The trick to eliminate all bad odors from the washing machine: a single product from the kitchen is enough for you
You may think that by running wash cycles, your washing machine must smell clean. Think again ! It sometimes happens that the latter gives off strong unpleasant odors. Some even liken them to a sewer smell. Find out how to get rid of those stubborn bad smells that emanate from your washing machine.
Whether you use a detergent scented with jasmine, mint, lemon or lavender, it can happen that your washing machine gives off bad smells. These unpleasant odors can spread throughout the room, whether your machine is placed in the laundry room or in the bathroom
The foul odor that you sometimes smell in opening your washing machine is due to the accumulation of detergent and fabric softener residues in the appliance and to the formation of limescale in the pipes. There are some simple, quick and effective grandmother’s tricks to eliminate those stubborn smells.
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Clean the drum of your washing machine
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Clean the seal of your washing machine
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The filter of your washing machine can also be the source of bad smells
The drum of the washing machine can turn into a veritable mold nest. The accumulation of detergent and limestone promotes the proliferation of bacteria, which causes the appearance of a bad smell. To avoid this, it is recommended to clean it at least once a month.
To do this, prepare a solution of water and white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with said solution and spray it into the drum of your washing machine. Then soak a microfiber cloth in this solution before passing it through the drum.
The white vinegar removes traces of limescale and neutralizes bad odors from your washing machine. This operation should be repeated at least once a month to disinfect your washing machine and absorb persistent odours.
washing machine gasket – Source: spm
Your washing machine seal can also be the source of foul odors coming from it. The formation of mold and the accumulation of detergent residues over washing, combined with humidity, promote the appearance of bad odors.
To clean it, you will need mix in a container a few spoons of baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Spread it on the inside of the gasket of your washing machine. Get an old toothbrush and use it to scrub the joint. Rinse everything, then wipe with a sponge soaked in white vinegar or lemon juice. Wipe another damp cloth then dry with a microfiber cloth.
You can add a few drops of eucalyptus, thyme or vanilla essential oil to mask the smell of vinegar if it bothers you.
Although the ingredients used are natural and ecological, care must be taken to protect your hands when handling them. If your skin is sensitive, remember to put on gloves before starting to clean your seal.
In addition, it is important to clean and dry the seal of your machine Wash after each wash to remove soap scum and standing water. This will prevent the formation of mold and the appearance of bad smells.
You may have noticed this when removing the filter from your washing machine. The latter tends to get dirty quickly and produce bad odors. To eliminate these, remember to clean the filter. To do this, you must first unplug your machine, remove the filter and let the water flow into a basin. Be sure to empty all the water from your machine.
As for the filter, it must be cleaned by soaking it for a few hours in a mixture of water and white vinegar so that be like new. This mixture is very effective and less abrasive than bleach. It is necessary to renew the operation at least every three months to guarantee optimal maintenance of the filter and to drive out unpleasant odors throughout the house.
By regularly cleaning the various components of your washing machine, you prolong its life and drive out nauseous and persistent odors.
Also read How to get rid of cigarette smell on clothes without putting them in the washing machine? Here are solutions that work
