Say Goodbye to Washing Machine Odours with These Tips

A washing machine should leave your clothes fresh and clean, but over time, odours can develop inside the machine itself. This smell can transfer to your laundry, making it hard to achieve that crisp, just-washed scent. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can eliminate odours and keep your washing machine smelling fresh. Here’s how to tackle those unpleasant smells and prevent them from coming back.

1. Clean the Drum Regularly

One of the main causes of odours in a washing machine is residue from detergent, fabric softener, and grime. Over time, these build up in the drum, creating a musty smell.

How to Clean the Drum:

Run an Empty Cycle with Vinegar: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum and run an empty hot water cycle. Vinegar acts as a natural deodoriser, breaking down residues and neutralising odours.
Wipe the Drum with Baking Soda: After the cycle, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of the drum. Baking soda’s mild abrasive properties help remove any lingering residues.

Tip: Repeat this cleaning routine once a month to keep the drum fresh.

2. Remove and Clean the Detergent Drawer

Detergent and fabric softener can build up in the detergent drawer, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which contributes to unpleasant smells.

How to Clean the Detergent Drawer:

Remove the Drawer: Pull out the detergent drawer. Most drawers have a release latch to make removal easy.
Soak in Warm, Soapy Water: Soak the drawer in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Use a brush to scrub away residue, especially in hard-to-reach corners.
Dry Thoroughly: Dry the drawer completely before reinserting it to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mould.

Tip: Make it a habit to remove and clean the detergent drawer every couple of weeks.

3. Keep the Door Open Between Washes

After each wash, moisture is left inside the machine, creating an ideal environment for mould and mildew. Keeping the door closed traps this moisture, leading to odours.

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Dry:

Leave the Door Slightly Open: After each wash, leave the door open for a few hours to let the interior air out and dry naturally.
Wipe Down the Door Seal: Use a cloth to wipe any water or detergent residue from the door seal, as moisture often collects there.

Tip: If you have a front-loading machine, this step is especially important, as they are more prone to odour build-up.

4. Clean the Door Seal

The rubber door seal, or gasket, on front-loading machines often collects water, lint, and even small objects, leading to foul smells and even mould.

How to Clean the Door Seal:

Check for Residue: Pull back the rubber seal gently and look for any trapped lint, coins, or other debris.
Use Vinegar or a Mild Cleaner: Dampen a cloth with white vinegar or a mild cleaner and wipe down the seal. For stubborn mould spots, a toothbrush can help scrub them away.
Dry the Seal: After cleaning, use a dry cloth to ensure no moisture is left behind.

Tip: Clean the door seal once a week to prevent odours and mould growth.

5. Run a Monthly Maintenance Wash

A monthly maintenance wash helps remove detergent, fabric softener, and dirt build-up that causes unpleasant smells.

How to Run a Maintenance Wash:

Choose the Hottest Setting: Set your machine to its highest temperature, usually 90°C (194°F).
Add Vinegar and Baking Soda: Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum, and a few tablespoons of baking soda in the detergent drawer.
Run the Cycle: Let the machine run a full cycle without any laundry. This will deep-clean the machine and remove any odour-causing residue.

Tip: Regular maintenance washes keep your washing machine in optimal condition and odour-free.

6. Clean the Filter

The washing machine filter collects lint, coins, and other debris to protect the drain. If left uncleaned, it can contribute to bad smells and affect the machine’s efficiency.

How to Clean the Filter:

Locate the Filter: The filter is typically found at the bottom front of the machine. Check your machine’s manual if you’re unsure.
Remove and Clean the Filter: Place a towel underneath to catch any water, then remove the filter. Rinse it under warm water and use a brush to scrub away any trapped debris.
Reinsert the Filter: After cleaning, make sure to replace the filter securely.

Tip: Clean the filter every 2-3 months to prevent odours and keep your washing machine running efficiently.

7. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using too much detergent doesn’t make your clothes cleaner—instead, it can leave residue that causes odours.

How to Control Detergent Use:

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Use the amount of detergent recommended by your washing machine and detergent manufacturer.
Use High-Efficiency Detergent: If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, only use HE detergent to avoid excess suds that can lead to residue build-up.

Tip: Less is more with detergent—using the right amount will keep your washing machine cleaner and reduce the chance of odours.

8. Avoid Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer

Leaving wet clothes in the washer for extended periods allows moisture to settle, which can lead to musty smells in both the machine and your laundry.

How to Prevent Musty Smells:

Remove Clothes Promptly: Try to unload the washer as soon as a cycle is complete.
Use a Timer: If your washing machine doesn’t have an end-of-cycle alert, set a timer on your phone to remind you to remove clothes promptly.

Tip: For fresher-smelling clothes and a cleaner machine, never leave wet laundry sitting in the washer.

Conclusion

Keeping your washing machine free from odours is simple with a few regular cleaning habits. From cleaning the drum and door seal to running monthly maintenance washes and using the right amount of detergent, these steps will help keep your machine and laundry smelling fresh. A clean washing machine not only smells better but also performs more efficiently, ensuring your clothes come out cleaner with every wash.