Though it is easy to take washing machines for granted, they deserve some appreciation. After all, it is thanks to them that you do not need to hand-wash your clothes. Not only was it an extremely laborious task, but it also consumed a tremendous amount of time.
However, there are certain disadvantages to these inventions. Because they are often left forgotten once they do their jobs, the fungus takes residence on their moist surface. Yes, one solution would be to hand-wash all your clothes. But don’t worry – you don’t need to go Amish to prevent the smell. We’ll tell you all you need to know about this stinky problem. Here are the reasons your washing machine smells mildewy and moldy.
Summary
The most common reason for washing machines to smell like mold and mildew is biological material like hair, dead skin, etc. combined with dust and humidity. The best way to clean it is by using a washing machine cleaning agent.
As we tested various products, the winner, is Active washing machine cleaner.
Other topics covered in this article are :
- Prevention against mold and mildew
- Best cleaning products
- Best washers
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Reasons your washing machine smells like mildew & mold.
- Issues after it runs
- How do I address the situation?
- Prevention
- Best products
Reasons your washing machine smells like mildew & mold.
Here are the reasons your washing machine smells like mildew & mold.
1. Lack of care
Just like any other appliances, washing machines require regular care for them to function properly. After all, you wouldn’t use an oven or a blender without cleaning them before each use. Why should a washing machine be any different?
2. Biological material
The root of the issue lies in several factors, and the first one is the biological material caught on your clothes. Dead skin, body oil, and hair, to name a few.
3. Dust and dirt
Dust and dirt also contribute. The fine blend they create is very appealing to bacteria and fungi. Add to that the innate humidity that comes with a washing machine, and they will feel right at home.
Issues after it runs
If you experience this issue, you are likely using colder water to do the washing itself. Though it is more energy-efficient and some clothes do call for it, it struggles to remove the grime. Consider running a hot-water cycle right after to clean out the organic residue. Cleaning your washer might also be a prudent idea.
How do I address the situation?
Now that you’ve become acquainted with these unbidden fungal guests, it is time to evict them from your abode.
- Since the fungus can irritate your skin, start by putting on protective gloves. Next, you’ll need a cloth rag and scrub brush.
- Cleanse the washer tub. This component does the brunt of the work and is the primary place where mold or mildew might grow. Make sure you remove every trace of soap and detergent.
- Place 1 cup of baking soda and a bit of vinegar into the washer. Scrub the surface thoroughly.
- Find a cycle with the highest temperature and select it. With the machine still empty, turn it on.
- Clean the gasket. This step is particularly important if you have a front loader. You can clean it with vinegar as well for better efficiency.
- Scrub the soap dispenser. Most washers feature removable ones. Take it out and scrub it under running hot water. Make sure you use soap. If you can’t remove your dispenser, you can use a toothbrush. It will help you reach deeper.
- If your machine still stinks, it is time to step up your game a bit. Add 2 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Have the machine run empty on hot water settings with only this mixture inside.
- You can reach for bleach if the vinegar fails to combat the fungus. Once your machine is dry, run an empty cycle with hot water. Once filled with water, add half a cup of bleach into the detergent compartment.
If neither one of these steps help, you should call a professional. The mold might be growing behind the drum, which you can’t reach on your own. There could also be some problems with the drain or filter.
Prevention
After sanitizing your washing machine, you must ensure that the mold or mildew doesn’t regrow.
Here are things to keep in mind:
- Avoiding excess detergent
- Not using liquid fabric softeners
- Using the right detergent
Use only a moderate amount of detergent.
Believe it or not, drowning your clothes in too much detergent might exacerbate the stinky odor. One way to tell if you’re using too much of it is by placing a piece of clothing into a container. Then, fill it with water and shake it a bit. Suds or bubbles indicate detergent residues in the clothing.
Use the appropriate detergent.
Though liquid detergents might be easier to use, they tend to create too many suds. Over time, these suds will leave behind smelly debris. If you can, choose the powdered type. Also, High Efficiency (HE) machines are usually compatible with detergents made specifically for them. Using a regular one can also lead to grime formation.
Don’t use liquid fabric softeners.
These products are designed to prevent rigid and wrinkly clothing. However, trace amounts of them tend to get stuck behind the drum. This is more likely if you use a front loader.
A good alternative would be to reach for dryer sheets. These perform a similar function, but they are added to the dryer. Of course, this is an option only if you do use one.
Let the machine dry.
All kinds of germs thrive in moist environments. After you’ve just unloaded the washing machine, sealing the door shut is like establishing a protected habitat for these fungi. Leave the door open every time you finish doing the laundry. If the room is naturally humid, it might be a good idea to dry it yourself. You can use a piece of clothing to get this done.
Clean the interior regularly.
As tedious as the task may be, don’t treat the aforementioned cleaning guide as a one-time fling. Instead, make it a habit. By disinfecting your washing machine often, these stinky residents will be much more reluctant to settle in.
What exactly is often enough? If you’ve just managed to get rid of the mold, continue the cleaning procedure at least once a week for the whole next month. Otherwise, using a cleaning product once a month should be more than enough to keep your washer healthy.
Unload the clothes as soon as possible
Leaving wet clothes inside such a small space is the worst thing you can do. In addition to growing all over the machine, the mold will also spread to the warm damp clothes. Only do your laundry when you know you can take it out right when the cycle ends.
Place your washer into dry rooms only.
While we don’t think you keep your washing machine in a humid old cellar, make sure you store it in a dry room. All the cleaning won’t avail to anything if the air itself is naturally moist. A bathroom might not be the right place for your washer, particularly if you take lots of hot baths or showers. The trapped water vapor will condensate on the drum, allowing the spores to sprout.
If you want to put your washer in the bathroom, ensure a bathroom fan is installed to tackle the humidity.
Best products
If the DIY method fails, you might want to unleash a full-on chemical assault upon the obnoxious fungus. There are several products out there designed specifically for this purpose. Since we care about the health of your washer just as much as you do, we’ve selected some that you might want to use.
OxiClean with Odor Blasters
True to its name, this washer cleaner was enhanced to combat the foul stench. The package came with 4 pouches of cleaning powder, which is very intuitive. In hindsight, paying about $13 dollars for this marvelous product was quite the bargain.
To use it, pour one pouch into the drum. It is meant to be used without any other clothes present. Then, select the ‘Clean Washer Cycle’ if your machine features one. If not, select whichever one has the highest water temperature.
Make sure you scrub any residue once the cycle is over.
If the washer already stinks, apply once a week for at least 3 weeks. For maintenance, it is a good idea to use it at least once a month.
Pros
- It’s really good value for money.
- It is very effective in removing odors.
- It also works great on stains.
Cons
- The powder is a bit less easy to use than tablets.
- The shipping was not great as the container was damaged.
Active Cleaner
This stander washer cleaner contains 24 tablets and costs barely $16. With such a great price per capsule, you’ll certainly fall in love with this cleaner. The tablets dissolved entirely when we ran an empty cycle, so we didn’t have to scrub any residue. Not to mention this product is compatible with all types of washers.
Inside the box, there was a cleaning calendar. Though it is not exactly vital, we appreciated this extra effort from Active. It might come in handy, particularly if you are the forgetful type.
Pros
- We love the ease of these tablets.
- It’s convenient the package says there’s a one-year supply.
- It is great at getting rid of smells.
Cons
- Buying powder is a bit cheaper.
- You might need to repeat the process with stubborn buildup.
