2. Clean the Rubber Gasket
• Check the rubber gasket (the door seal) for objects and detergent residue.
• Dampen a cloth with a mix of water and white vinegar, then thoroughly wipe around the gasket. Pay extra attention to spots where moisture tends to build up.
3. Run a Cleaning Cycle
• Fill the detergent drawer with two cups of white vinegar or use a washing machine cleaner.
• Set your machine to the hottest cycle with an extra rinse to thoroughly remove all residues.
4. Clean the Filter
• Check and clean the filter at the bottom of the washing machine (see the manual for the exact location).
• Unscrew the filter, remove any dirt, and rinse it under running water.
5. Leave the Washing Machine Open
• After every wash, leave the washing machine door open. This helps the inside dry out and prevents mold and bacteria from growing.
Here's how to make sure your washing machine never smells bad again
To keep your washing machine from turning into a breeding ground for unpleasant odors, regular maintenance is key. Here are some handy tips to keep your washing machine clean and fresh:
1. Clean the rubber edgesThe rubber seal around your washing machine door can easily trap dirt and moisture. Wipe it down with a dry cloth after every wash, and once a month use a damp cloth with a mild cleaner to prevent residue buildup.
2. Maintain the soap traySoap trays can collect soap residue and mold, which adds to the bad smell. Take the soap tray out of the machine regularly and clean it thoroughly under running warm water. You can use an old toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt.
3. Run a hot wash every now and thenBacteria and grease build-up thrive in both cold and warm conditions, but a hot wash (90°C) can effectively kill them. It's a good idea to run an empty wash at the highest temperature with a washing machine cleaner or regular white vinegar at least once a month.
4. Check and clean the filterThe filter catches objects and dirt that could otherwise damage your machine. Check the filter every month and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions to keep your washing machine running efficiently.
5. Check the drain hoseMake sure the drain hose of your washing machine isn’t clogged or kinked. If the water flow is blocked, it can cause water to stagnate in the machine, which can lead to unpleasant odors.
If you regularly maintain your washing machine, there's a very small chance it'll start to smell! Start by cleaning the rubber seals, the detergent drawer, and the filter. And if you also run a hot wash every now and then, you'll keep your washing machine clean and fresh.
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