Help, My Laundry Smells: Tips to Fix It

Deep Clean the Detergent Drawer

Black spots in the detergent and softener drawer indicate mold and fungus buildup. To combat this, remove the drawer and clean it thoroughly with a cloth dipped in water and bleach. For areas that are hard to reach, use a toothbrush, or place the entire drawer in the dishwasher.

Thorough Cleaning of the Drum

To clean the drum, you can use either white vinegar or bleach. Both are excellent for a deep clean of all machine parts. It's advisable to perform this treatment weekly to keep the machine free of grime and bacteria, preventing any unwanted odors from sticking to clothes:

Pour two cups of bleach into the drum or soak a rag in bleach and run the machine empty on a short 30-minute cycle. Use the same method with white vinegar, but adjust the quantity to about half a liter.

Clean the Rubber Seals

Dirt often accumulates in the crevices of the rubber seals, leading to mold and fungus. It's important to clean the rubber after each wash or at least weekly with a damp cloth and some bleach or other cleaning agent.

Since water residues tend to remain in the crevices of the rubber, they should be absorbed by the cloth frequently, rather than letting them sit and develop unpleasant odors.

Pipe Cleaning

Periodic cleaning of the internal parts of the washing machine is necessary. Due to Israel's hard water, limescale can often accumulate on these parts related to the pipes, so it's crucial to clean them to restore proper operation and leave the laundry smelling fresh.

To remove limescale from the pipes, place half a cup of citric acid in the detergent compartment and run the machine empty on the boil wash cycle.

Two Last Helpful Tips

Always, and I mean always, leave the drum door open when not using the machine. This way, the drum airs out, preventing unpleasant odors from developing.

Make sure to dust the machine every few days, as dust particles can invade the laundry, affecting its cleanliness and the way it smells.