If you open up your washing machine and you instantly get a whiff of something musty, the first you shouldn’t do is panic. This is quite common and with a few simple steps, you can have it smelling fresh and clean once more.
Washing machines have a tough job getting rid of the stains and dirt from our clothes so it is quite understandable that they are going to start to smell after a while. When this happens, however, you really need to try and rectify it before it leads to something a little more serious than just a smell.
Follow these simple yet effective steps and you will once again have a washing machine that smells as good as it did when you first bought it.
Unclog and Clean the Filter
One reason that your washing machine is starting to smell a little musty could be that it is not able to drain itself efficiently. The main reason for this would be that the filter has become clogged and needs cleaning out. Follow the instructions given to you with the machine on how to remove the filter and then get rid of any fluff and fibres before cleaning it with detergent and hot water.
Give the Detergent Drawer a Clean
You will all know just how sticky and dirty the detergent drawer can get, so it is well-worth cleaning this out regularly too. A good tip is to use an old toothbrush as these will help you to get to those hard-to-reach places.
Don’t Leave Clothes in the Drum for Too Long
Whether you have loaded up the washing machine with dirty clothes or have left a finished load inside it, you do not want to leave them there for too long. Dirty clothes especially can leave their smell inside the machine while new clothes that are still damp can also cause a smell.
Clean Inside the Drum and the Seals
Sometimes a pungent smell can be a case of the washing machine drum needing a clean. Residue can build up in the drum and on the seals so a good clean with some hot water and detergent would be advised. Do remember to run an empty cycle after cleaning so that any leftover detergent is rinsed away.
Run it Hot on an Empty Cycle
Running your washing machine on an empty cycle also has cleaning benefits too. Set it on its highest setting and throw in some washing soda and let it run. This will get rid of any residue and mildew and will result in a pleasant smelling washing machine afterwards. Again, it is important to do another empty cycle afterwards so that the detergent has been removed completely.
Follow the above steps and we can guarantee that any smells that you previously had in your washing machine will now be gone. Do them regularly and you will probably never have to suffer a similar smell again.
Important Note
Please note if your washing machine smells like burning it is a sign of a serious problem. Please disconnect the appliance from the mains electrical supply and call our emergency repair line on 0203 475 4078.
