You might think that by running wash cycles, your washing machine must smell clean. Think again! Sometimes it happens that the latter emits strong unpleasant odors. Some even compare them to a sewer smell. Find out how to eliminate those stubborn odors emanating from your washing machine.

Whether you use a jasmine, mint, lemon or lavender scented detergent, your washing machine can sometimes smell bad. These annoying odors can spread throughout the room, regardless of whether your machine is placed in the laundry room or bathroom.

How to eliminate bad odors from the washing machine?

The bad smell that you sometimes smell when opening the washing machine is due to the accumulation of detergent and fabric softener residues in the appliance   and the formation of limescale in the pipes. There are some simple, quick and effective grandma tricks to eliminate those stubborn odors.

• Clean the drum of your washing machine

The washing machine drum can transform into a real nest of moulds. The accumulation of detergent and limescale favors the proliferation of bacteria, which causes the appearance of a bad odor. To avoid this, it is recommended to clean it at least once a month.

To do this, prepare a solution of water and white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with said solution and spray it into the drum of your washing machine. Then soak a microfiber cloth in this solution before running it through the drum.

White vinegar removes traces of limescale and neutralizes bad odors from the washing machine. This operation should be repeated at least once a month to disinfect the washing machine and absorb persistent odors.

• Clean the seal on your washing machine

The seal of your washing machine can also be the source of bad odors emanating from it. The formation of mold and the accumulation of detergent residues on washes, combined with humidity, favor the appearance of bad odors.

To clean it, you will need to mix a few tablespoons of baking soda   with a little water in a container until it forms a paste. Spread it inside the seal of your washing machine. Take an old toothbrush and use it to scrub the joint. Rinse everything, then scrub with a sponge soaked in white vinegar or lemon juice. Wipe with another damp cloth then dry with a microfibre cloth.

You can add a few drops of eucalyptus, thyme, or vanilla essential oil to mask the smell of vinegar if it bothers you.

Although the ingredients used are natural and eco-friendly, care must be taken to protect your hands when handling. If your skin is sensitive, remember to put on gloves before you start cleaning the joint.

Additionally, it is important to clean and dry the washer seal after each wash to eliminate soap residue and standing water. This will prevent the formation of mold and the appearance of bad odors.

• The filter in your washing machine can also be a source of bad odors

You may have noticed this when you removed the filter from your washing machine. The latter tends to get dirty quickly and produce bad odors. To eliminate them, remember to clean the filter. To do this, you must first unplug the machine, remove the filter and let the water drain into a basin. Make sure you drain all the water from the machine.

As for the filter, it should be cleaned by immersing it in a mixture of water and white vinegar for a few hours so that it is as good as new. This mixture is very effective and less abrasive than bleach. It is necessary to renew the operation at least every three months to guarantee optimal maintenance of the filter and to remove bad odors throughout the house.

By regularly cleaning the various components of your washing machine  , you will prolong its life and eliminate bad and persistent odors.