How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

If your washing machine is smelly, your clothes might get smelly too. Luckily there are a few easy steps to a clean and fresh smelling washing machine.

The most common cause of smelly washing machine is clogged filter. Remove it and clean it using detergent and hot water but don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Any built-up fluff and clothes fibres clogging the filter may be also trapping detergent and dirt which causes that smell.

You should also give the detergent drawer a good clean regularly using an old toothbrush to clean hard to reach areas.

The smell could be caused by built-up of dirt, mildew and detergent residue around the rubber seals and inside the drum. Use hot water and detergent to clean these areas, especially the rubber seals. After you clean it run an empty cycle to rinse the drum clean of detergent.

To give your washing machine a thorough clean, run an empty cycle on the hottest wash setting with washing soda crystals or clear vinegar. This will flush out dirt and mildew residue. Run another empty cycle on hot setting after this so you get rid of any vinegar remains before your next load of laundry.

Doing these regularly will keep your washing machine in clean and smell-free condition.