Why Does My Washing Machine Stink?
Long gone are the days of handwashing the laundry, but washing machines are not perfect. If you expect your laundry to come out smelling fresh, but are instead greeted by a rancid smell, then you might be rightly concerned. If changing your preferred brand of detergent does not do the trick, then the issue may be with the washing machine itself. Don’t worry though. Your friends here at Sunshine Plumbers have a few tricks up the sleeve. In this article, we will go over some reasons why your washing machine is stinky as well as some remedies. Feel free to call us if you have any specific questions or if you would like to hire one of our experienced plumbers.
What’s That Smell?
Your washing machine is meant to do the washing, so it might come as a surprise to learn that the washing machine itself must be cleaned periodically. This is because a good share of the dirty, soap scum, body oils, and debris on the dirty clothes often gets stuck in the many parts of the washing machine. That buildup of grime in and around the machine can also lead to mold and mildew growth over time.
If you are getting whiffs of foul odors from the washing machine, or if your "cleaned" clothes are not smelling as fresh as they should, then your washing machine might be due for some routine cleaning. Let’s go over some of the parts to clean and the process.
Cleaning the Washing Machine
Grab a sponge and get ready to put that elbow grease to work. You will also need some baking soda, a brush or toothbrush, bleach, and vinegar.
Let’s start with the dispensers. These are the little compartments where you pour detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. Remove the dispensers from their drawer and sprinkle some baking soda over them. Allow these to sit for a while before rinsing them off. If the smell is stubborn, or if you notice mold and mildew on the dispensers, then prepare a mixture of hot water and vinegar. Soak the dispensers in the mixture for about ten minutes, then rinse.
Next up is the door seal. This part of the washing machine collects a lot of grime. Grab that mixture of hot water and vinegar, a brush or toothbrush, and a handful of elbow grease. Dip the brush in the mixture and put that elbow grease to work! Make sure to get in the folds and crevices.
Finally, let’s run a cycle. Add four cups of bleach if you have a top loading washing machine or two cups of bleach if it is a front-loading washing machine, then run a cycle. Next, run another cycle without the bleach to thoroughly rinse everything out.
How Are Those Drains Looking?
If the smell is still persistent, then it might be time to schedule a clogged drain cleaning. The folks at Sunshine Plumbers are ready to dispatch to your location or schedule a convenient appointment today. Explore our website to find applicable discounts and coupons.
