Laundry day is supposed to be about the sweet scent of freshly washed clothes, not a battle with a smelly washing machine. If your laundry is taking on an unexpected and unpleasant fragrance, it is time to roll up your sleeves and give your washing machine the cleaning it deserves. In this guide by Bear Brothers Cleaning, we will walk you through a simple yet practical guide to banishing those unpleasant odors.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Materials Needed
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Distilled water
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Affresh or other washing machine cleaner tablets (optional)
Emptying and Cleaning the Smelly Washing Machine
- Start by removing any clothes or items from the washing machine. Ensure that the drum is empty.
- Simultaneously, clean the rubber door seal with an old toothbrush and a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, scrubbing away any stubborn residues and delving into every nook and cranny.
Run the Vinegar Cycle and Wipe the Drum
- Run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar to dissolve soap scum and kill mold and bacteria.
- Wipe down the drum, agitator, and other surfaces using a microfiber cloth or sponge soaked in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Clean the Dispensers
Remove and clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers. Soak them in a solution of vinegar and water for a few minutes, then scrub away any residue with an old toothbrush.
Baking Soda Cycle and Wipe Down Exterior
- Sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the drum and run a hot water cycle to neutralize odors and break down residue.
- Concurrently wipe down the washing machine’s exterior with vinegar and water solution, focusing on control knobs, buttons, and surfaces prone to grime buildup.
Freshen Up with Lemon or Essential Oils (Optional)
For a refreshing scent, place a few lemon slices in the drum or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda before running the cycle.
Perform Regular Washing Machine Maintenance
To prevent future odors, leave the door or lid of your washing machine open between cycles to allow air circulation. Also, consider using washing machine cleaner tablets like Affresh once a month to maintain a machine that smells fresh.
Bid farewell to laundry day woes as you embrace a washing machine that cleans your clothes and smells refreshingly clean. These simple steps set your laundry routine for a fragrant and fresh future! Regular maintenance will keep your machine working efficiently and ensure your clothes come out smelling clean and fresh every time.
