It is common for the washing machine to have an unpleasant smell, which may have been created by bacteria grown by the detergent, fabric softener or low temperatures.
To keep odors out of your machine and your clothes, follow the tips below!
To prevent the appearance of the smell:
In general, if you want your washing machine to not smell, it is a good idea to leave the drum door open after each wash. By doing this, you will allow the moisture to evaporate, making it impossible for bacteria to grow.
Even better, dry the door and the detergent-softener "drawer" with a soft cloth and thoroughly clean the door rubber after each use.
Also, it's a good idea to do laundry when someone is home. We understand that this isn't always possible, however, if you don't take your clothes out of the machine straight away when the wash is done, it's very easy for bacteria to grow due to moisture!
You should also pay attention to the dosage of the detergent you use. The excess amount of detergent is likely to not dissolve and therefore remain in the tub and cause odors to develop. In addition, its residues may begin to accumulate in the piping of the device, with the risk of clogging and dirty washing water not passing through.
To remove the smell:
If you have already started to notice some bad odors coming from your washing machine, create a mixture to clean the surfaces of the washing machine.
Use: ¼ cup baking soda, ¼ cup water, 2 cups vinegar, all purpose cleaner, sponge and cloths.
Start by cleaning all exterior surfaces with the mixture including the top, sides of the washer and the glass of the tub. Then go ahead and clean the inside of the bin and anything else you can reach.
Then put a long wash cycle on the highest temperature. Mix the water with the baking soda and pour the mixture into the container that goes into the detergent.
After that, clean the rubber around the bin with vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then clean it using a cloth or kitchen paper. With baking soda, there probably won't be any bad smell left. You can repeat it once every 1 or 2 months.
