After a thorough wash, you would expect fabrics to come out clean and smelling fresh. It doesn’t always happen. In many cases, the first reaction is to change detergent, increase the amount used or add more fabric softener. But the origin of the problem may be less in the chosen products and more in the machine itself.
According to the newspaper, maintenance of this appliance is essential to prevent fabrics from smelling of damp. The publication also recalls data from the National Statistics Institute of Spain, according to which the washing machine is present in 98.9% of homes, showing how central this equipment is in the domestic routine.
Frequent use, however, does not mean that the inside of the machine remains clean. Over time, traces of detergent, fabric softener, clothing fibers and dirt can accumulate in barely visible areas. When this happens, moisture can remain and bad odors can pass into the clothes.
The filter should be one of the first points to clean
When the bad smell persists, one of the first elements to be checked is the filter. This item can accumulate fibers, small residues and dirt released during washing cycles.
The recommendation is to remove the filter and wash it with warm water, removing any debris that may be stuck. It’s a simple task, but not always done with the necessary regularity. If the filter is dirty, water circulation may be affected and the inside of the machine may begin to retain unpleasant odors.
The detergent and fabric softener drawer also deserves attention. It is in this area that product residues often remain, especially when using doses higher than those recommended. To clean it, you can use cleaning soap or vinegar, ensuring that it is completely dry.
Door rubber can accumulate moisture and mold
Another critical point is the door rubber, especially in front-opening machines. Because it is in frequent contact with water, foam and residue, this area can accumulate moisture in the folds.
If cleaning is not regular, dark stains and a bad smell may appear. The ideal is to carefully wipe the folds of the rubber with a cloth to remove the dirt that is hiding in that area. According to the same publication, cleaning vinegar can also be used on this part of the machine.
Care is justified because water tends to get trapped in the folds of the rubber. After each wash, wiping with a dry cloth and leaving the door ajar helps to air out the interior and reduces the likelihood of mold forming.
The drum also needs a dry wash
In addition to the filter, drawer and rubber, the drum must also be cleaned. To do this, the machine must be empty. Then, you can pour about half a cup of cleaning vinegar into the detergent drawer or directly into the drum.
The next step is to choose a long program with hot water, around 90 degrees. This cycle helps to loosen the dirt accumulated inside the machine and eliminate bacteria associated with bad odors.
At the end of the wash, wipe the drum, door and rubber bands with a clean, dry cloth. The idea is simple: prevent moisture from being retained, especially in areas where water tends to remain for longer.
More detergent can make the problem worse
Using more detergent doesn’t always mean cleaner or better-smelling clothes. On the contrary, excess product can accumulate inside the machine and contribute to the formation of waste.
To prevent the smell from returning, there are simple gestures that can be repeated after each use. Leaving the door open, drying the rubber, cleaning the drawer and checking the filter frequently will help keep the machine more ventilated and in better condition.
Before blaming the detergent, fabric softener or the clothes themselves, it’s worth confirming that the machine is properly cleaned. In many cases, the bad smell originates precisely in areas of the appliance that are rarely seen or cleaned.
Also read:
