Introduction
Owning a washing machine seems like the ultimate convenience – you toss in your clothes, press a button, and walk away. But anyone who’s had the unpleasant experience of opening their washer to a musty, foul odor knows that even washing machines need their own kind of maintenance. You clean the machine, you follow the instructions, and yet, that smell keeps creeping back. So why does this happen? Why do your washers smell even after you’ve cleaned them?
The answer usually comes down to a combination of factors: bacteria buildup, mold growth, detergent residue, and drainage problems, to name a few. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at these issues and offer some solutions to finally get rid of that stinky washer once and for all, so you can keep your laundry smelling fresh, whether you’re using your home washer or heading to the laundromat.
05 Reasons Why Your Washers Smell Even After Cleaning
1. Bacteria Build-Up
If your washing machine does not fully dry out till it is time for the next laundry day, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The moist, enclosed, and warm space is practically everything the bacteria need to thrive and multiply. Places like rubber seals and detergent drawers are most susceptible to allowing bacteria to cultivate. The sour musty smell is a result of the bacteria feeding on grime, detergent residue and even dead cells from your laundry.
Solution
It is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is to wipe the affected rubber seals and detergent compartment with a mixture of water and vinegar to get rid of any remaining bacteria.
2. Mold Growth
Another thing you need to keep an eye out for is fungi. Like bacteria, fungi are fond of damp environments, and so a washing machine offers the perfect conditions for them to grow. This essentially happens when you close the lid of the washer after a wash, trapping the moisture in with no airflow. This ultimately allows mold and mildew to start to grow and leave a musty smell behind.
Solution
Take time out to clean the rubber seals after every wash. For visible mold and mildew, you may make a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub them off. To be more cautious, you can run a hot water cycle with one cup of vinegar. This will help get rid of the stubborn odor and freshen up the insides of the washing machine.
3. Using Excessive Detergent
Using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave behind a strong, chemical-like smell. While technically these two products help your laundry smell fresher, using them excessively does more harm than good.
The residue detergent and fabric softener build up dirt, bacteria, and mold in the compartment. Since these are all textbook causes of unpleasant odors, it is no wonder that your washing machine smells, even after you have cleaned it.
Solution
The solution is simple, use the appropriate amounts of detergent and fabric softener. It may seem tempting to add more of them to get “cleaner” laundry, but that is not how it works. Also, take out the detergent compartments and wash and dry them before placing them back. This should help get rid of the stench.
4. Drainage Problems
If the water is not draining properly, it can cause your washer to smell. Wondering how? Basically, the stagnant water in the pump, hose, or drum is the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow. And once they do, the smell naturally follows.
Solution
Check the drain hose and pump filter for any potential blockages or clogging. If you do find signs of it, call an expert so they can take care of it.
5. Plumbing Issues
If your washer stinks even after you have cleaned it, the issue might not lie with the washer itself but with the plumbing. When a p-trap or drain pipe is clogged, it can cause unpleasant sewer smells to make their way into the washing machine. This issue makes you think there’s something wrong with the washer, when in reality it is an underlying problem.
Solution
Have a plumber come over and check out the issue for you, so they can fix whatever is up with the drain pipe and p-trap. This will ultimately stop the foul odor from creeping into your washing machine.
Conclusion
So, if your washing machine smells even though you have cleaned it, you are not alone. It is a common problem and that means avoiding it is easy too. Here’s a quick refresher – your washer may smell because of bacteria, mold and mildew growing inside. This often happens due to using excessive detergent, draining problems and plumbing issues.
You do not have to worry about them, since the issue itself is easy to fix. Just remember to clean the rubber seals after every wash, use a baking soda and water mixture to remove visible mold, and run a hot water cycle with a cup of vinegar to get rid of the stench in no time! And if you ever find yourself in need of professional help, don’t hesitate to visit your local laundromat.
