Having a washing machine give off unpleasant smells from time to time is something that seems to be a universal experience that happens to everyone.
Of course, it makes sense why a washing machine may give off bad smells from time to time, after all, its main function is to clean dirty laundry.
Although, you shouldn’t just settle for a washing machine that gives off unpleasant smells, and there is a variety of things you can do to remedy this situation.
In this article, we will be giving you 5 methods for you to employ in the hopes of helping you better clean your washing machine, as well as ensuring your appliance stays odour-free indefinitely.
#1 Run a service wash frequently
One of the best things you can do to maintain the cleanliness of your washing machine is to simply run a service wash on a regular basis, even when it’s not needed.
A service wash is where you run a wash with no load and at the highest temperature possible. This allows your washing machine to get a simple yet effective clean, with next to no effort.
#2 Use a washing machine cleaner
The next step after doing a service wash is to do a service wash, but with an off-the-shelf washing machine cleaner, such as this cleaner from Dettol.
This way, any smells that were too stubborn for a service wash to fix up should be easily remedied by using a cleaning solution.
#3 Leave the door & drawer open after each wash
Leaving the door and drawer open after every use can stop any unpleasant smells from taking hold and making their presence known.
Ideally, this should be done after every single wash, but a compromise can be whenever you think it is needed, or any unpleasant smells begin to make an appearance.
#4 Periodically check the rubber seal and the door
One of the most common places which bad smells are able to build up is inside the rubber seal. Furthermore, this is an area which people commonly forget to check.
Check this every few washes to ensure nothing has become trapped in there.
If you maintain the rubber seal and stop the build-up of smells from accruing, you will drastically reduce the likelihood that you will have any problems whatsoever with unpleasant smells in your washing machine overall.
Although much less common of an issue, you should also check nothing has got stuck around the door too.
#5 Check for any blockages in the water pump filter
You would be surprised how many small items fall out of clothing pockets and manage to get stuck in the washing machine filter. Two of the most frequent items I have seen clog my own washing machine is colour catchers and small coins.
Every washing machine should have an easy-access service compartment where you can access the filter to clean it out. This is usually located on the front panel at the bottom of the machine.
We recommend checking your user manual before doing this.
It is recommended to check this every 3-6 months. Beware as the machine will empty a large amount of water when doing this, so be prepared with a tray and towels to catch and clean up any excess water!
By applying and putting the five tips we have given you into practice, you will quickly find that keeping your washing machine from harbouring any unpleasant smells is, after all, quite a simple task.
Sure, from time to time you may have to give it a clean if some unwanted smells begin accruing, but that’s just the nature of having a washing machine, and there’s nothing you can do to stop that from happening.
Founder of homeappliancegeek.com, avid cook, and lover of Asian food.
Signature dishes include Thai Red Curry, Chicken Saag, Bibimbap and Sushi.
Massive clean freak; a habit baked-in after spending 9 years in the catering industry.
The one appliance he couldn’t live without? Easily the dishwasher (total relationship saver!).
