8 Ways to Prevent Your Washing Machine from Smelling
When your washing machine smells, it can make freshly washed clothes smell musty too. Fortunately, you can take easy steps to prevent these bad odours and keep your machine fresh. Below are the top strategies to prevent unpleasant washing machine smells:
1. Leave the Door Open
One of the easiest yet most effective ways to prevent your washing machine from smelling is to leave the door open after each wash. By doing so, you allow moisture to evaporate, reducing the damp conditions that mould and bacteria thrive on. A closed door can trap moisture inside, creating the perfect breeding ground for odour-causing organisms. Leaving it open ensures better airflow and helps dry out the machine.
2. Clean the Door Seal
The rubber door seal is another hotspot for bad smells because it traps water, dirt, and detergent residue over time. To prevent this, wipe the seal regularly with a bleach-based spray or a cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution. Be sure to get into the crevices, as these areas are prone to mould growth. Keeping the seal clean not only prevents your washing machine from smelling but also helps extend its lifespan.
3. Run Hot Washes with Bleach or Vinegar
Cold washes are great for energy efficiency, but they don’t always kill bacteria or remove grime effectively. To prevent your washing machine from smelling, it’s important to run a maintenance wash every so often using hot water (90°C if possible). For extra cleaning power, add a capful of bleach or a cup of white vinegar to the drum. This helps disinfect the machine and eliminates bacteria that cause odours.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation in Your Laundry Room
If your laundry space is poorly ventilated, it could lead to excess moisture in the air, contributing to a smelly washing machine. Ensuring that your laundry room has proper ventilation—by opening windows or using a fan—can help circulate air and keep the space dry, especially in damp weather or during winter months. Adequate airflow is essential to preventing odours from developing inside your washing machine.
5. Use Hot Washes for Greasy Loads
While many prefer cold washes for their energy-saving benefits, using hot water (around 60°C) occasionally helps dissolve grease, grime, and detergent residues. Greasy clothes and towels can leave behind deposits inside the machine that can cause foul smells. A hot wash helps break down and remove these residues, keeping your washing machine smelling fresh.
6. Measure Your Detergent Properly
Too little detergent won’t clean your clothes, but using too much can be just as problematic. Excess detergent can build up in the drum, leading to soap residue, which traps dirt and causes odours. Always follow the recommended detergent amounts for your washing machine model and the hardness of your water. Proper measurement ensures that all the detergent rinses out, helping prevent washing machine smells.
7. Rinse Thoroughly After Each Load
Leftover detergent is one of the main causes of bad washing machine smells. After every load, make sure your machine rinses thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. Many modern washing machines have an extra rinse option, which is useful if you’re washing large loads or heavily soiled clothes. A well-rinsed drum prevents soap buildup and keeps your machine smelling clean.
8. Clean the Filter Regularly
The filter is a common source of washing machine smells, as it can trap lint, hair, and other debris. When left unchecked, these materials can become mouldy and cause unpleasant odours. Make it a habit to check and clean the filter at least once a month. Remove any visible debris and rinse it under hot water to clear away dirt. Regular filter maintenance not only prevents bad smells but also ensures your machine runs efficiently.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed that your washing machine smells, following these eight steps will help keep your appliance fresh and functioning at its best. Regular maintenance, like running hot washes, cleaning the door seal, and leaving the door open, will stop bad odours from developing. Addressing these issues promptly will prevent your clothes from taking on a musty smell and ensure your washing machine continues to perform well.
By staying on top of these preventative measures, you can enjoy fresh-smelling laundry and a clean machine for years to come!