4 Steps to Tackling Washing Machine Smells in Elkhart

We all have our favorite detergent and look forward to putting on freshly clean and scented clothes. It's really puzzling when the washing cycle is over, and you're hit with foul smells instead. There are many reasons for bad washing machine smells in Elkhart. Sometimes the issue goes beyond just leaving the door open after washing. You can take several steps to eliminate unpleasant odors from your washer and prevent them from occurring frequently. It doesn't require a weekly clean of your washer but scrubbing it out at least once a month will go a long way.

Few things are as unpleasant as taking out freshly washed clothes only to find that they smell worse than when they went in. But fear not, because this blog will provide you with the necessary steps to eliminate that unpleasant odor from your washing machine! So, get ready to take action and say goodbye to bad washing machine smells!

Elkhart Guide: Washing Machine Smells 101

Unpleasant odors in washing machines come from the accumulation of heat, excess moisture, laundry detergent residue, and fabric softener. Soap scum creates an excellent breeding ground for mildew, bacteria, and mold to flourish. These harmful bacteria will nestle into the washer's rubber gaskets, the rubber seals, and even the dispenser. When you close the door of your washer, it inadvertently creates an ideal environment for organic substances to accumulate, which leads to the development of unpleasant odors in both your washing machine and laundry room. If your washer seems to frequently have that smell after a wash cycle, keep the door open for one. It will create a free airflow, so bacterial growth will struggle to form rapidly.

Both top-load washers and front-load washers can develop musty smells due to the rubber gasket on the door. The gasket is a crucial component of your machine because it prevents leaks from spilling onto your laundry room floor. However, it is notorious for trapping moisture in the gaskets, causing the growth of mold and mildew.

Unpleasant washing machine smells in Elkhart can also be a clear indication of underlying drainage problems. The presence of stagnant water in the drainage system of the washing machine not only causes unpleasant odors, but also disrupts the smooth flow of water.

Sewage smell may not be from the washer, but could be from backflow problems, and even trapped gasses. These smells come from hydrogen sulfide gas, the byproduct of bacterial buildup that emits that rotten egg smell.

Now that we know why your washing machine smells, let's take a look at how to reverse that for you, so you can have a clean smelling washing machine once more!

How To Refresh a Smelly Washing Machine

It's a lot easier to achieve a clean washing machine than you may assume. As much of a paradox as it seems, (a clean washing machine? Its whole function is to clean clothes (why wouldn't it be clean?) washing machines require their own forms of cleaning maintenance to preserve their health. To remove that smelly washer smell, this blog will guide you through a simple three-step cleaning process to get back your washer's clean and fresh scent!

Step One: Remove Soap, Bleach, and Softener

To eliminate the unpleasant odor of mildew from your washing machine, begin by cleaning the dispensers where you store your soap, bleach, and fabric softener. When water gets into these parts, it is often left behind as standing water between cycles. AKA, the ideal environment for mildew growth. For a thorough cleaning of your dispenser, use an old toothbrush to diligently clean hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. Then, employ a pipe cleaner to effectively remove any residue that may be accumulated in the pipes.

• For front-load washing machines: Wipe the rubber seal with a damp cloth and carefully use a cotton swab to remove any accumulated dirt around the gasket.
• For top-loading washing machines: Be sure to thoroughly inspect the cracks and crevices around the doors; these are common hiding spots for dirt. Once the components are scrubbed clean, it's time to focus on the tub.

Step Two: Sanitize With Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is an effective cleaning product to remove washing machine smells because it will effectively kill mold and mildew. Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products because it is an aggressive chemical solution. Take care with using rubber gloves and a mask if you are concerned.

Pour four cups of bleach into a top-loading machine or two cups into a front-loader, then start the cycle using the warmest temperature setting. Let the tub fill and pause the wash cycle once the agitator and bleach have combined. Allow the bleach and water to sit for about thirty minutes before resuming the cycle. A final rinse cycle should remove any lingering traces of bleach.

Step Three: Wash With Vinegar

White vinegar is a remarkable deodorizer that effectively eliminates difficult water deposits and lingering bacteria that may have bypassed the bleaching process. Let's start by selecting the highest temperature setting on your washing machine. For top-loading machines, pour four cups of vinegar (white), and for front-load machines, two cups will suffice. Remember, there's no need for additional laundry detergent or any other products during this cycle. Vinegar works its magic alone!

This is an analogous process to the bleaching stage. Fill the tub and then pause the washing cycle once the agitator has mixed with the vinegar and water. After thirty minutes, restart the washer and let the cycle carry on until it finishes.

Step Four: Rinse Out With Hot Water

After completing the vinegar wash, ensure a thorough rinse of the drum by running a self-cleaning cycle. This cycle utilizes hot water to effectively clean the interior of the machine. If your appliance lacks this feature, a wash cycle at the hottest settings will suffice.

Running a service wash cycle every month is crucial for preventing odors in the washing machine. Before starting the self-cleaning cycle, make sure that the washing machine is emptied. Consider adding a washing machine cleaner to the wash cycle to effectively remove bacteria and odors. Voilà! Do you still smell the washing machine smell?

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Washer

After thoroughly cleaning your washing machine and effectively eliminating the odor, the last thing you want is to deal with that unpleasant smell again. Stay ahead of the situation by being proactive and incorporating regular cleaning into your routine.

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

• After each load, it's essential to wipe down the inside of your washer drum to eliminate moisture. Don't forget to also wipe out the rubber seal surrounding the door. This maintenance will keep your washer clean and functioning at its best.
• Make sure to leave your door open after finishing washing to guarantee proper airflow through your washer, allowing it to air dry effectively.
• To ensure optimal performance, it is important to regularly clean the detergent dispenser to eliminate any excess detergent residue.
• Maintain the pristine condition of your washer and safeguard it from the invasion of dust, dirt, and lint by regularly wiping the exterior with a cloth and a multipurpose cleaner.

If you have hard water at home, it is essential to know that it can result in unpleasant odors emanating from your washing machine. The minerals found in hard water tend to linger in the machine, leading to the formation of foul smells over time. Eventually, these minerals build up and form limescale, which can adversely affect the internal components of your washing machine, potentially causing it to malfunction. Moreover, this accumulation of limescale is often the culprit behind those nasty odors that are so unwelcome.

Protect your washing machine and prevent the damaging effects of limescale and odors with water softening tablets. These tablets effectively soften the water in your washer, curbing the formation of limescale for a seamless laundry experience.

Mr. Appliance of North Central Indiana Will Help You With Washing Machine Smells in Elkhart, IN

Should you find yourself battling unpleasant washing machine odors, look no further than Mr. Appliance of North Central Indiana. Our skilled professionals possess the knowledge and capability to guarantee peak performance for your washer. Whether your machine requires repairs or a replacement, Mr. Appliance can deliver results. Contact our exceptional customer service team now to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.