How to Get Rid of a Smelly Washing Machine

Washing machine odors can be some of the most frustrating things to deal with. You’ll scrub and repeat your laundry until it smells just right, but then it will smell like nothing again. If you’ve ever had a stinky washer, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Washing machines have odor-causing agents like detergent, dirt, sweat, and bacteria that get trapped in the machine over time and are released when you first use the machine. The good news is that getting rid of smelly washing machine odors is super easy once you know how! This article will explain everything from what causes smelly washer odors to how to get rid of that lingering scent for good.

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What Causes Smelly Washer Odors?

If you notice that your washer is emitting a pungent scent when it’s not dirty, the most likely culprit is the washing machine filter. Filters trap dirt, debris, and odors, so if yours is dirty or clogged, it will release the gross stuff into your machine. The best way to prevent this is to clean your washer filter (and the filter in your dishwasher too!) at least once a month. A dirty washing machine can also cause a smelly washer. Since both your washer and your clothes are sitting in an oily mess for a few days each time you do a wash, the washer is gradually accumulating oil. If you make frequent washes, you may find that your machine starts to smell after a few uses.

Tips for Getting Rid of Smelly Washing Machine

If your washer is dirty or smells when it’s not dirty, a simple cleaning session is all it takes to get rid of that smell. Select the clean/normal cycle, rinse the machine out, and be sure to follow these cleaning tips when your machine is clean! – If your washer is dirty, select the clean/normal cycle and then take it off the wash while it’s draining so you can clean it. – If your washer smells when it’s not dirty, it may be because there’s something stuck to the inside of the machine. Washing machines act as an effective air purification system, so the smell you smell is because there’s something stuck to the inside of the machine. – Clean and lube your machine frequently. – Don’t use bleach or other harsh chemicals.

Try replacing your filters

Every 6 months, you should clean your washing machine filter and your dishwasher filter. These filters trap dirt and odors so they don’t end up in your machine. If your filters are dirty, they release those smelly agents into your machine when you use it. Replacing your filter once a month ensures that you have clean filters that don’t release any smelly odors. If your washer filter is dirty or your dishwasher filter is, you can clean it with a special filter cleaner or with a solution of one cup white vinegar and one cup warm water. Use a sponge to wipe the filter clean. When your filter is clean, rinse it thoroughly under the running water to get rid of all the white vinegar.

Add an essential oil

If you’re still having trouble getting rid of that smelly washer smell, add an essential oil. These natural oil molecules are volatile and will react with the molecules in your machine to combat the smell. Just make sure to use a high-quality oil that’s compliant with food safety regulations, and don’t use a scent that will cause a reaction in your washing machine. There are a lot of essential oils that are great for removing mildew and other stains, so we recommend picking an oil that will work best for your machine. You can also add a few drops of your favorite oil to the washing machine’s water filter. If you’re having trouble getting rid of a smelly washer, try choosing a fragrance that isn’t quite as pungent. Choose a scent that’s more subtle than the one that’s causing the problem.

Use vinegar and baking soda together

If your washer isn’t getting the cleaning it needs because of build-up, try this vinegar and baking soda wash. Add two teaspoons of baking soda to your wash along with one cup of white vinegar. You can also add one tablespoon of Dr. Bonner’s Washing Machine Cleaner for a more concentrated solution. Baking Soda is a great natural odor fighter. It reacts with the odor causing agents in your machine to neutralize the smell. It also adds some nice bubbles to the wash while cleaning your machine.

Don’t use scented products

If your washing machine is still giving off a strong, lingering odor, it may be that the odor is coming from the fabric itself. Scents can build up on fabrics and linger even after they’ve been washed. This is especially true of heavily-dyed fabrics, like those made from materials like cotton and polyester. If that’s the case, you may need to replace the washing machine’s fabric. New machines come with higher-quality fabrics that don’t have as much risk of staining or pungent smells. Keep in mind: a smelly washer isn’t just a stinky washer. It could be a dirty filter, a buildup of detergent or bacteria on the inside of the machine, or a buildup of odor-causing agents like bleach.

Final Words

So, how do you get rid of that eau de washer that’s stuck in your mind? Don’t panic. It’s actually super easy to get rid of the smell once you know what you’re doing. Clean your machine, replace your filters when they’re dirty, and make sure to select a clean/normal cycle when doing your wash. These tips should help you get rid of that eau de washer smell as long as you follow them. Remember, a smelly washer isn’t just a stinky washer. It could be a dirty filter, a buildup of detergent or bacteria on the inside of the machine, or a buildup of odor-causing agents like bleach.