The unpleasant smell from the washing machine is really unpleasant. Not only will it give your laundry an unpleasant musty smell, but it can also signal the accumulation of bacteria and mold. This is also the first sign that the condition of the entire device is deteriorating and the washing machine is starting to work inefficiently. However, the problem can be eliminated using simple home remedies. Follow a few rules to enjoy the fresh smell of your laundry and extend the life of your washing machine.

Where does the unpleasant smell in the washing machine come from? Everyday mistakes

Do you open the washing machine and a not-so-fresh aroma hits your nose? What’s worse, is the laundry soaked in it? An unpleasant smell in the washing machine is usually the result of several factors.

  • Excessive moisture accumulation. After each wash, a small amount of water remains in the washing machine. If the washing machine door remains closed, a moist environment is created, which in turn promotes the growth of bacteria and mold.
  • Excess cleaning agents. Some products, including fabric softener, leave a residue that accumulates over time in the nooks and crannies of the washing machine, such as seals or the detergent drawer. These residues are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
  • The filter is clogged. Dirt remaining in the filter of the device may not only cause an unpleasant smell. They lead to blockages that reduce the efficiency of the washing machine and make it prone to breakdowns.
  • Low washing temperature. Using only programs with a low washing temperature may not completely eliminate bacteria, which can also cause unpleasant odors in the washing machine.

How to get rid of the smell from the washing machine? Home remedies

It is not necessary to use special cleaning agents. However, it should be taken into account that the basis of solving the problem is not only masking the unpleasant smell, but also regular hygiene and cleanliness of the washing machine. For this purpose, it is worth developing simple habits.

  • Leave the door open after each wash. Thanks to this, the remaining moisture evaporates, which prevents the development of hard-to-remove molds.
  • Also clean the rubber seals and the detergent drawer regularly.
  • At the same time, do not overdo it with a lot of detergents – it will not improve the quality of washing and will only lead to the formation of persistent deposits.
  • Once a month, run the program at 90 °C. The high temperature will help to remove microorganisms and impurities hidden in the nooks and crannies.

How to clean a washing machine with baking soda?

Most of us have it in the kitchen supply cupboard. Baking soda perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors, which makes it an effective and inexpensive way to clean the washing machine.

  • Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum.
  • Then set the wash cycle to empty – preferably at the highest possible temperature.
  • Don’t forget to open the door after the program is over.

In this way, you will fight not only with the musty smell, but also remove the deposits of detergent and limescale.

Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar

Vinegar is another natural remedy that works very well against dirt, stains and mold. How to use it to clean the washing machine?

  • Pour two cups of vinegar into the drum.
  • Run the program again at high temperature to neutralize unpleasant odors. In addition, you can soak a soft cloth in vinegar and wipe the rubber seals around the washing machine door, where bacteria and dirt often accumulate.

This is the best way to clean a cutting board. All you need is a cloth and an iron