And there you have it—now you know what to do. It’s also important to make this a regular cleaning habit, since detergent residue and mold are what eventually cause those bad odors that cling to your clothes.
2. How Do I Clean My Washing Machine?
High-temperature empty cycle: Pour 1 liter of white vinegar into the drum and run an empty cycle at 90°C (194°F) to disinfect the tank and eliminate bacteria. It’s recommended to do this twice a year.
Cleaning the drum: To remove bad odors, wipe down the inside of the drum, the seal, and the door with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. White vinegar will also freshen your machine.
Drying the drum: Always leave the door open after each wash so the drum can dry properly.
How to Eliminate Bad Odors in the Washing Machine?
There’s nothing more frustrating than smelling a musty odor on your laundry right after it’s been washed. As mentioned before, mold can easily develop inside your washing machine, causing a strong smell that can even be harmful to allergy sufferers.
To get rid of it, it’s essential to occasionally clean your washing machine with a strong descaling solution. You can use store-bought cleaners or homemade remedies like a mix of baking soda and distilled white vinegar. These natural ingredients are excellent for descaling and disinfecting your appliance. Just pour the solution into the detergent drawer and run an empty cycle at 90°C (194°F).
3. Other Important Tips:
Clean the detergent drawer:
Do this at least once a week to prevent excess detergent from building up, which could cause mold and unpleasant odors later.
Use the self-cleaning function:
Many machines have this option, which runs a 70°C cleaning cycle to remove bacteria. However, the results are not always perfect.
Leave the door open after washing:
Golden rule—always keep the washing machine door open after a cycle to allow proper ventilation. If the door is kept closed, air can’t circulate, and bacteria will grow due to moisture buildup.
Wipe the door seal after every wash:
Moisture often hides in the rubber door seal. Use a clean cloth after each wash to dry it thoroughly. If ignored, trapped water can quickly cause bad odors.
Now your washing machine will stay clean, fresh, and odor-free with just a little regular care.
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