Say Goodbye to Washing Machine Odor with This Simple Solution

Your washing machine has one main job: to clean clothes and leave them fresh and pleasant. But sometimes, it can do the opposite. A bad smell in your washing machine is frustrating but fixable once you identify the causes. Here are a few:

• Mold and Bacteria Buildup: The moist, dark environment inside the washing machine is perfect for mold and bacteria, which cause odors.
• Detergent Residue: Using too much powder or liquid detergent can leave residues, leading to bad smells.
• Low-Temperature Washing: Washing at a low temperature can be ineffective at killing bacteria and fungi, especially for items needing a deep clean, thus causing an unpleasant odor.
• Drainage Issues: A clogged or faulty drainage system can lead to standing water in the machine, allowing mold and smells to develop. This needs professional checking.

What Can You Do?

The surprising solution is in your kitchen: a bottle of vinegar. You can use vinegar alone or try other actions:

• Run a Cleaning Cycle: Most washing machines have a special cleaning cycle designed to remove dirt, mold, and bacteria. Run the cleaning cycle monthly, or after particularly dirty loads.
• Use Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural sanitizer that can help remove bad smells. Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the drum and run an empty cycle on a hot setting (140°F or 60°C).

• Clean the Softener Drawer: The softener drawer can get dirty and moldy over time. Regularly clean it with hot water and soap.
• Dry the Machine Door: After each wash, ensure the machine door stays open to allow air circulation and drying of the machine's interior.
• High-Temperature Washing: Ideally, wash certain fabrics like towels and rags at a relatively high temperature (140°F or 60°C) at least once a week to eliminate bacteria and fungi.

As mentioned, unpleasant washing machine odor is a common issue but easily resolved. By taking a few simple steps and using a household item, we can keep the washing machine functioning well and ensure clothes remain clean and fresh.

Do you use vinegar to clean your machine? Do you have another solution for cleaning and preventing bad smells? Share in the comments!