How To Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh and Clean
If you have ever smelt a stale odour coming from your washing machine, then you will know just how awful it can be. This is not only offensive to your nose anytime that you are close enough to smell it, but it is also completely pointless to clean and freshen laundry in such an unclean machine. Most people put on washes at 40 degrees which simply isn’t hot enough to get rid of bacteria. Don’t worry, it is perfectly good to use 40 degree washes, they are optimal for general routine cleaning, the sufficient lifetime of the clothing, as well as the economy of your household bills, and the environment. However, there are steps that can be followed in between washes to stop the washing machine smelling.
Something that will keep bacteria under control is to run a very hot wash with no clothes in it, which about once a month should suffice. Some more modern and expensive washing machines actually have a special maintenance service wash setting for this, but if not, putting it on a really hot wash is just what to do. Putting something into the drawer like half a bottle of white vinegar, or adding soda crystals to the wash is a good idea too to keep everything running smooth. Don’t use washing powder or liquid as this can build up in places, as can limescale, and this is an opportunity to clean this away.
Take this opportunity to wipe around the rubber seal at the door and clean the drawer. Also, keeping the washing machine drawer, and the door, open between washes until they are dry inside will help cut down on mould and bacteria growth which causes the bad smell.