How to Stop Your Washing Machine Smelling

Keeping your washing machine in top condition is essential for both performance and longevity, especially if you want to make the most of your appliance in the long run. Regular maintenance not only ensures a cleaner wash for your clothes but also prevents unpleasant odors, buildup, and costly repairs down the line. From cleaning the detergent dispensers and sanitizing the drum to maintaining the door seal and using the right products, these simple steps will keep your machine running efficiently. Plus, with sustainable practices like water-softener tablets and proper detergent use, you can embrace eco-friendly habits while maximizing the life of your washing machine.

Cleaning the Detergent Dispensers

Follow these steps to clean your detergent dispensers:

1. Remove soap, bleach, and softener dispensers
2. Rinse with warm water
3. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup
4. Dry completely before returning to the machine

Sanitizing the Washing Machine

Choose either:

• 4 cups of chlorine bleach (2 cups for front loaders)
• 2 cups of white vinegar

Then follow these steps:

1. Run a hot water cycle or 'clean washer' cycle
2. Follow with an additional rinse cycle
3. Leave the door open after cleaning to allow moisture to evaporate

Important: Sanitize every few months, especially with frequent use.

Maintaining the Rubber Door Seal

For front-loading machines:

1. Wipe the rubber gasket with a damp cloth
2. Use a cotton swab with white vinegar or mild detergent for tight spots
3. Ensure the gasket dries properly by leaving the door open after each wash

Running Service Wash Cycles

Follow these steps for a service wash:

1. Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting with a professional washing machine cleaner
2. Follow with an additional rinse if recommended
3. Leave the door open after the cycle

Perform a service wash monthly to maintain efficiency and extend the machine's lifespan.

Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter

To clean the drain pump filter:

1. Locate and open the drain pump filter panel
2. Place a tray underneath to catch water
3. Remove the filter, clean out debris, and rinse the drain tube
4. Reattach securely

Pro tip: Clean the drain pump filter monthly for smooth operation.

Using the Right Detergent and Fabric Softener

• Use High-Efficiency (HE) detergents and avoid excess
• Use fabric softener sparingly or consider alternatives like wool dryer balls
• For best results, use an HE detergent with a machine cleaner monthly

Studies have shown that using the correct type and amount of detergent can significantly improve washing machine performance and longevity¹.

Removing Wet Clothes Promptly

Remove clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle ends to prevent musty smells. Leaving wet clothes in the machine allows mould, mildew, and bacteria to grow, producing unpleasant odours.

Transfer clothes to the dryer or drying line immediately after washing. If you can't attend to the laundry right away, set a reminder on your phone.

If clothes develop a slight smell from being left too long, rewash them with a splash of white vinegar to neutralise the odour.

After unloading, leave the washing machine door open to allow the drum to dry completely, preventing future mildew problems.

Using Water-Softener Tablets

Limescale buildup from hard water can contribute to foul smells in washing machines. It occurs when dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium are left behind during the wash cycle, creating a breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria and mould.

Water-softener tablets can prevent limescale buildup. Add one to the drum with your laundry to dissolve minerals and prevent them from sticking to the machine's metal parts.

• Regular use of water-softener tablets can extend the life of your washing machine by preventing limescale damage.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Using these tablets aligns with the second-hand shopping ethos of caring for what we have and getting the most out of our possessions.

Keeping your washing machine clean and fresh extends its life, ensuring it continues to serve you well as you embrace second-hand shopping and its benefits. Regular maintenance can increase a washing machine's lifespan by up to 50%, making it a crucial aspect of sustainable living.