How to clean a washing machine and get rid of an unpleasant smell?

Regular maintenance of your washing machine not only prolongs its life, but also protects it from limescale and any unexpected damage. In addition, it provides the expected cleanliness and fresh smell of washed laundry. So let's systematically and thoroughly wash the washing machine. How to do it effectively?

Why is regular maintenance so important? 

Intensive operation of the washing machine, if not supported by regular maintenance, at some point can lead to the failure of the washing machine. This, in turn, can result in costly and unprofitable repairs or replacement of equipment with brand new ones. Therefore, it is important to know what steps to take to avoid unexpected damage to the washing machine.

It is enough to follow a few simple and useful rules. Thanks to this, the washing machine will not only wash more efficiently and fabrics will not be damaged, washed carelessly or wrung out, but above all, the device will work flawlessly for a long time. Therefore, if an unpleasant odor appears, a sign of improper operation of the device, it is worth responding immediately.

How to prevent damage to the washing machine? 

First of all, remember that each device, including the washing machine, must be used according to certain recommendations. In a hurry or when there is a lot of laundry, it is easy to make mistakes that lead to breakage, especially if we do not regularly check the condition of the drum or filter. Here are some of the most important steps to avoid breaking your washing machine:

• washing at the appropriate intervals - too short washing intervals can lead to overheating of the appliance components. Therefore, there should be an interval of at least 1 hour between washing cycles;
• do not overfill the drum - an overfilled drum means higher energy and water consumption. In addition, washing is less effective, and fabrics are more wrinkled and can deteriorate;

• checking pockets of clothes - before washing, it is worth checking if there are any small items or paper in the pockets. Otherwise, we risk getting into the filter of the washing machine;
• protection of the washing machine from limescale - limescale deposits are deposited on many components of the washing machine. So you can damage not only the drum and the heating element, but also the drain hose. Limescale protection is provided by various detergents, but home remedies are also worth considering;
• regular cleaning of individual elements of the washing machine - it is worth regularly washing, including the filter, drum, gasket and detergent compartment from dirt residues from clothes or detergents that can not only damage the washing machine, but also go to the washed clothes.

How to avoid bad smell from washing machine? 

Moisture is one of the main factors contributing to the appearance of an unpleasant smell in the washing machine. This is the reason for the growth of bacteria and mold, and therefore the formation of odor in the drum of the washing machine. To avoid the accumulation of moisture, remember not to close the washing machine immediately after removing the washed fabrics. It is also worth adding specially created gel capsules to neutralize odors in each wash. It is also important to check the filter. Small objects (such as fabric fragments), detergent residue, rags of fabric, dust clots, hair, wool or dirt accumulate here, which can clog drain hoses and rot.

How to Remove Bad Smell from a Washing Machine - Home Remedies 

One of the effective solutions in the fight against dirt is the use of baking soda, which is an invaluable assistant in cleaning many household devices. It is enough to pour about ¾ cup of soda into the detergent container, and then set a full wash cycle with a maximum temperature (90 ° C). The main thing is to wash it without loading it into the washing machine. Baking soda is safe to use once a month. This will not only protect your washing machine from stubborn lime deposits, but will also help remove deposits that have already formed.

Vinegar + baking soda - the perfect duo 

Another homemade way to effectively clean your washing machine is to mix baking soda with vinegar. Thoroughly mix 10 tablespoons of vinegar with baking soda to make a paste. Then the resulting mixture should be applied to all dirty places in the washing machine, including rubber seals, powder and rinse aid dispensers, and left for several hours. The last step to take after the recommended time has elapsed is to rinse off the mixture with a damp cloth, and then wipe the washing machine and all its elements dry so that no moisture remains on it. This method, although laborious, allows you to keep individual parts of the washing machine clean and fresh longer.

Citric acid - an effective remedy for scale 

Another equally effective method for cleaning a washing machine is to use citric acid. Similar to using vinegar or baking soda, pour citric acid into the detergent dispenser and program the washing machine for a full wash cycle at 90°C. To clean your washing machine, use about 1/3 cup of citric acid. It is worth remembering that for the best effect and effective care of the washing machine, it should be cleaned at least once a month. Regular cleaning will protect the device from harmful limescale deposits and, importantly, will help to avoid the appearance of mold and other types of fungi.

How to clean the drum in a washing machine? 

Immediately after buying a new washing machine, you should perform a short wash without laundry. This operation will clean the pipes and the inside of the washing machine from contamination caused by its production. Periodically, it is also worth pouring vinegar or a special detergent into the container and turning on an empty washing machine to clean its drum. However, if you want to get rid of the remaining smell of vinegar or detergent in the washing machine, it is worth repeating this operation using washing powder.

How to clean the washing machine filter? 

Cleaning the filter, although simple, is not the most pleasant. It is here that all the remnants of linen accumulate, which, under the influence of moisture, rot and, as a result, smell bad. For this reason, it should be cleaned regularly.

Usually the filter is located in the compartment at the bottom of the washing machine (in some models it may be inside the drum). Before removing it, it is recommended to place a box, bowl or rags under the washing machine in case water leaks out of the opening. After unscrewing and removing the filter, it is enough to rinse it under running water and remove residues from the outlet. However, if running water is not able to cope with the dirt, it is recommended to leave the filter for some time in an aqueous solution of vinegar, which will remove dirt and sediment within a few minutes.

Cleaning the washing machine with special cleaning products 

In case of heavy soiling and thick lime deposits, which home methods do not always cope with, it is worth turning to chemical detergents designed for washing the washing machine. It is often a faster alternative to vinegar and baking soda. Washing machine cleaners like Dr. Beckmann or Der Waschkönig tablets allow you to effectively and efficiently get rid of dirt, sediment, limescale or unpleasant odors, reaching hard-to-reach places inside the washing machine. In addition, they take care of individual equipment components such as gaskets or filters.

Whether you choose to clean your washing machine with chemical detergents or eco-friendly household cleaners, the key is to keep it regular. Regular cleaning will help not only remove unpleasant odors from the washing machine, but also effectively deal with stubborn limescale and help keep your appliances in good condition for many years to come. Choose the way that works best for you and take care of your washing machine today.

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