How to clean a washing machine that smells bad?

Has your washing machine been smelling unpleasant for some time? Discover all our tips and advice on how to clean a washing machine that smells bad and prevent it from happening again.

There are several reasons why a washing machine gives off bad odors. They are mainly related to the formation of bacteria caused by humidity, water stagnation or detergent residue stuck in your machine, the rubber seal or the pipes. To eliminate these odors and avoid using harmful industrial products that risk damaging your washing machine and polluting the water table, we reveal to you our 100% natural maintenance tips.


How to clean a washing machine that smells bad?

If your washing machine smells bad, start by running a high temperature (60 ° C or 90 ° C) vacuum wash cycle by pouring a liter of white vinegar and a cup of baking soda into the drum of the machine. . Run the program for one or two minutes, then let sit for an hour, while the mixture acts on the bacteria.

The White vinegar and the baking soda are known for their naturally cleansing and degreasing properties. White vinegar is also an excellent anti-limescale. This mixture should get rid of the bacteria responsible for bad odors and at the same time descale your drum and your pipes.

Shopping:

Technical bicarbonate of soda 500g, THE ECOLOGICAL DRUG, € 2.92
White alcohol vinegar eco can 5L, ECODOO, € 9.26

To complete this wash, remember to clean your drum, the detergent drawer as well as the rubber seals which are generally places where bacteria proliferate. Never use an abrasive product or a brush to clean these elements, it may damage them. Prefer the use of white vinegar and a soft cloth or sponge. Pour the white vinegar on the sponge and clean the inside of your drum, your seals and the laundry tub in every nook and cranny. Do not hesitate to remove your detergent drawer entirely to clean it from top to bottom. You can also preheat the white vinegar by mixing it with a little water. This hot mixture will even more easily remove traces of mold and dirt stains.

If despite this major cleaning odors persist, then they may be tucked away in the pipes or in the filter of your washing machine.

  • Check that your water inlet hose is not blocked or positioned too high preventing proper drainage of dirt. Clean it and correct its position if necessary.
  • Also clean the filters, referring to your instruction manual. Take a basin for a complete emptying of the device and remove the residues stuck in the filter.

How to descale a washing machine?

As we have seen, your main ally for descaling a washing machine without damaging it is white vinegar. Industrial cleaning products are often too toxic and corrosive for your device.
Run a long cycle at high temperature with a liter of white vinegar in the drum to get rid of the toughest traces of lime.


Good habits to take to maintain your washing machine

To avoid the formation of bad odors and prolong the life of your washing machine, there are reflexes to have throughout the year:

  • Regularly clean the detergent drawer and the drum
  • Quickly remove clothes and linens from the drum after the wash cycle is complete
  • Regularly check the condition of the seal and clean it if necessary with a soft cloth
  • Use a detergent that dissolves easily in the wash
  • Favor the use of natural and non-toxic household products
  • Regularly alternate low temperature detergents with high temperature detergents (60 ° C min)
  • Leave the door and the detergent drawer open after washing to give the machine time to dry
  • Schedule a 90 ° C vacuum cleaning cycle with one liter of white vinegar twice a year
  • Regularly check the condition of the pipes and filters and clean them if necessary.


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