The washing machine is one of the most used appliances in our homes, and keeping it in good condition is crucial to ensuring our clothes come out clean and fresh. However, unpleasant odors can become a common problem if they aren't properly maintained. In this article, we'll teach you
how to remove unpleasant odors from your washing machine with a few simple tricks, so your clothes always smell clean and fresh.
How to remove bad smells from your washing machine with these 7 tricks
Bad odors in the washing machine are caused by the growth of bacteria and the buildup of limescale and dirt. To eliminate them,
it's not enough to use regular detergents or wash in cold or low temperatures . You need to add a product with disinfectant action to eliminate the source of unpleasant odors. Otherwise, germs continue to accumulate in the drum and other parts of the appliance, causing unpleasant odors that can spread to our clothes.
Use detergents suitable for washing machines
It's essential
to use appropriate detergents and follow the manufacturer's instructions . Avoid using too much detergent in washes. Excessive foam can stain clothes and leave residue that can cause allergies. Furthermore, this residue can form mold, which, if not properly cleaned from the drum, door seal, and dispenser drawer, will likely cause unpleasant odors.
Avoid leaving clothes in the washing machine for too long.
It's not advisable to leave clothes in the washing machine for long periods of time, either before or after washing.
Leaving dirty clothes in the drum can increase bacterial growth , and once washed,
leaving them damp for long periods of time encourages mold growth and unpleasant odors . Remove clothes as soon as possible after the wash cycle ends.
Sometimes use hot water washing programs
Washing clothes occasionally in very hot water is recommended to help eliminate germs that can cause unpleasant odors.
Washing at 40º or 60º once a month helps keep the washing machine free of bacteria and prevent unpleasant odors.
Remember not to do this when washing Abanderado underwear , as underwear is more delicate and should not be subjected to high temperatures if you want it to stay in perfect condition for longer.
Use a disinfectant product
Textile disinfectants are crucial for eliminating unpleasant odors and bacteria at the root. If you think your washing machine needs a deeper disinfection,
we recommend using bleach or citric acid . These products ensure that germs don't accumulate and cause unpleasant odors in your clothes and in the washing machine.
Ventilate the washing machine drum
After each wash, it's important to air out the washing machine drum. Leave the door open to allow air to circulate and allow the drum to dry completely.
It's also helpful to air out other compartments, such as the detergent or fabric softener drawer . Drying the inside of the drum with an absorbent cloth helps remove excess water and prevent unpleasant odors.
Clean the different parts of the washing machine
Regularly clean the different parts of the appliance, such as
the detergent drawer, the washing machine filter, and the door seal . This should be done at least once a month. If the odor is very strong, perform a double deep clean.
To clean the washing machine seal , you can use a homemade cleaner: mix 50 ml of white vinegar, 250 ml of water, and a tablespoon of baking soda. Dampen a cloth with this solution and wipe the entire seal.
If the problem is with the bucket and soap dispensers , remove them and soak them overnight in water with white vinegar. The next morning, rinse and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the washing machine.
Avoid using baking soda or vinegar as a temporary solution
Baking soda and vinegar
can help improve or mask unpleasant odors, but they don't address the root cause of the problem , as they don't eliminate the bacteria that cause them. For this reason, we can assume that removing unpleasant odors from the washing machine with vinegar or baking soda will only be a temporary solution.
Keeping your washing machine clean and odor-free isn't that complicated if you follow these tips. With a little effort and consistency,
you can ensure your clothes always smell clean and fresh , avoiding unpleasant surprises.
In short, use appropriate detergents, avoid leaving clothes in the washing machine for long periods of time, wash with hot water, use disinfectants, vent the drum, clean the washing machine parts regularly, and avoid relying solely on temporary solutions like vinegar or baking soda. This way,
your washing machine will work like a charm, and your clothes will thank you for it .
