Over time, dirt and residue can accumulate in washing machines as a result of continuous use. These can hinder the machine’s efficient operation and cause it to look dirty. Machine cleaners were designed to solve these problems. They are easy to use and effectively remove dirt and residue from your machine, providing excellent freshness. Moreover, they allow you to perform this task in a single step, thus helping you to accomplish two tasks at once.
Why Does a Washing Machine Smell?
The primary cause of a washing machine smelling is the use of low heat and minimal detergent during the washing process. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and microorganisms in the machine, which can cause unpleasant odors. Additionally, leaving wet clothes in the machine drum after washing can also lead to bad smells. Machine parts that remain damp in enclosed spaces after the washing process can also lead to the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. Accumulated dirt, fabric threads, lint, and hair can also cause odors over time.
To solve these problems, it is necessary to wash clothes regularly at high temperatures and with sufficient detergent. It is also important to thoroughly dry the clothes after washing and not leave them in enclosed spaces. Additionally, you can use machine cleaners to clean the machine regularly and prevent the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. If the odors persist even after taking these measures, it is necessary to contact an authorized service.
How to Remove Washing Machine Odor?
The first step in eliminating washing machine odor is to clean the machine parts. Before doing this, it is important to disconnect the electricity and carefully read the instructions for use. This way, you can clean the machine safely and without damaging it. Additionally, you should make sure that the product you will use during the cleaning process is suitable for use in washing machines. You can clean machine parts such as the drum, filter, water storage compartments, and detergent compartments separately. Clean dirty parts and stuck materials with a soft cloth or brush using an appropriate cleaning product. This will eliminate the source of odors and restore the machine’s performance.
Cleaning the Front Gasket of a Washing Machine
After opening the door of the washing machine, you need to clean any residue that may cause dirt and odor in every part between the drum and the door gasket. The gaps between the drum and the door gasket may be filled with materials such as fabric threads, lint, and hair. You can wipe these parts by hand or with the help of a cloth. Similarly, you should pay attention to the machine’s filter. The filter traps materials such as dirt, detergent residue, and lint. If the filter is not clean, the steam from the water inside the machine cannot escape, leading to an unpleasant odor. A clean filter is essential for a healthy and odor-free washing machine.
Cleaning the Detergent Compartment of the Washing Machine
Cleaning the detergent compartments is very important because detergent residues, stagnant water, and fabric softener residues can cause odor and promote the growth of bacteria in these areas. To clean, it is recommended to remove the detergent compartments and wash them by hand with a sponge or cloth and detergent. You can also use a toothbrush for small crevices. Once cleaned, make sure to dry the detergent compartments thoroughly and put them back in place. Remember to also clean the upper and lower areas of the compartment.
Cleaning the Washing Machine Filter
The filter located at the bottom of the machine is usually the last part to be cleaned. It is important to place a suitable container to hold the water beneath the filter cover before opening it. When you remove the filter, you may find dirt such as coins, fabric threads, and hair. Wash the filter to remove the dirt and place it back in its proper position.
Cleaning the Internal Parts
Starting from the outside of the machine, we clean the machine parts properly and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. To remove accumulated dirt and odors from the internal parts, you can use a machine cleaner or make an economical cleaner by mixing vinegar and baking soda. If using a machine cleaner, pour a 200ml packet into the detergent compartment and run the machine empty. Since the machine cleaner is effective even at low temperatures, you can run it at any desired program and temperature without adding detergent or bleach. Repeat this process every three months for the best results.
How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Odor?
Before the washing machine odor becomes a problem, you can follow the steps below:
• Immediately remove the laundry from the machine when the washing cycle is complete. This will prevent the inside of the machine from developing a smell by removing moisture. Some machine models may have a warning feature that alerts you when the washing cycle is complete.
• Leave the machine lid slightly open when it will not be in use for a period of time. This allows the moisture inside to dissipate, preventing the machine from developing a smell. However, if there are small children or pets in the house, this can be dangerous, so be careful.
• Wipe the front gasket seal with a dry cloth after each washing program. Additionally, clean the machine parts at certain times according to the instructions in the user manual.
• Run your machine empty every three months using a washing machine cleaner. This will provide you with the most effective results. Learn from the manufacturer how much detergent and laundry you can put in the machine at once.
• Using too much detergent and preferring foaming detergents can cause residual odor. Therefore, be careful to use efficient and non-foaming detergents.