Whether your washing machine smells like mold, sewage or old socks, a smelly washing machine is not only annoying, it's unsanitary. Fortunately, you don't have to be a cleaning guru to get rid of it. Here are some tips to get rid of a smelly washing machine.

Causes of smelly washing machines

One of the biggest causes of smelly washing machines is not cleaning the machine (correctly), since sooner or later you will have to deal with grease lice in the washing machine. Especially in the drain and in the rubber ring. So, if you think you will get rid of the foul smell by just washing with your wonderful detergents and fabric softeners, unfortunately I have bad news for you. You also need to clean the machine itself.

Another cause of smelly washing machines is using too much or too little detergent. If you use too much, the detergent will clump together with dirt, which can make your machine smell quite bad. If you use too little detergent, it is not effective in removing dirt and odors.

Now that you know what causes stinky washing machines, you can finally get to work solving the problem!

What does grease lice smell like in the washing machine?

Grease lice is a bacterial contaminant that settles in the washing machine and leads to a smelly odor. It occurs when not enough washing is done at high temperatures or when the washing machine is not cleaned often enough.

What exactly does grease lice smell like? Well, It's not exactly something that makes you happy when you stick your nose in the washing machine. Lint smells dirty, sticky and musty. You can also compare the smell of grease lice to sewer smell.

How to prevent a smelly washing machine?

Here are some simple, preventative measures you can take to prevent your washing machine from becoming horribly smelly.

1.Clean the rubber cuff
The rubber seal around the washer door can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Clean the cuff thoroughly with a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any build-up.

2. Clean the detergent drawer once a month
Good news for anyone who has a dishwasher: the detergent drawer can just go in the dishwasher.

3.Clean the drum
Run an empty wash cycle at the highest temperature with a cup of vinegar. This will help kill any odor-causing bacteria and clean the machine's drum.

4.Clean the drain pump
Check the washer's drain pump regularly and remove any lint, coins or other objects that could clog the pump. A clogged drain pump can cause a stench.

5. Leave the door open
Leave the washer door open after you use it. This allows the machine to dry properly and helps prevent bacteria and from odors. 

6. Use a washing machine cleaner
Use a washing machine cleaner to regularly clean and maintain the machine. Recommended: the one from Dettol is by far the best washing machine cleaner, it will win the war doubly against nasty smells in your machine.

7.Use odor-absorbing products
Place an odor-absorbing product, such as a washing machine cleaner or odor-absorbing pellets, in the machine's drum during periodic maintenance. These products help neutralize odors and keep the washing machine fresh.

With these preventive measures, you can rest assured that your washing machine will always remain fresh and odor-free. Take them seriously and avoid ever having to deal with smelly washing machines again! Want to learn more about Dettol washing machine cleaner? Click on the button below.

How do you get a foul odor out of your washing machine?

Now that you know what you're dealing with, it's time to get to work solving the stink problem.

1.Baking soda and vinegar
Add a cup of baking soda and/or and cup of vinegar to a regular wash. This helps remove unpleasant odors. Do not use fabric softener but vinegar instead. Add a small splash to the bowl of baking soda at every wash.

3.Soda
Once a month, add a handful of soda to an empty machine and set the machine to at least 60°C. The baking soda will clean the machine and remove foul odors.

4. Lemon juice

Instead of baking soda, add half a cup of lemon juice once a month. Run the machine at at least 60°C without laundry.

5. Dishwasher cubes

Add 1 or 2 dishwashing cubes/capsules in the drum, and turn on a hot wash (without putting wax in, of course). This will allow the drum to rinse well and get extra cleaning. 

Finally

In summary, a smelly washing machine is annoying, but fortunately there are simple solutions to remove the odors. In addition, it is important to take preventive measures to ensure that the machine stays smelling fresh. I recommend that you clean and maintain your washing machine regularly, and leave the door open after use. Good luck!