Scrud in the washing machine, also called washer residue, is a buildup of detergent residue, skin flakes and fats in your machine. This can cause nasty smells and stains on your laundry. In this blog you learn what scrud is, how it forms and especially how you can get rid of it, so your laundry smells fresh and comes out clean again.
How does scrud form in the washing machine?
Scrud forms through a buildup of detergent residue, skin flakes, fats and dirt in your washing machine. Bacteria can grow well in this greasy layer. The main causes are:
- Washing at low temperatures: At 30°C or 40°C, fats and detergent residue are not fully rinsed away, which allows scrud to form.
- Short wash programmes: These programmes often use less water, so detergent residue and dirt are rinsed away less well.
- Too much detergent or laundry sheets: If you use too much detergent or laundry sheets, residue stays behind in the machine.
The result is that your laundry can start to smell musty and your washing machine no longer washes as cleanly.
Steps to remove scrud
Step 1: Clean your washing machine
Run an empty wash at 60°C or 90°C with one washing machine deep-clean tablet in the drum, without laundry. The tablet is formulated to target grease, detergent residue, organic dirt and limescale. Always follow your machine's manual.
Step 2: Use the right detergent dose
Too much detergent can lead to a buildup of soap residue, which causes scrud. Always use the recommended amount of detergent or laundry sheets. More detergent does not mean cleaner laundry.
Wash your clothes at the right temperature
Scrud thrives at low temperatures. Wash your clothes regularly at 60°C to 90°C to kill bacteria and scrud. Make sure your clothes can handle these temperatures to prevent damage.
These simple steps help you remove scrud and keep your washing machine fresh.
Maintenance to prevent scrud in the washing machine
Run a hot wash regularly
Run a 90°C wash at least once a month, for example with towels or bedding. This kills bacteria and helps prevent scrud.
Leave the washing machine door open
After every wash it is important to leave the washing machine door ajar. This lets the drum dry, which helps prevent mould and scrud.
Clean filters and seals
Check and clean the filter, rubber seals and detergent drawer monthly. Dirt and detergent residue collect there, which can cause scrud in the washing machine.
With these simple maintenance steps you can prevent scrud from becoming a recurring problem and keep your washing machine clean and fresh.
Frequently asked questions about scrud
Can I use baking soda or vinegar against scrud?
Baking soda can help neutralize odours, but it is not a complete deep cleaner. Vinegar can help reduce light limescale, but repeated or incorrect use can damage seals and metal parts. For scrud we recommend a specially developed washing machine cleaner.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Clean your washing machine once a month with an empty cycle at 60°C or 90°C and one washing machine deep-clean tablet. Also clean the filter, detergent drawer and rubber seal by hand.
What should I do if my clothes still smell musty?
If your clothes still smell musty, hang them in the sun to dry. Sunlight helps neutralize odours. Also make sure your washing machine is thoroughly cleaned and that you use the right detergent dose.
Clean your washing machine monthly with a suitable machine cleaner, dose detergent or laundry sheets correctly and leave the door ajar after use. That reduces the chance of scrud coming back.
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