Smelly washing machine

My washing machine is smelly. What can I do about this? Is it easy and safe to deal with DIY?

Asked by duncan on 18th Sep 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"Dealing with a smelly washing machine is a common issue and can often be addressed with simple DIY methods. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Clean the detergent drawer and door seal: Remove any detergent residue, lint, or mold buildup from these areas using a cloth or sponge soaked in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
2. Run a hot water cycle with vinegar: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a hot water cycle without any clothes. This helps to dissolve residue and kill bacteria.
3. Clean the drum: Wipe down the inside of the drum with a cloth soaked in vinegar or use a commercial washing machine cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Leave the door open: After each wash, leave the washing machine door open to allow moisture to evaporate, preventing mold and mildew growth.
5. Check the drain pump filter: Occasionally check and clean the drain pump filter, as trapped debris can contribute to odors."
Answered on 19th Apr 2024 - Member since Apr 2024 - report
"Put 2 lemons and toothpaste for a rinse circle and it will get rid of the smell"
Answered on 6th Jun 2024 - Member since Mar 2024 - report
"Service engineer for dishwashers

Make sure the washing machine or dishwasher is empty and fill the detergent tray of the dishwasher to the top measure with HG washing machine and dishwasher deep clean and service. Set the programme on the highest possible temperature (65 °C). Start the complete programme immediately and let it run without interruptions. The dishwasher is ready for use.

Service engineer for washing machines

In washing machines, the main detergent tray or the machine itself must be filled with one whole bottle of HG washing machine and dishwasher deep clean and service. Do not add extra detergent. Set the programme on the setting for dark laundry (60 °C). Switch the washing machine on and let the programme finish completely, without interrupting, including spin drying. The washing machine is ready for use."
Answered on 18th Sep 2022 - Member since Aug 2022 - report
"Fill a mug with 1/4 part baking soda and the same amount of detergent, then pour the mixture of the two substances into the dispenser of the washing machine, this will be the real thing. Pour 2 dl of vinegar into the drum and start an empty wash at the highest temperature."
Answered on 19th Sep 2022 - Member since Dec 2021 - report
"Mix a quarter of soda with quarter cup of water and add it the machine detergent container. Add four cups of white plain vinegar to a top-load machine. Pour the vinegar into the drum and run a high temperature cycle."
Answered on 2nd Aug 2024 - Member since Jul 2024 - report
"Hi yes it is very easy just put a bottle of vinegar inside and turn it on on a regular program"
Answered on 19th Sep 2022 - Member since Apr 2022 - report
"Yes, fighting washing machine odours is a DIY project! There are a couple of common culprits and easy solutions using household items:

Mould and mildew build-up: This is a frequent cause of washing machine smells. The dark, damp environment inside the machine is perfect for them to thrive.

Solution: Baking soda and vinegar are natural deodorizers and can help tackle this. Here's what to do:
Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar poured directly into the drum (4 cups for top-loaders)
Alternatively, for a pre-clean, make a paste with ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water. Apply it around the gasket (the rubber seal around the door) and detergent dispenser. Let it sit for 30 minutes before running the hot water and vinegar cycle.
Residual detergent or fabric softener: Using too much detergent or softener can leave build-up, leading to odours.

Solution: Run an empty hot water cycle with no cleaning agents. This will help flush out any leftover residue.
Here are some additional tips:

Leave the washing machine door open after a cycle to allow moisture to escape and prevent mould growth.
Wipe down the door gasket regularly to remove any trapped dirt or mildew.
Consider using a washing machine cleaning tablet for a more powerful clean every few months.
Safety tip: Never mix bleach and vinegar as it creates harmful fumes.

Following these steps should help eliminate the odours in your washing machine. If the smell persists, you may want to consult a professional appliance repair service."
Answered on 26th Jun 2024 - Member since Feb 2024 - report
"Hello, White vinegar is a great solution! Do one empty wash with a cup of white vinegar"
Answered on 6th Jul 2024 - Member since Apr 2024 - report
"The main reason for unpleasant odors coming from the inside of the washing machine is reckless and spontaneous use of the equipment without following the manufacturer's guidelines, especially in terms of the amount of detergents used. The smell in the washing machine is caused by the chemical reactions of the detergents remaining in the drum. Usually we use too much detergent for washing. Washing detergent or concentrate remaining in the drum will not improve the good "condition" of the washing machine. It is enough to pour one tablespoon of detergent into the chamber for one washing cycle."
Answered on 24th Oct 2022 - Member since Oct 2022 - report
"There are small bottles of washing machine cleaner before and after each wash."
Answered on 8th Jul 2024 - Member since Jun 2024 - report
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