Reducing Smells (Odors?) in Your Washing Machine

We all love it—that warm, fresh smell of laundry right out of the washing machine. We think that because our washing machines are for cleaning, they should be clean, right?

 Just like most appliances and machines around your home, your washing machine needs to be inspected and maintained regularly. If your washing machine is not properly maintained and cared for, it can result in some bad odors, and nobody wants that. There are a variety of reasons why your washing machine may become a bit smelly, and to keep those foul odors under control, there are some steps you can take to keep it well-maintained and odor-free.

 Does your washing machine smell?

Keep your drum, seals, and door clean

Lint builds up, and a dirty drum can play a big part in why your washing machine has that funky smell. Even though it is a “washing machine,” it can still accumulate laundry soap residue, dirt, and lint. Over time, moisture, along with built-up residues, can lead to mildew, mold, and a musty smell if your washing machine isn’t properly maintained and kept clean.

 Cleaning the inside surfaces of the drum, seals, and door regularly with vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner is recommended. Vinegar is an all-natural cleaner that is inexpensive, does a great job of eliminating odors, and won’t damage any of your washing machine’s internal components.

 Built-up lint can also lead to odors in your washing machine, so make sure to clean out the lint filters after every load. If you make this a habit, you can reduce odors and eliminate another source of potential smells.

 Although using bleach in white loads can help to kill bacteria, eliminate mildew, and remove some mold strains, it usually only affects the internal drum and not the seals or other areas such as the seals in the door.

Cleaning the washing machine seal

 Remove wet clothing

Leaving wet clothes to sit after the wash cycle or throwing wet towels and such in the washing machine to be washed later can also create an environment for mold and mildew to grow. Mold likes dark, moist environments. Leaving clothes in the washing machine can provide an ideal environment for mold to grow and spread.

 Don’t overload your washing machine

You naturally want to get the most out of every load of laundry. Overloading your washing machine makes it difficult for water and detergent to circulate efficiently. Just because the drum has extra room doesn’t mean you should fill it.

 Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the proper load size for your washing machine. By properly loading your washing machine, everything will be cleaned and rinsed of any soap residue and dirt. By being a bit more moderate with your loads, you can reduce buildup and keep bad odors at bay.

 Residue and water build up at a door seal

 Cleaning products

Determining the correct amount of soap or other cleaning products will vary with the material, color, size, and weight of every load. Too much soap can result in residue buildup in your washing machine. Not enough soap, and your clothes may not feel and smell clean. Read your cleaning product labels for recommended amounts based on load size.

 Summary

Sticking to a regular schedule for cleaning and maintenance will help get rid of the sources of bad odors. Taking care of the machine that takes care of your clothing will be well worth it in the long run.

 At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Although inspection of washing machines is outside the scope of a home inspection, our home inspectors will note any bad smells during the course of your home inspection. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.

 Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.