How To Keep Your Washing Machine Clean And Odor Free

Last Updated on April 21, 2022 by Rupesh Patil

There’s no one reason in particular for odor in your washing machine but there are certainly ways to control that. We tell you how to keep your washing machine clean and turn it into an odor free one…

1. Scrub Out The Detergent Drawer

In front loading washing machines, the detergent drawer often get dirty. Make sure you remove the soap detergent drawer to clean it out thoroughly. If you face difficulty removing the detergent drawer, we suggest you follow the instructions on your washing machine manual. However, many drawers pop out easily without any unscrewing. Scrub the drawer using a household kitchen bleach spray and an old toothbrush. Rinse and dry it before putting the drawer back into the cavity. Do this once in 3 months to prevent any detergent residue from building up.

2. Clean the Lint Filter 

Damp lint causes odor too, so make sure you remove any lint from your filter on a weekly basis. Before you open the filter compartment, place a towel on the floor below to avoid any trapped water from spilling all over the floor. Pick out any lint from the filter, and clean the filter in your sink.

3. Run an Empty Wash with Vinegar 

This is the best way to clean a smelling washing machine and keep it smelling good. Pour in 3 cups of distilled white vinegar and run a hot water cycle without any clothes in the machine drum. This will flush out any bacteria or mould from the drum. If not white vinegar, you could just use hot water.

4. Clean the Rubber Door Seal

If you have a front-loading washing machine, another place to check is the rubber door seal, also known as the door gasket. Water collects at the bottom of the seal and that’s when mould starts to grow there. Use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe off any mould stuck around the door seal.