Some useful tips to get rid of bad smells emanating from the washing machine
It can happen that the laundry, as soon as it comes out of the washing machine, smells bad. It is a more common problem than you may think, and can have different causes.
Bad smells can permeate freshly washed clothes. After investigating and discovering the cause, it is possible to use some strategies to resolve this problem and prevent it from happening again. We have listed below the main, possible causes of bad smells in the laundry and their related solutions. Keep reading for more information:
There are four main types of bad smells and their possible causes:
- If you smell sewage, it is advised that you make sure that there are no ruptured pipes and to make sure that what you are smelling is not really sewage (as sewage gas can damage your health). If after cleaning the washing machine the smell persists, you need to call a plumber.
- It can be the case that there is mold in the machine and / or stale humidity in the air. This is probably caused by water which accumulates in the nooks and crannies of the washing machine and then stagnates. Or it could be a sock or some other small wet garment that has become trapped in the rubber seal of the door. In general, it is good practice to leave the washing machine open to allow the water to dry out and to avoid overloading the drum when doing the washing.
- If the smell is of burning, it probably means some part of the machine is overheating and / or not working properly. For your safety, call a technician to make an assessment repair any broken / damaged machine parts.
- At other times, the unpleasant smell can be similar to rotten eggs and, in this case, it is due to molds and bacteria growing in dirt residue. The only solution for this is a thorough cleaning of the washing machine.
- Each part of the washing machine requires a deep cleaning when it starts to smell. Cleaning like this regularly can definitely eliminate the problem of bad smells.
- If you have found that the problem is a clogged pipe or the filter, it is always much better to have them cleaned by a plumber. The only thing that is advisable for you to do yourself, periodically, is to drain the water from the emergency drain hose into a basin.
- If you find out that the odor problem is related to dirt in the nooks and crannies of the washing machine, resolving this is simple. You can clean these crevices out by filling a spray bottle with a mixture of water and white vinegar, mixed in equal parts. Spray this liquid mix on the affected parts and, after leaving it on for a while, clean everything thoroughly with a damp cloth (you can also use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices).
- Detergent dispenser: To clean the detergent dispenser drawer (another area where mold and bacteria easily accumulate), remove it from its housing. Fill it with hot water and soap and, after at least an hour, remove all the dirt with the help of an old toothbrush. Rinse and wipe it with a cloth soaked in a mixture of water and white vinegar (described above). Only replace the drawer after it has dried out thoroughly.
- At this point, you can move on to cleaning the drum which is, without a doubt, a key measure for the elimination of bad smells. Pour white vinegar or bleach into the detergent dispensing drawer or the drum (if it is a top-loader). Start a long wash cycle, taking care to select the highest possible temperature. After washing, leave the door open until the machine is completely dry.
By taking these recommended precautions and carrying out these suggested cleaning methods regularly, bad odors should disappear completely. In any case, a regular cleaning routine is important to stick to.
