subject: The Smelly Washing Machine [print this page] Encountering a musty smell in your washing machine is a problem that you share with almost half the world. This little piece of equipment has one of the simplest yet complex problem that any machine could ever have. Trying to find out alone where the smell is coming from can already take you the whole day.
One of the most common reasons why your washing machine seems to give off a very smelly odor includes organic materials, including dead rodents, getting caught in the filter. In instances like these, you would usually catch a strong scent that is comparable to a rotten egg which could be quite hard to ignore. In order to remove this smell, you need to find first what is making the odor ad remove it. You can then run a cycle of water and white vinegar or water and lemon juice to take away the smell.
Another reason for having a smelly washing machine is the presence of standing water as well as trapped moisture. The odor could be a bit musty and could be easily removed with the use of baking soda. Wiping your washing machine dry can also help remove the odor.
A smelly washing machine could also indicate the presence of mold and mildew. Since both could pose a threat to your health, you would need to have your washing machine cleaned immediately. You can do this by running a cycle of hot water with mild bleach and then wiping your machine completely dry. It is also recommended that you also clean the ducts and the pipes to ensure that no spores remain.
There are also instances when the smell in washing machine is caused by the seldom use of the machine. This is especially the case in front loading machines. Aside from regularly using your machine, leaving the door open for a few minutes after you have finished your laundry can ensure that no moisture remains.
Sometimes, using the wrong detergent can cause bad smell in washing machine. Using the wrong detergent can cause residue build up along the ducts and filters. This residue could turn into grime and could serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
