Appliance challenges and frequent breakdowns are the story of almost every household.
But more troubling than these common breakdowns, is the amount of problems your appliance can undergo.
One of these persistent issues is a damp smell coming from your washing machine.
This unwelcomed odour can ruin your laundry and even your entire home if left unaddressed.
So… how do you fix it?
Here’s a quick guide for this problem.
Why does a damp smell occur in your washing machine?
Before you get up all in arms, let’s try to understand what causes this problem in the first place.
Here are the three most common reasons.
1. Residue Buildup
Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry products can leave residues in the drum, seals, and pipes. This leads to the growth of mould and mildew.
2. Bad Ventilation
Inadequate airflow in your machine will contribute to damp conditions. Over time, this can cause your door seal (also known as a gasket) to become mouldy and smelly.
3. Low-Temperature Washes
Washing at lower temperatures may not effectively eliminate bacteria and mould. This allows them to thrive and keep creating unpleasant odours.
So… now that we’re aware of what causes the problem, let’s find out how to fix it.
How to fix the damp smell in your washing machine?
To make your machine odour-free, there are a few things we recommend keeping handy.
White Vinegar: An excellent natural disinfectant and deodoriser.
Baking Soda: Neutralises odours and breaks down residues.
Old Toothbrush: Ideal for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
Cloth or Sponge: For wiping down surfaces and removing residues.
Hot Water: Used for cleaning and flushing out the washing machine.
Microfiber Cloth: Effective for drying and polishing interior surfaces.
Let’s begin the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Empty The Drum
Start this process by making sure that your washing machine is empty. Remove any clothes you have from the machine and thoroughly clean out the washing machine drum.
Make sure that you’re paying extra attention to the rubber door seal because this is one of the most common places where the mould grows.
Wipe down the seal with a cloth or sponge to remove any visible residue.
Step 2: Run a Hot Water Cycle With Vinegar
Now, fill a cup of white vinegar and place it on the top rack of the empty washing machine.
Set the machine to the hottest water setting and run a complete cycle.
The combination of hot water and vinegar will help dissolve and flush out residues, as well as eliminate bacteria and odours.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda To The Drum
After the vinegar cycle is complete, the next step is to sprinkle a cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
Your baking soda will act as a deodoriser and will break down any remaining residues.
Run another hot water cycle to distribute the baking soda throughout the machine.
Step 4: Clean The Detergent Dispenser
Your detergent dispenser commonly collects mould and smells over time.
Remove the detergent dispenser tray and clean it thoroughly.
Use hot water and white vinegar for effective cleaning.
Step 5: Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces
Since the internal components of the machine are done, now comes the time for the exterior.
Wipe down the control panel, buttons, and any other accessible surfaces with a damp cloth.
This will enhance the machine’s appearance and prevent external residues from transferring to your clothes.
Step 6: Check & Clean The Filter
Refer to your washing machine’s user manual to locate and clean the filter.
If your filter is clogged, it can once again contribute to unpleasant smells.
Clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your filter cover is stuck, refer to our other guide on “How To Fix a Stuck Washing Machine Filter“.
Step 7: Perform Regular Hot Washes
To prevent the re-occurrence of any damp smells, make it a habit to run regular hot water cycles without any laundry.
This will flush out residues and keep the machine’s interior clean and odour-free.
Step 8: Let The Machine Breathe
After completing your laundry, leave the washing machine door slightly open to allow some air to flow through.
By doing this, it will help prevent the buildup of mould which, therefore, means a freshly smelling washing machine.
Conclusion
We strongly hope that this blog has helped you in fixing your washing machine smell.
However, if the problem has proven to be slightly more difficult than anticipated, why not get in touch with us and let us help you?
If you want some of the best prices for your appliance repairs in East London or North London, call Georgi’s Services right away.
We offer our services around most parts of London, and if we don’t serve your area, contact us anyway and we would be happy to help in any way we can.