How to keep your washing machine smelling great

Every home needs a washing machine because they are among the most efficient, gentle ways to clean your clothes. Whether you choose front-load, top-load or a semi-automatic washing machine, these essential home appliances can leave a bad odour at the end of the wash cycle. This is mainly because of their design which becomes a hotspot for mould after some time.

Causes for a smelly washing machine

A smelly washing machine is not only poor for user experience but the smell can also stick to your clothes. One of the reasons that washing machines smell is mainly because they aren’t cleaned properly. A general assumption is that since they are exposed to detergent and constantly cleaning your laundry, it is also staying clean and does not need any additional cleaning.

However, that is not how washing machines work and since modern washing machines are designed to use less water, they don’t effectively clean the surface of your washer. After constant washing, the drum gets coated with a layer of soap scum and the debris or dirt from your clothing often sticks to it. This has the potential to become a source of the stink.

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Other causes for a smelly washing machine include the heat and dampness of your washer as well as the rubber gaskets present inside the washing machine. These gaskets can also trap dirt, soap, and a bit of fabric, which can become a breeding ground for foul smell. If your washing machine smells, there are ways to directly tackle them by following the steps below.

How to keep your washing machine smelling great

Here are the steps you need to follow to make your washing machine smell great again.

Step 1: Mix baking soda and water

One of the economical ways to clean your washing machine is by mixing a quarter cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of water and adding the solution to your machine’s detergent container.

Step 2: Add vinegar

Pour two cups of vinegar into the drum and run a high-heat wash cycle.

Step 3: Scrub the remaining dirt

After the wash cycle, use a sponge to scrub any remaining dirty spots. You can use the rough side of a sponge dipped in a solution of one-part vinegar, and one-part water for best result.

Step 4: Follow up for great smell every time

To keep your washing machine smelling great every time, you need to use the right detergent and keep the drum dry between cycles. You can also clean the gasket as needed to eliminate any source of foul smell.

While the above steps will help remove the odour from your washing machine and ensure it smells great again, you also need to ensure that mould does not grow again in your machine. The first step in this effort would be using high-efficiency detergents, and removing your laundry promptly will also help make sure the drum doesn’t stay damp for long.

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When not in use, it is recommended to leave the lid open. This will help the moisture escape. Lastly, make sure that your washing machine is in a room with good airflow and dispose of any lint accumulated in your washing machine’s drain trap filter. Following these steps once a week should lead to a great-smelling washing machine, or at least a non-smelling one.