Effective Methods to Remove Musty Smells from Your Washing Machine
Washing machines should produce fresh, clean-smelling clothes, but sometimes a musty odor can linger, even after using fabric softeners. This guide offers several effective methods for eliminating mustiness, ensuring your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean every time.
Causes of Musty Odors
Typically, musty odors in washing machines are due to a buildup of scrud, a gummy residue that forms on the inside surfaces of the machine. Scrud is a combination of detergent residues, fabric fibers, and dead skin cells. This buildup can accumulate over time and cause an unpleasant smell. If your washing machine is a front loader, another common issue is a stinky seal around the door. This can be due to accumulated dirt and detergent residue.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Hot Water
One of the simplest ways to remove musty odors is to run an empty washer cycle with hot water and a whole box of baking soda. Baking soda is known for its odor-neutralizing properties, which help to decompose any foul odors and neutralize the smell. This method leaves your machine smelling fresh and clean.
Method 2: Vinegar and Water
An alternative approach is to run an empty cycle or a load of towels with a cup of white vinegar, no detergent, and an extra rinse cycle. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that helps to break down soap buildup and eliminate musty odors. It's a good idea to pre-soak the towels in vinegar before adding them to the washer to ensure maximum cleaning power.
Preventive Measures
After cleaning your washing machine, it's crucial to take steps to prevent musty odors from returning. Consumer Reports suggests leaving the lid open at all times, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Leaving the lid open allows the machine to dry and reduces the chance of moisture buildup, which can contribute to musty odors. DIY enthusiasts can also scrape off the scrud buildup if their machine's disassembly is feasible. For those whose machines don't allow disassembly, regular use of a quality washer cleaner can help remove the worst build-up, followed by monthly maintenance to keep the machine clean.
Addressing Front Loader Issues
For front loaders, a specific issue can be found in the seal around the door. Stinky seals can be treated by spraying them down with a good cleaner and wiping them down, including all grooves. Leaving the door slightly ajar when not in use can help prevent the reoccurrence of musty odors.
Final Cleaning and Maintenance
Some manufacturers provide specific guidelines for cleaning. For instance, some recommend running a special cycle with high heat and hot water filled to the top, allowing it to go through the full wash cycle. If this is the case for your machine, follow these instructions to ensure thorough cleaning. Additionally, running a couple of cycles with no clothes and adding a few cups of vinegar can help break down soap residues and eliminate odors.
Remember, regular cleaning and proper maintenance can go a long way in preventing musty odors from becoming a problem. By following these methods, you can keep your washing machine smelling fresh and ensure your clothes come out clean and odor-free.