Say Goodbye to Washing Machine Odors : The Ultimate Cleaning Guide

Causes of Washing Machine Odors

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, let’s first understand what causes these unpleasant odors in the first place. The primary culprits are:

• Mold and Mildew: These fungi grow in the detergent dispenser, gasket, and drum of your washing machine because of its warm, humid environment.

• Bacteria: Over time, bacteria from unclean clothes can grow and cause bad odors. 

• Soap Scum and Residue: Detergent and fabric softener residues can trap dirt and bacteria, contributing to odors.

• Standing Water: If your machine fails to empty completely, standing water might serve as a haven for odor-causing bacteria.

• Trapped Debris: Your machine may develop a musty smell due to lint, hair, and fabric fibers becoming lodged in various areas. 

Cleaning Methods

Now that we know the enemy, let’s arm ourselves with the right cleaning methods to eliminate washing machine odors once and for all.

• Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:

Natural cleaners and deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda are excellent in neutralizing washer odors. This is how to apply them:

• Fill the detergent dispenser with the mixture of ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water.
• Load the drum with two cups of white vinegar (four cups for top-loading machines).
• Use the longest cycle and the hottest setting on the washing machine.
• Stop the cycle and allow the mixture to soak for half an hour before continuing for an exceptionally thorough cleaning.
• Using a towel dipped in vinegar, clean the detergent dispenser, gasket, and drum after the cycle. 

• Using Bleach:

For tough mold and mildew, bleach can be a powerful ally. However, use it with caution:

• Add 2 cups of bleach to the drum for front-loaders, or 4 cups for top-load machines.
• Run a hot cycle, pausing it to let the bleach solution sit for 30 minutes before completing the cycle.
• Finally, run an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining bleach.

• Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners:

Affresh and Fresh Wave Laundry Booster are two examples of products that are designed specifically to clean and freshen your washer. Just do as directed on the package, which typically calls for putting the cleaner in the detergent dispenser or drum and starting a hot cycle. 

• Manual Cleaning:

Regular manual cleaning of your machine’s components can go a long way in preventing odors:

• Clean the Gasket: Use a toothbrush for tough mold or mildew and a towel dipped in vinegar or a mild detergent solution to clean the rubber seal surrounding the door.
• Scrub the Detergent Dispenser: Take it out and give it a soak in warm, soapy water. To get rid of any residue, scrub with a brush. 
• Wipe the Drum: Wipe the inside of the drum with a cloth dipped in vinegar or a mild detergent solution.