How To Effectively Clean A Smelly Washing Machine in Flower Mound

Avoiding a smelly washing machine in your Flower Mound home is something that may seem perplexing, but it is quite preventable. Have you ever wondered why bad smells still happen even after using soap, water, bleach, and laundry detergents in the washing machine? It's likely because it needs a good clean. The accumulation of soap scum not only creates unsightly stains but also provides an ideal environment for the growth of mildew and mold, leading to unpleasant odors. To maintain your washing machine in optimal condition and to guarantee the cleanliness of your clothes, it is essential to clean it regularly. It doesn't necessarily need to be cleaned weekly, but it should be scrubbed out at least once a month.

Nothing is more discomforting than pulling your clothes after the wash cycle and having your clothes smell worse than when you put them in. So, put on your gloves and roll up your sleeves! Our Flower Mound appliance repair team has put together this guide to help you get rid of that bad smell in your clothes washer!

Have A Smelly Washing Machine in Flower Mound? Here’s Why

The unpleasant odor in washing machines is often the result of the accumulation of heat, moisture, fabric softener, and detergent residue. This creates a place for mildew, mold, and bacteria to grow and get stuck in rubber gaskets, seals, and dispensers. A closed washer door traps airflow, leading to the buildup of organic matter and creating a foul odor in your washing machine and laundry room. You may want to consider keeping your washing machine door open in the future to maintain airflow.

Unpleasant odors can develop in both top-load and front-load washing machines, often originating from the rubber gasket on the machine's door. The gasket's function is to prevent leaks but because moisture collects in the gasket, mold and mildew will develop. So if you have a smelly washing machine in Flower Mound, you want to address it immediately.

Another potential cause for strange washing machine smells is because of a drainage problem, or a larger plumbing issue. The drainage system of the washer can cause a foul odor when the water becomes stagnant, which in turn can impede the smooth flow of water. Additionally, a sewage smell may not be from the washer but could be because of backflow problems, or trapped gases. These types of smells come from hydrogen sulfide gas, a byproduct of bacterial buildup.

Now let's take a look at some of the solutions you can take to address the bad smell in your washing machine.

Top Load Washer Versus Front Load Washer

Top-load machines and front-loading washing machines accumulate the same smelly odor, despite their design differences. Front-loading washing machines are a popular choice nowadays due to their appealing design and easy access. However, they can develop unpleasant smells and mildew if not cleaned regularly.

Front-load washing machines are more prone to developing unpleasant odors, soap residue, and the growth of mildew and mold due to their design. If you have a high-efficiency front loader, there are specific detergents that are needed for this type of washer. When non-high-efficiency laundry detergents are used instead, there will not be sufficient water to flush the cleaners away. The accumulation of filth and debris from soiled garments has the potential to congregate on the washing machine's drum, resulting in a smelly washing machine. Coupled with the humid warmth, such conditions can foster the growth of mold and mildew. Without sufficient water, regular detergent fails to rinse thoroughly during a cycle, unless a specifically designed high-efficiency detergent is employed.

Top Loader: How To Clean

Before you begin the cleaning cycle and scrub, performing a pre-scrub is highly recommended. Begin by removing and scrubbing out the soap dispenser. You can use an old toothbrush or the corner of a rag to get inside the cracks and corners.

Top-loading machines should be thoroughly cleaned around the door and hinges to ensure that dirt and grime, which may be hidden from plain sight, are properly removed. Here are the steps to tackle a smelly washing machine in Flower Mound:

1. Start by gathering your ingredients. We suggest using baking soda and white vinegar. White vinegar is an exceptional cleaner due to its remarkable ability to inhibit bacterial growth, all the while being a conscientious choice for the environment.
2. Combine baking soda and water. Mix about 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water. Then, pour the mixture into the washer's detergent dispenser.
3. Pour a cup of vinegar or two into the washing machine drum.
4. Run a complete cycle in high heat. If you want an intense clean, pause the washer once it is filled with water, and let the solutions mix and soak for half an hour. Then, continue the cycle.
5. Scrub the washing drum thoroughly. Once the cycle is complete, use a damp cloth or a cleaning sponge to thoroughly wipe the drum and remove any lingering vinegar odor.

Front Loader: How To Clean

There are many ways to eliminate the foul smell coming from your front loader. To begin, gently retract the rubber gasket and generously powder baking soda onto it. Proceed by thoroughly scrubbing it using a cloth soaked in white vinegar.

Follow these steps to to give your front-loader a deep clean, and remove that nasty smell:

1. Grab some baking soda and white vinegar.
2. Create your baking soda and hot water mixture. Use the same measurements as top-load washing machines. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water. Pour the solution into the detergent dispenser of the washer.
3. Add your two cups of vinegar to the washing drum.
4. Run a complete washing cycle on high heat.
5. Wipe out the drum. Once the cycle is finished, wipe down the drum with a sponge or rag to remove the lingering smells of vinegar.

This method should successfully address the musty smell issues and restore the perfect environment at home.

Clean The Washer Drain

Sometimes, the washing machine drain can become clogged with layers of soap scum, hair, mildew growth, and other nasty debris. This results in a smelly washing machine and could also lead to other issues if not addressed. When the washing machine drain gets clogged, it can cause your laundry room to have a musty odor.

Here is how to clean a washer's drain:

• Add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser
• Run a full, normal wash cycle (with no clothes, of course)
• Pour hot water down the drain trap
• Prevent evaporation by adding four ounces of mineral oil to the drain

Preventing A Smelly Washing Machine: A Flower Mound Homeowner’s Guide

Great! Once your washing machine has been spotlessly cleaned, and you've successfully eliminated the odor, the last thing you want is to encounter that unpleasant smell again. So, be proactive and not reactive to the situation by performing regular cleaning.

Let's take a look at some of the quick and easy steps you can take to maintain the fresh smell of your machine:

• Wipe down the inside of your washer drum after each load to remove moisture. Make sure you remember to wipe out the rubber seal surrounding the door as well
• Leave your door open after you've finished washing to ensure that air will flow through your washer and air dry it
• Regularly clean out the detergent dispenser to remove excessive detergent residue
• To keep your washer pristine and prevent the intrusion of dust, dirt, and lint, make it a routine to wipe the exterior with a cloth and a versatile cleaner

Need Help in Fixing That Smelly Washing Machine? Trust Mr. Appliance for Expert Washing Machine Services

If you're dealing with washing machine odors or need maintenance, contact Mr. Appliance of Flower Mound. Our experts possess the expertise and abilities to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your appliance. If your washing machine needs repair or replacement, our appliance repair professionals can get the job done right! Contact our excellent customer service team today to book an appointment at your earliest convenience. Let that smelly washing machine be an issue of the past!