How to get rid of unpleasant odour from the washing machine: cheap and effective ways

A washing machine can sometimes surprise you with an unpleasant smell from the drum. This is due to bacteria that accumulate in the mechanism and mould that can develop from the high temperature and humidity inside the appliance. It can also cause the laundry to smell stale after washing. However, it is possible to get rid of the smell from the washing machine. You can do it with the help of home remedies.

OBOZREVATEL has collected several recipes for such remedies. And also compiled instructions on how to prevent the development of bacteria and mould in the washing machine.

Soda

Soda has antibacterial and deodorising properties, so it is well suited for this task. All you need is 2 teaspoons with a heaping spoonful in the detergent compartment or drum. Then run a short cycle with sufficiently hot water. You can skip the spin cycle.

Citric acid

Citric acid works in a similar way. Put 100 g of the product into the powder compartment and run a short cycle with a high water temperature. Before draining the drum, pause the machine and leave it for an hour to allow the acid to work. Then resume the wash. This will also help to descale the inside of the washing machine.

Vinegar

Another natural disinfectant that works well in the washing machine. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the powder compartment and start the washing cycle at 90 degrees. Pause for 1-2 hours before switching on the rinse cycle. If the vinegar smell is unpleasant and you want to get rid of it, switch on the extra rinse.

Dishwashing liquid

To get rid of odour from the washing machine, 20-40 grams of dishwashing gel will be enough. Put it in the powder compartment and set the shortest cycle.

How to prevent odour

High humidity causes bacteria and mould to grow inside the washing machine, so you need to get rid of it as much as possible. To do this, leave the appliance door open after each wash to allow the drum to dry inside. Also, remove the detergent tray each time, rinse it out and dry it or wipe it dry before putting it back in.

Clean the washing machine periodically. Wipe down the sealing with all the creases, soak the detergent tray in vinegar-acidified water, and clean the filter and drain hoses.

Also, try to reduce the use of detergents - it is in their residues that microorganisms grow. Above all, make sure you don't exceed the dosage. But even if you don't violate the instructions, you can use a smaller amount of detergent - it will still be effective.

From time to time, run a short wash cycle at the maximum temperature to rinse the machine. Odour-causing bacteria do best at 30-40 degrees, which is the most common temperature for daily washing.

Do not store dirty laundry in the drum, as it is the most contaminated with microorganisms and they get into the mechanism.

Adjust your washing machine, because due to improper installation, various components may not function properly, which leads to stagnation of water and the development of microorganisms.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told how to choose the right dry and liquid detergent.

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