Learning how to get rid of washing machine smell might be hard, especially if you don’t know how to start.
The good news is that we have gathered some useful information to help you eliminate that unpleasant smell from your washer.
You appreciate your front-load clothes washer because you save money on water and energy, treat your garments gently so they will last longer, and help the environment.
However, one day you open the washer to throw in a load and are hit with a very unpleasant odor. What has gone wrong?
Getting Rid of Washing Machine Smell
Why does your washing machine smell?
Some people have noticed that their washing machine has an unpleasant smell. This could be because of a build-up of dirt and grease inside the machine, which can cause bad smells. It is a clever idea to regularly clean your washing machine using a product designed for this purpose.
These machines are designed to use high-efficiency detergents. If you don’t, the reduced water cannot fully rinse your clothes.
The drum will become coated with soap scum and remaining debris from the clothes.
Add to this the heat and damp nature of a washer, and you have a recipe for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow.
These machines also use a rubber door gasket as a seal. Dirt, soap, and lint can also get trapped there, creating another breeding ground for smells.
Even if your appliances run properly, an unpleasant odour is not a good sign and there are a few things to keep an eye out for. There are many reasons behind these smells so keep reading to find out what may be causing these malfunctions and how to fix them easily.
Reasons why your washing machine smells
#1. It Could be the Lint
Your clothes dryer is a great way to get your clothing clean, but it can also create problems if not maintained.
The vent inside of the appliance needs regular cleaning because lint builds up and mixes with water during use.
This leads to an unpleasant smell when dampened by heat from heating cycles or steamy settings on steep slopes, where evaporation happens quickly (which explains why you might notice stronger smells after drying).
When dampened fluff becomes contact heat – breeding ground for bacteria which causes bad smells
You should check for clogged vents every time before running a cycle so that this issue doesn’t continue popping up again!
#2. If it is a burning smell, then it’s better to call a technician
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your clothes dryer, it could be because of burning rubber or an electrical scent.
This is due to failing thermostats and lint build-up within the machine itself, which will cause this smell when they are activated by hot air flow as well as high temperatures inside homes during summer months for example.
The best option would just need servicing though – if possible, contact someone who knows what’s going on so that there aren’t any unexpected consequences!
#3. Does it smell of mould?
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your washing machine, it’s time for a thorough inspection.
There are several reasons why this could happen, but the most common ones are due to soap buildup or dirt getting trapped inside different valves and corners of these appliances where they can’t get out on their own without assistance – which is what we’ll provide!
Start by running some cycles with white vinegar before doing any other cleaning process so that if there really isn’t anything else wrong outside-of
#4. Sometimes a good old scrubbing is the best way to go
In case the machine does not clear out the smell on its own after running a few vinegar spinning cycles, then it would be good to grab a toothbrush and clean the spinning wheel on your own.
A toothbrush is sturdy enough to remove build-up and is truly one of the most useful tools you can use for removing the smell of your washer.
For the most delicate corners and surfaces, you can also use Q-tips to remove accumulated gunk.
Do you need help to remove the smell of your dryer or washing machine?
Can’t stop the odour?
Start your inspection today and if you feel like you need a professional to look at it feel free to contact us. We have a team of specialists that do appliance repairs in many cities in Ontario.
We are happy to give your washing machine and clothes dryer a thorough inspection.
How to avoid a disgusting smell in your washing machine
Detergents
Use the recommended detergents for your front loader. These are designed to work specifically with a front-loader that uses less water than a traditional washer.
Follow the instructions and you will see that it also takes very little soap per load. Most manufacturers recommend no liquid fabric softeners. All of this means fewer suds and the residue it leaves behind.
Drum
It is important that the drum dry out between uses. That means removing the wet clothes promptly and leaving the washer door open so they can dry out between uses.
If you don’t have good airflow or cross-ventilation in your laundry area, consider adding a dehumidifier.
Gasket
Regularly remove any debris you find trapped in the gasket and rubber seal around the door. Use a solution of one-part white vinegar to one part water and wipe the surface.
Also, check the drain trap filter to be sure it is free of lint or other items.
So, to recap:
- Use the right detergent in the recommended amounts.
- Don’t overload.
- Remove the clothes promptly.
- Clean the seals around the door at least once per week.
- Clean the washer tub regularly. Run the washer on hot with no clothing in it. Instead of detergent, use ½ cup of baking soda. After the cycle is complete, run another with hot water only. The second run is to get rid of any grime that was dislodged by the first cycle. After the second empty load, wipe down the interior, the lid and gasket using a rag and white vinegar.
Conclusion
If you have done all of this but your appliance and/or clothes still smell, contact a professional appliance repair company.
At SOS Appliance Repairs, we can handle this type of problem and can help you resolve your washing machine issues. Just book an appointment and we will send one of our technicians to your home.
Our service personnel will come with the most common replacement parts and all the tools necessary to get your appliances back in working order as quickly as possible.
