Washing machines are sophisticated household appliances that perform the task of washing and drying clothes. Although these machines are effective at keeping clothes clean and fresh, they occasionally develop little or serious issues. One of the problems common with washing machines is that they sometimes emit bad odors. The washing machine’s foul smell can either be due to minor issues that can be easily fixed or major problems that’ll require professional repair. Hence, it’s best to reach out to a professional technician at Quality Appliance Repair Calgary LTD to assist with the diagnosis and repair of your washing machine.
Common Causes of Bad Odor In Washing Machines
The most common reason for an unpleasant smell in a washing machine is mold or mildew growth. This can happen if damp clothes are left in your washing machine for too long without emptying them. You might also get mold in a washing machine if you don’t use enough detergent when you are doing laundry. To prevent mold and maintain a fresh-smelling washing machine, consider implementing effective maintenance tips such as leaving the door ajar after each use.
Furthermore, the accumulation of soap scum, detergent powder, oil, and other residual particles in various components of the washing machine can cause the machine to stink. The common parts that hold soap scum and other particles include the washing machine’s dispenser, drum, and seals. Poor drainage is another reason the washing machine becomes smelly. When you’re done with washing and rinsing, you need to drain out the water completely. If the washing machine’s drainage system is damaged, it could withhold water from draining out properly. The residual water will attract bacteria and begin to smell after a while.
How To Clean The Interior of Your Washing Machine To Prevent Bad Odor
There are many ways to clean a washing machine. The most important thing to remember is to unplug the machine before you start.
The first step is to remove any lint or clothes from the top of the machine and on the floor around it. Lint can cause clogs and interfere with how well your machine works. Next, use a vacuum cleaner or brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt that has been tracked in from outside, such as pet hair or dust bunnies.
Next, use a wet cloth or sponge with soap and water to wipe down all surfaces of the washer, including all knobs and buttons.
How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Odors
Here are some ways to remove the odor from your washing machine.
White vinegar and Baking soda
White vinegar and baking soda are powerful cleaning agents. When these two agents are combined, they release carbon dioxide gas which adequately removes unpleasant smells, grime, and dirt. For this method, mix a quarter cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of water and pour it into the soap dispenser. Then add two cups of vinegar to the drum of the washing machine. Finally, run the machine without clothes on high heat at normal cycle.
Hydrogen peroxide
Pour two cups of hydrogen peroxide into the drum of the washing machine and run a hot water cycle. The hydrogen peroxide will effectively clean your washer and give it a fresh smell. To further clean your washer, mix hydrogen peroxide with water and lemon juice and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the rubber seal around the door and wipe clean with a piece of clothes.
Open the Washer’s Door
Proper air circulation can help to remove residual moisture from the washer, hence making the machine unconducive to mold growth. Also, endeavor to open your washer’s door after your cleaning routine. You can consider installing a dehumidifier in your laundry room to help keep dampness and bad odor in check.
Washing machine cleaning products
Another easy way to get rid of the stink oozing from your washing machine is to pick up washing machine cleaning products from the grocery store. This product gives the best results when you add the specified quantity into your fully loaded washing machine. The full load will increase the water level and allow the cleaning products to clean every corner of your washing machine effectively. You can also use washing machine cleaning products to clean rubber seals, buttons, drain pump filters, and other parts.
To clean your drain pump filter, you’ll need first to find its location and carefully remove it to avoid spilling dirt on the floor. Then soak the drain pump filter in a mixture of cleaning product and water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before you rinse and replace it.
Lastly, routine cleaning can help prevent the build-up of detergent, soap scum, and other particles in your washing machine. Therefore, be sure to schedule a little time to clean your machine to prevent unpleasant smells.