How do you get rid of a bad smell in a washing machine?
How to get rid of the smell
Fat lice and accompanying the odor are caused by soap residue mixing with skin cells, for example. There are different ways to prevent and reduce odor:
- Tip 1: run a hot program.
- Tip 2: clean the rubber ring.
- Tip 3: empty the drain filter.
- Tip 4: clean the detergent drawer.
- Tip 5: use the new washing machine a few times
Tip 1: run a hot program
By running a hot program every month, you can remove the fat lice bacteria and prevent nasty odors. Keep in mind that bacteria only die at a temperature of 60°C and up.
- Empty the drum.
- Select a 90°C or 95°C cycle.
- Pour a cup of vinegar into the detergent drawer.
- Leave the washing machine door open after the program so the drum dries completely.
Tip 2: clean the rubber ring
There's a lot of dirt stuck in the rubber ring of the washing machine door. That's not strange, since a lot of the dirt ends up at the washing machine filter via the rubber. Make sure to regularly clean the ring.
- Add a splash of dish soap to some hot water.
- Soak a clean cloth in the water and wipe the entire rubber ring.
- Carefully scrub away stubborn dirt with an old toothbrush.
- Dry the rubber with a clean cloth.
Tip 3: empty the washing machine filter
Fat lice tend to build up in the filter at the front, which causes a nasty odor. If you empty and clean the filter, you can prevent bad smells:
- Place an empty bucket below the filter.
- Open the lid.
- Drain the washing machine via the drain hose and carefully remove the filter.
- Rinse the gray goo from the filter with warm water from the faucet.
- Put the filter back again once it's clean and close the hatch.
Tip 4: wipe the detergent drawer
Clean the detergent drawer to remove fat lice and odors:
- Carefully pull the detergent drawer out of your washing machine.
- Rinse away the soap residues with hot water.
- Dry all parts with a clean cloth.
- Put the detergent drawer back.
Tip 5: use your new washing machine a few times
Do you have a new washing machine and do you smell a chemical plastic smell? That's okay. The new plastic parts of the appliance heat up during a wash cycle and give off a plastic odor. This smell disappears by itself after a few wash cycles.
Buy a washing machine cleaner
- Effectively removes soap and grease residues and prevents bad odors.
- Extends the lifespan of your appliance.
- You'll have enough for 4 cleaning sessions.
Prevent smells
Now that your washing machine is clean again, you want it to stay that way. The good news is that you don't have to do all these steps at the same time. For example, you can run a 90-degree cycle every month and plan a moment to clean the rubber. Check the filter every other month and make sure to also clean the detergent drawer when you do. As an added bonus, your washing machine will last a lot longer, too.
