The advantage of owning a front-load washer is that it conserves water and energy while washing your clothes.
A disadvantage may be a sudden bad odor wafting from the washing machine someday. This might be caused by mold, mildew, or bacteria sneakily grown along the rubber gasket present at the front of the washer. To make it worse, if left untreated for long enough, the terrible smell can transfer to your washed clothes.
If you’re wondering what causes the growth of this stink, causing mildew, it is the lack of proper cleaning.
It’s easy to assume that since the washing machine is subjected to hot water and detergent, it should keep itself clean, but in actuality, you need to clean the parts where running water doesn’t reach.
The rubber gasket at the washing machine’s door is another place lint, dirt, and soap get trapped and become a breeding ground for foul smells.
How to Remove the Smell
Check out these expert tips and tricks to remove bad odors from your washing machine:
1. Baking Soda to the Rescue
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with an equal amount of water. Run a full cycle after adding this solution to your machine’s detergent container.
2. The Vinegar Way
Take two cups of synthetic white vinegar and pour them into the drum. Run a full cycle to break up the soap residue inside the drum and remove any mold and resultant foul odors.
3. Start Scrubbing
Use a kitchen sponge to tackle any stubborn spots. Take water and white vinegar in equal proportions and mix them. Use a kitchen sponge, dip in the water-vinegar mix, and scrub the stubborn parts.
4. Call for Help
If you’ve used your DIY tricks and the smell is still lingering around in the washing machine, it is time to call the experts because the issue is likely to be mechanical and needs repair.
How To Prevent Your Washing Machine from Smelling
Run a cleaning cycle every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent any mildew buildup and keep the washing machine clean and fresh. You should also leave the machine’s door open, so the drum fully dries after each use. We wish you pleasant and odor-free laundry days ahead!