Why does my washing machine smell? 5 tips for a clean washing machine

Does your washing machine smell and you have musty-smelling laundry, but you have no idea why? Don’t worry. We give you handy tips on how to clean your washing machine properly, so that your washing machine will soon smell normal again.

Why does my washing machine smell?

Lint is usually the culprit of a smelly washing machine. Fatty lice is caused by the accumulation of dirt and soap residue, when you don’t use your washing machine for a few days this layer starts to mould and releases a musty smell. 

When you run a wash at a high temperature, this layer comes off and spreads through the wash, this creates a musty smell and can leave a black deposit on your laundry.

Lint is caused by: 

• regular washing at temperatures below 60°C;
• using too much or too little detergent (not following dosage advice);
• using only liquid detergent;
• frequently running short washing programmes;
• not cleaning the washing machine regularly.

Other reasons for a smelly maschine could be:

Poor ventilation

If the washing machine is closed immediately after washing, moisture is left behind. This moisture can cause mould growth, which contributes to the unpleasant smell.

Clogged filters

The washing machine’s filters trap lint, hair and dirt. If they are not cleaned regularly, they can become clogged and lead to a smelly washing machine.

Tip 1: Clean the drum and rubber edges

Run an empty wash at 90°C with a cleaning vinegar or use a special washing machine cleaner. This helps to remove residual soap and dirt. Don’t forget to clean the rubber edges.

Tip 2: Leave the door open after each wash

A simple tip, but still worth mentioning: make sure the washer door is left open after each wash to allow the drum to dry properly. This will prevent mould and musty odours.

Tip 3: Don’t just run short wash programs

Short wash programmes are useful for small amounts of lightly soiled clothes. But beware: a full load in a short programme causes poor rinsing. This leaves soap residue behind. You don’t want that. So don’t wash too often on a short programme. This will keep your laundry fresh and your washing machine in top condition.

Tip 4: Use less detergent 

Many people think: the more detergent, the fresher the laundry.  In reality, this is not the case. This is because too much detergent means there is not enough water in the drum to mix well with the detergent. As a result, the detergent merges with dirt in the machine, causing it to stink in the washing machine.  

So always make sure you, follow the detergent label’s advice. That way, you will always have the right dosage and avoid smelly odors.

Tip 5: Wash at higher temperatures

People are increasingly washing at lower degrees, such as 30 or 40 degrees. This is good for your laundry and also good for the environment. Yet unfortunately, there are drawbacks too. This is because grease lice love low temperatures and the detergent does not fully dissolve at these low temperatures either.  As a result, soap residue is left behind that makes for a smelly washing machine.

Fortunately, there is a remedy: run a wash at least 60 degrees every week and a wash at 90 degrees once a month. You can wash the remaining laundry at lower degrees. This way, you prevent grease lice and bad odours and still contribute to a better environment. 

A fresh start

Does your washing machine keep reeking and functioning worse? Maybe it’s time for a new washing machine after all. At Homie, you can get a new washing machine from as little as €9.99 a month. Want to know more about cheap washing machine rental? Check out our washing machines.