How to get rid of rotten smell, mold or dampness in your washing machine

Our great-grandmothers washed clothes in the waters of cold rivers, our grandmothers had to heat water to wash bed linen by hand, but we have washing machines that allow us to save a little time and spend it on more interesting activities.

Many people associate a washing machine with cleanliness, freshness and a pleasant smell. We buy expensive washing powders, fabric softeners and other special detergents to enhance the scent of freshly washed clothes. But sometimes owners of not only old, but also recently purchased washing machines are faced with the fact that their household appliances begin to emit a musty and unpleasant odor. This problem must be addressed immediately, otherwise the clothes you wash in a washing machine that emits bad odors will smell not of freshness and cleanliness, but of sewer or swamp.

Why does the washing machine suddenly appear to have an aroma that cannot be called pleasant? Is it possible to remove it at home? What folk remedies are the most effective for removing bad odors from a washing machine? What preventive measures should be taken to prevent the appearance of rotten, moldy and damp odors? Today we will discuss these and many other important issues related to this sensitive topic.

Professional products: ranking of the best

Industrial preparations for treating a washing machine and its individual elements have significant advantages over traditional methods: they do not harm the structure and have proven effectiveness. Their use allows you to quickly eliminate the cause of the unpleasant odor; periodic use is a reliable prevention of its reappearance.

IMPORTANT! Before purchasing the product, it is recommended to study the composition and its indications for use presented on the packaging. This is due to the fact that there are both universal and highly specialized preparations on sale, designed to solve a specific problem (descaling, mold control, and so on).

Effective products included in the ranking of the best include household chemicals presented in the table.

Table. Review of popular washing machine cleaning products

Step-by-step instructions for the selected product are presented on the packaging. It is important to familiarize yourself with it before use.

Professional washing machine cleaner

Features of using professional products:

1. Some of the preparations are poured or poured into the powder compartment (for example, Magic Power), others are placed in a drum (Topperr 3004, Kaneyo).
2. Then they start the wash, but without the items. The temperature is usually set around 40-60 °C.
3. Certain preparations (Schnell Entkalker) must be introduced into the machine with water (without laundry) and left for some time (for 1 hour at the beginning of the operating mode and for the same amount at the end). This is necessary to remove stubborn plaque.
4. The Beckmann product can be placed in a drum and can also be used to wipe individual parts of the machine. If the dirt and odor are persistent, you can soak them in the solution.
5. The volume of most products is designed for 1-2 applications.

Prices for washing machine cleaner

Washing machine cleaner

Burnt smell: where does it come from and how to get rid of it

If you have a new washing machine, the plastic parts may smell burning when heated. There is no need to worry about the first wash. However, if the burning smell appears regularly, then contact the service using the warranty card. You may have received a defective product.

A burning smell, as well as a rotten or rotten smell, can be emitted by the heating element.

The creepy white scale heating elements from television advertising are pure fantasy. It is not lime that settles on the surface of the heating device, but a coating of lint from clothing, small debris and excess detergents. While the machine is running, this mixture begins to emit a burning smell. How to deal with it?

Clean the machine regularly by adding citric acid instead of powder. Set the water temperature to the maximum - 90–95 degrees. Boiling water in combination with acid relieves heating elements from sticky deposits, and your home from the burning smell.

Regular vinegar will do the job.

1. Run the “empty” wash on the “boiling” program or on the maximum temperature setting.
2. Wait for the first water to drain.
3. Pour a glass of 9% vinegar into the detergent compartment.
4. At the end of the wash, run an extra rinse cycle.
5. Turn off the machine and check the drain filter; there may be pieces of scale or dirt stuck there.

If an old washing machine gives off a burning smell, it may be caused by changing the detergent. Low-quality washing powder does not dissolve well in water and settles on the heating element, creating a deposit.

How to effectively clean heating elements in a washing machine - video

Traditional methods of combating odor

To eliminate unpleasant odors, methods of using improvised means that are present in every home are widely used. The washing machine is started without laundry during the cleaning procedure.

Vinegar

Combining the substance with hot water effectively eliminates all causes of stench: mold, dirt, scale.

Eliminating odor with vinegar

Important! It is recommended to clean with vinegar essence no more than once every six months. Otherwise, the rubber parts may be damaged.

1. Pour 200-400 ml of vinegar (9%) into the powder compartment.
2. Set a long wash cycle with soaking and high temperature (from 90 °C).
3. In case of severe dirt and odor, it is recommended to stop the machine after the washing phase before rinsing (press pause). Leave the device for a couple of hours. Then continue the process.
4. Unscrew and wash the filter.
5. Restart rinse.

Lemon acid

An effective and simple way to get rid of odor and its causes.

1. Place citric acid in the powder compartment, based on the machine’s capacity (30-100 ml).
2. Turn on long and high temperature mode (from 90 °C).
3. If the smell is noticeable, it is recommended to stop the machine in the middle of work and leave it overnight. Continue washing in the morning.
4. After finishing the machine, wash the filter and rinse again.
5. Wipe the drum and rubber part with a dry cloth, leave the hatch ajar.

Eliminate odor with citric acid

IMPORTANT! For preventive purposes, the car is treated no more than 4 times a year. If you use acid frequently, it is recommended to reduce its amount (up to 2 tablespoons).

Baking soda

The substance effectively copes with fungi and black mold.

1. Combine 200 g of soda with the same volume of water.
2. Treat the machine elements with the solution.
3. Add another 200 g of the substance instead of the powder.
4. Turn on a high temperature wash program.
5. Rinse again.

Eliminate odor with baking soda

Adding vinegar will enhance the effect of soda: combine 100 ml of water and 100 g of sodium bicarbonate, place in the powder compartment, pour 200 ml of vinegar (9%) into the drum and then run a high-temperature washing program.

Chlorine

The effect of chlorine-containing agents against unpleasant odors is due to their high disinfecting properties. However, this method is considered aggressive: the substance can damage machine elements, emits caustic fumes and is highly allergenic.

Eliminate odor with chlorine

Pour 100 ml of chlorine into the detergent container.

1. Start the high temperature program.
2. Next, you need to rinse again.
3. Clean the drum and rubber rim with a dry cloth.
4. Leave the hatch open.

IMPORTANT! During the procedure, be sure to ventilate the room.

Dishwasher tablets

The product easily removes fat accumulation, disinfects, eliminates dirt and odor.

1. Place 5-6 tablets into the drum.
2. Turn on the high temperature program.
3. Rinse additionally.
4. Clean accessible parts of the machine with a dry cloth.

Eliminate odor with dishwasher tablets

The method is more suitable for preventing the formation of deposits and eliminating unstable and weak odors.

Find out what the error codes for Ariston washing machines mean, and also read their step-by-step analysis in a special article on our portal.

Video - How to eliminate an unpleasant odor in a washing machine?

Manual cleaning of individual machine elements: step-by-step instructions

It is important to regularly keep the parts of your household appliance clean. Comprehensive treatment of the components of the washing machine will not only eliminate the unpleasant odor, but also improve its functionality

Treating the detergent container

During operation, a coating of water impurities and powder grains forms on the walls of the tray during operation. It is recommended to process the container monthly. Baking soda or any preparation with chlorine is suitable for removing plaque.

Processing the powder container

If the plaque is pronounced, rough, it is recommended:

1. Soak the cuvette in a solution of citric acid (1 sachet per basin of water) for an hour or overnight.
2. Remove remaining dirt with a toothbrush.
3. Dry the part and place it back.
4. A soda-vinegar mixture will also help to quickly remove plaque. The foam formed during chemical processes will soften the deposits.

Washing the hatch cuff and drum

The rubber part often acts as a source of odor as it collects debris, dirt, and moisture residues. To clean the drum, just turn on the machine (without laundry) with an antimicrobial agent or citric acid (1 sachet), which is poured into the powder compartment. You need to carefully bend the element and remove the contents. Then treat the rubber surface with a disinfectant. This could be warm soapy water, vinegar or a professional cleaner. However, chlorine-containing products should be avoided.

Washing the hatch cuff

If severe dirt or mold has formed on the cuff, a mass of soda and water, combined in the same ratio, will clean it. Place the mixture in the cuff and drum, wait a couple of hours, then wipe the elements and start the washing mode. After cleaning, wipe these parts dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning the filter and hose

Small debris and objects remaining after washing accumulate in the filter and the hose through which the liquid leaves. It is recommended to carry out treatment quarterly. To remove the filter from the machine, remove the protective panel. Usually the part is located on the front of the car from below. Place dishes or a rag first, as about 500 ml of water will spill out.

1. Unscrew the filter counterclockwise and rinse.
2. Carefully remove any stuck debris.
3. The hose should be disconnected from the entrance to the sewer, then remove the part from the machine. To do this, it is recommended to use the instructions for the device, since its location may differ in different models.
4. Rinse the hose and the water supply filter on it, preferably using a mini brush attached to a non-metallic cable. In case of severe contamination, it is recommended to replace the element.

Removing scale from the heating element (heating element)

During operation, multilayer limescale accumulates on the element. To clean the heating element, you can use the services of a professional technician or do it yourself.

1. Disconnect the wires, sensor and carefully remove the part. The location of the element can be found in the instructions for the device; it varies for different models.
2. Rinse the heating element under running water to remove the top layer of contaminants.
3. Prepare a solution for soaking. In a tall dish (in a plastic bottle with a cut off neck) add 3-4 tbsp. spoons of citric acid, put heating element there and fill with hot water to the top. Shake the solution and leave the element in it overnight.
4. In the morning, rinse the part using a sponge and water. Dry and place back in the car.

Odor prevention

Following the rules for using a washing machine and regular cleaning will prevent the occurrence of stench and other problems with the household appliance:

1. Clean the rubber rim and powder compartment weekly.
2. Clean the filter monthly.
3. After use, wipe accessible elements dry and keep the hatch slightly open.
4. Buy high-quality detergents (preferably with phosphates), do not exceed their norm.
5. Periodically run the machine idle on a high temperature program.
6. Keep debris out (check pockets). Wash items with lint in a special bag.
7. Do not store dirty laundry inside the appliance.

Prevention of unpleasant odor

Video - How to clean a washing machine from mold, bacteria, plaque, odor?

How to remove the unpleasant odor of gasoline or solvent using vinegar

The smell of gasoline may remain in the car after washing work clothes or items from which stains have recently been removed. In this case, available products and the correct washing mode will help.

Ways to eliminate the smell of gasoline - table

More than one such treatment may be needed. To check the next day, run the wash with some unnecessary rag or towel. If you smell gasoline from your laundry or car, you will need to run another cleaning cycle.

If you removed stains on clothes with gasoline or solvent, you should not immediately wash such an item in the machine. Wait until the smell disappears completely.

Reviews from washing machine owners

Prices for popular models of washing machines

Washing machines

According to consumer reviews, the surest way to get rid of an unpleasant odor is to manually clean individual elements of the machine using professional or folk remedies. Users note the effectiveness of the specialized Beckmann product, which removes odor in one use. They wipe the powder compartment, drum, rubber part with it, and then pour it into the machine and turn on the dry wash. Also an excellent remedy is Magic Power, which will not only remove the odor, but also quickly cleanse the elements of multi-layered scale.

Consumers and washing machine technicians note that some advertised products are not suitable for eliminating odors and dirt because they are preventative. For example, “Calgon”, which can only soften water in order to prevent the development of sediments. But it will not be able to deal with existing dirt and odors. You can save on such preventative agents by using washing powders with special components (phosphates) that protect against the formation of deposits (Tide Avtomat, Persil, “MYTH”, and so on).

Among folk methods, citric acid and soda are recognized means for eliminating odor. Combining the latter with vinegar allows you to remove pronounced deposits and persistent odors.

Preventative measures for using the machine play an important role in maintaining the freshness and pleasant aroma of laundry. Proper and regular cleaning of the elements of a household appliance will not only avoid unpleasant odors, but will also ensure a long service life.

Causes

How to remove odor from a washing machine? There are many ways to help prevent stink. But in order to choose the right method, you need to recognize the causes of the unpleasant odor.

They may include:

• replacing washing powder. If the product is of poor quality, then a coating remains on the walls of the device;
• the tray is dirty. This reason is considered common. Not everyone knows that after completing the procedure, you must thoroughly rinse the tray where the powder is poured;
• channel contamination. This part most often becomes clogged due to the adhesion of some of the powder and conditioner;
• dirty drain filter. It acts as a protection against clogging. Particles of dirt, particles of powder, and small objects that were in clothing pockets may accumulate on it. Against this background, the water drains worse and therefore stagnates;
• old hose. There is an accumulation of dirt on the walls. If you do not clean the hose in time, the service life will be significantly reduced;
• scale formation. Tap water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium salts. With constant operation of the device, scale begins to cover the heating element;
• problems with sewerage. The cause of the foul odor can be poor condition of the sewer pipes. In such a situation, the machine becomes not a source, but a conductor;
• abuse of detergents. Before using powder or conditioner, you must read the instructions. This will help you accurately calculate the dose. If you add more product, the residue will settle on parts of the device.

Once the cause is identified, you can select the appropriate method for eliminating mustiness.

What to do if your washing machine smells rotten due to a bad sewage system

This problem is not as easy to deal with as other causes of stench. If the unpleasant odor in the washing machine area is associated with poor functioning of the sewer pipe system, then the only way out is to replace them. Of course, living in a private house, you can take care of communications yourself, but what about in an apartment?

To eliminate plaque in a stationary sewer system, you need to use the household chemical composition TirretTurbo. You need to work with it strictly according to the instructions on the package.

Ways to prevent

How to remove odor from a washing machine?

If your washing machine stinks, then the method of cleaning depends on the clogging of certain elements:

1. If the tray smells rotten, you need to take it out and wash it. To do this, you need to prepare a soap solution and use it to clean all places where dirt accumulates with an unnecessary toothbrush.
2. An unpleasant odor from the washing machine may come from the inlet where the tray is located. To remove it, you need to wipe all dirt on the walls with a rag or a small brush using cleaning products.
3. The stench may come from the cuff. How to clean an automatic washing machine from smell? You need to take a rag or sponge, soak them in any detergent and thoroughly wipe all the internal folds that are located in the seal area. If the contamination cannot be removed, it is better to replace the cuff.
4. The rotten smell from the washing machine can be removed by rinsing the hose. To do this, disconnect it and place it under running cool water. To remove dirt better, you need to soak it in a cleaning product. If the contamination cannot be removed, it is better to purchase a new hose.
5. It happens that foreign objects and debris penetrate the filter. It becomes clogged and covered with rot. To clean the filter, first of all you need to read the instructions. It says that it is necessary to unscrew the plug in the area of ​​the filter element and remove the accumulated debris. Then wash the element in soapy water and screw it into place.

The parts of the machine must be checked constantly and, if possible, any problems that have arisen must be eliminated. Then the equipment will last twice as long and will not require replacement or expensive repairs.