You may think that when you run your washing machine, it must smell clean. Think again! It sometimes happens that the latter emit strong unpleasant odors. Some even compare them to a sewer smell. Find out how to get rid of those stubborn bad odors coming from your washing machine.

Whether you use a jasmine, mint, lemon or lavender scented detergent, your washing machine can sometimes give off unpleasant odors. These annoying smells can spread throughout the room, whether your machine is in the laundry room or the bathroom.

How do you get rid of bad odors from your washing machine?

The foul odor you sometimes notice when you open your washing machine is due to the buildup of detergent and fabric softener residue in the machine and limescale buildup in the pipes. There are some simple, quick and effective grandma tricks to get rid of these stubborn odors.

  • Clean the drum of your washing machine

The drum of your washing machine can turn into a veritable nest of mold. The accumulation of detergents and limescale promotes the proliferation of bacteria that cause the appearance of a bad smell. To avoid this, it is recommended to clean it at least once a month.

To do this, prepare a solution of water and white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with this solution and spray it into the drum of your washing machine. Then, soak a microfiber cloth in this solution before running it through the drum.

White vinegar removes traces of lime scale and neutralizes bad odors from your washing machine. This process should be repeated at least once a month to disinfect your washing machine and absorb any lingering odors.

  • Clean the gasket of your washing machine

The gasket of your washing machine can also be the source of foul odors. Mold growth and the accumulation of detergent residues during washing combined with moisture promote the appearance of bad odors.

To clean it, you need to mix a few spoons of baking soda with some water in a container to make a paste. Spread it on the inside of the seal of your washing machine. Get an old toothbrush and scrub the joint with it. Rinse it all off and then wipe it with a sponge soaked in vinegar or lemon juice. Run another damp cloth through it and then dry it with a microfiber cloth. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus, thyme or vanilla essential oil to mask the vinegar smell if it bothers you.

Although the ingredients used are natural and organic, you must be careful to protect your hands when handling them. If you have sensitive skin, remember to put on gloves before you start cleaning your joint. Also, it is important to clean and dry the seal of your washing machine after each wash to eliminate soap residue and standing water. This will prevent mold from forming and bad odors from appearing.

  • The filter of your washing machine can also be the source of bad odors

You may have noticed this when removing the filter from your washing machine. The latter tends to get dirty quickly and create bad odors. Remember to clean the filter to eliminate them. To do this, you must first unplug your machine, remove the filter and let the water flow into a basin. Make sure to drain all the water from your machine.

The filter must be cleaned by soaking it in a mixture of water and white vinegar for a few hours to make it like new. This mixture is very effective and less abrasive than bleach. At least every three months it is necessary to renew the operation to ensure optimal maintenance of the filter and expel unpleasant odors throughout the house.

By regularly cleaning the various components of your washing machine, you extend its life and get rid of foul and stubborn odors.