TOP 12 remedies to get rid of the smell in the washing machine and remove the stench
With the advent of the home washing machine, cleaning things is much faster. Thanks to technology, women and men have extra free time. It would seem that there is one less problem, but a new one appears with the machine. During operation, a smell appears in the washing machine, and people begin to wonder how to get rid of it.
Where does the unpleasant smell come from?
The reasons for the phenomenon are manifold. Someone does not check the pockets before washing them, and small particles end up inside the drum, from where they fall into other parts. Some people buy poor quality detergents trying to save money. There are also those who do not follow the rules for using the device.
what are we doing wrong
The appearance of a musty smell indicates the presence of harmful microorganisms. Molds, staphylococci and E. coli settle in the machine.The car tank and other parts of it are inhabited by bacteria that can harm the human body.
The ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria are humidity and heat. The washing machine is exactly the place they need. The reasons for the formation of bacteria are different.
Close the door
When taking out laundry, many housewives close the lid, which absolutely cannot be done. Residual humidity and warm air create a greenhouse effect. It is impossible to see microorganisms with the naked eye, but an unpleasant smell speaks of their presence.
We save energy
The second common reason there is a typewriter smell. Wanting to save energy, people choose a washing temperature setting between 30 and 40°C. Outside of the cold weather, things don't spin properly.
The residual water, together with the residual detergents, turns into a sticky substance. Over time, it will rot and mold will form on it. To avoid this phenomenon, the maximum temperature regime is periodically used. Hot water will destroy bacteria colonies.
We use poor quality powder
It seems to a person that the cleaning agent has the same composition. Therefore, they try to save money by buying cheap powder, gel and conditioner. This is a common mistake. Such products not only do not completely remove dirt, but also contribute to other technological problems.
We do not respect the dosage
Each manufacturer recommends its own dosage, depending on the composition of the product. Even in this area, people make mistakes. There should be enough funds to wash this or that thing.
We don't check pockets
In children's clothing, there is something for everyone. They are toys, candies and much more. Leftover treats provide an environment conducive to the life of microorganisms.
hard water
Transparent water contains the periodic table. Over time, the elements settle inside the machine and turn into scale.
The machine is not level.
When installing the equipment, it is important to adjust it as evenly as possible. If everything is done correctly, during the spin cycle the machine will not "jump" on the floor, but will calmly stand in its place. The rest of the water under the influence of temperature becomes a hotbed for bacteria.
We don't clean the car
We are talking about elementary cleaning, which the washing machine periodically needs.
Do not wash the container for loading detergents
People rarely look at this place, and some don't even suspect that there is a need for it. Slimy plaque also causes mold.
It happens that a person complains of health problems, not suspecting that the whole problem lies in the washing machine.
Not wiping the drum after washing
At the end of the washing cycle, the hostesses do not wipe the tub, and it remains damp. In some cases it can't dry out, that's where the problems start. 1-2 minutes of wiping the drum with a soft cloth will save you from messing with the machine in the future.
Not my rubber cuff
Another source of small particles comes from clothing. Everything can be found in the armband. Starting with hair and ending with threads and buttons.
We keep the dirty things in the drum
The most common error that occurs in 7 out of 10 cases.Housewives put dirty things in the drum, delaying washing. Sweat, wet towels and other clothes get inside the machine. Things that smell are indicative of vigorous bacterial activity.
The constant loading of the drum causes breakdowns, because the accumulation of things weighs it down and unbalances it.
Skip installation by a qualified technician
If a person does not understand the technology, the water drain pipe may be incorrectly connected to the sewer. It is fixed in the form of the Latin letter U, and the entrance should be at least 0.5 m from the floor.
Weak points
There are many places in the machine where most bacteria collect.
Detergent drawer
After rinsing the detergent with water, there is still some left. This is usually seen with the air conditioner compartment. The gel leaves a slippery layer.
Leftover fabric softener or rinse aid are the cause of mold growth.
Channel through which the powder or conditioner passes
Due to the small hole, powder residue accumulates, making it difficult to advance a new portion during the next wash. The channel must be clean so that the powder does not settle on previously washed items.
drum background
This is the most favorite place for the accumulation of small debris. Without looking at it, people in the near future risk facing a breakdown of the washing machine.
rubber cuff
Under the influence of moisture, the remaining dirt turns into a fungus. The mushroom not only has an unpleasant smell, but also looks intimidating. The gap-filling element, like the rest of the equipment, must be dry and clean.
Lower and inner walls
A superficial examination is not enough.People need to clean the inside of the machine and the bottom.
Drain pump filter
If a fault is detected in the machine, it is recommended to immediately remove the filter and inspect it. It accumulates fabric fibers and other small debris. As a result, a blockage is created that needs to be cleaned urgently.
drain pipe
If a person has not examined the garment before washing it, it is likely that various parts of it will end up in the waste pipe. In addition, the water does not drain if it is badly and poorly connected. This moment is often accompanied by other violations of the operation of the washing machine.
A heating element
Prone to plaque buildup, which forms as a result of unused detergent particles.
How to clean
First, areas that a person can reach in the home are cleaned. As a rule, parts are removed and unscrewed.
Powder loading tray
The part is removed from the machine after studying the instructions. The powder loading area can be cleaned with products containing chlorine. The bath is thoroughly cleaned of mucus and any type of contamination. After drying, it is installed in place.
Loading door collar
The rubber band is not removable, but only pulled back so that it is convenient to wash off the fungus and residual moisture. If all the contents have been removed, the place is wiped down with a degreasing compound.
Drain pump filter
A rotten aroma most often emanates from this place. The part is twisted and washed with clean water. After washing off the dirt, the element is put back in place.
Water supply filter
To eliminate the musty smell emanating from the installation, cleaning the water supply filter will be useful.
Drumming
The surfaces of the tank for loading clothes are treated.During the work, chlorine-containing agents are used.
How to get rid of the smell
There are many detergents on the market for cleaning chemicals. If it is impossible or reluctant to use them, you can try folk recipes to combat odors. Luckily, most are in everyone's kitchen.
The vinegar
The clear liquid removes the stench. In combination with hot water, it destroys bacteria and plaque on the heating element. Acetic cleaning of the washing machine is carried out twice a year. Cleaning steps:
- A glass of liquid is poured into the powder container.
- The washing cycle starts at the maximum temperature.
- After washing, the "Pause" button is pressed. In this position, the machine must rest for at least 2 hours.
- The rinsing field is removed and cleaned.
- The machine runs dry to rinse.
Vinegar is not only used as a cleaning agent once every six months. 2-3 st. I. are shed during washing. This technique will kill bacteria and keep things fresh.
lemon acid
A good alternative to vinegar. How is the cleaning done:
- The detergent pack is poured into the powder compartment and the wash cycle starts.
- It starts again after the first rinse.
- The drum of the machine is wiped with a dry cloth, after which the door is left open.
Cleaning with citric acid is carried out 3 times a year. Breaks between cleanings - 4 months.
Baking soda
The substance cleans the interior well. The method of use is the same as citric acid and vinegar essence. The only difference is that it dissolves in hot water before pouring the mixture into the tank.
Chlorine
Cleaning with this substance is also possible.But this is done in compliance with safety rules. It is important to provide fresh air while washing, as fumes are hazardous to health.
Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is used in growing vegetables because it fights fungus. Copper sulfate cleans the washing machine by killing mildew. It is considered a strong poison, therefore safety rules are followed when working with it.
Professional remedies
A quick way to get rid of the unpleasant smell is to use household chemicals. They are presented in the market in various forms of release.
Powder mixes
The bulk dry mix is poured into the detergent drawer.
Liquids
With the help of formulations, you can not only remove the smell, but also kill many harmful bacteria.
Tablets
They are well compressed powders. One tablet per wash cycle. They are convenient to use due to their simple release form.
Review of popular brands
Available in powder and gel form. Softens the water, freeing the inside of the machine from dirt and scale. The advertised product has a high cost.
Alfagon
It is added during washing, removes plaque on the heating element, thereby increasing washing efficiency. Impossible to remove old limestone formations.
Fee-asset
The tool is presented in the form of a cream. Perfectly cleans the metal parts of the washer.
Magic power
Made in Germany. Dissolves the coarsest limescale layer.
Dr. Beckmann
Presented in the form of small granules and liquid. One of the most powerful cleaners to fight against accumulated microorganisms and odors. Removes stubborn deposits in hard to reach areas.
Unobvious Causes of Odor
It seems that the person is doing everything right, but the smell still remains.When common cleaning methods have failed, they look for the stench problem elsewhere.
Failed to change powder or conditioner
A specific smell comes from the use of another detergent. This is noticeable when the powder runs out and one person begins to use another.
The problem of general communications
Odor is often associated with improper care. The source of the smell are the pipes that were installed decades ago and managed to become covered in rust.
If a foul smell appears, then it is important to see if the washing machine is properly connected to the sewer.
Preventive measures
If a person performs a series of simple actions, bacteria and microscopic fungi will not multiply in the machine:
- Get clean things out of the drum.
- The door is not closed to let air in.
- Wash it periodically in hot water too.
- Do not turn the drum into a dirty laundry basket.
- Use the rinse cycle again if necessary.
Thus, there will be no humidity inside the machine. Following simple guidelines will help you avoid bad smells. In turn, this will increase the service life of the machine.