Stinky Washing Machine
How To Clean a Washing Machine That Stinks.
If your washing machine stinks, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Washer mildew and odors are one of the most common complaints amongst homeowners. However, it is possible to alleviate the smell through a few simple steps. There is no reason to be spening alot of money on commercial washer cleaning products that simply don't work well. I mean a 6 pack of washing machine cleaning tabs for $12 bucks are you kidding me? How about a year supply of washer cleaning products for $15 bucks? Sound good? Were here to help you save some cash and here's how to do it.
How to Get Rid of Mold and Smells In Washers
As usual, there are a myriad of “How To Clean Your Washer” articles out there…each with their own spin, here is the easiest way to clean your front load washer and/or your top load washer. If you’ve got a stinky front-load washing machine, here’s how to get it smelling fresh again:
Clean Gasket: Use a rag or towel to clean the rubber door gasket on a front-loading washer with either hot soapy water or a spritz of mildew cleaner. Make sure to wipe underneath and around it as well. Be prepared for some slime and gunk, and possibly a stray sock or two!
Clean Dispensers: Remove the detergent dispensers and give them a good scrubbing. If they don’t come out, clean them as best you can, using a bottle or pipe cleaner to reach back into the crevices. On top load washers if your dispensers aren’t removable, warm 1 cup of white vinegar in the microwave or in a small saucepan. Pour it into the dispenser and allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen any build up.
Run Cleaning Cycle Fill the washer with HOT water on the largest water level setting and select the extra rinse option (if applicable). Do not add any clothing. Add
1 cup of TSP (You can find this in the paint department of your local hardware store) – no detergent - and let the machine agitate for a minute, then let set for an hour. After one hour, allow the washer to run through its longest wash and spin cycle.
Repeat Cleaning Cycle Immediately fill the washer with HOT water again and add 2 cups of Odo Ban. (You can find this product at your local hardware store) – no detergent - and let the machine agitate for a minute, then let it sit for one hour.
While it is soaking, dip a scrubber sponge in the OdoBan water and detail all the nooks and crannies of your washer, including the gasket, plastic top, inner lid and fabric softner cup.
If your machine has built-in dispensers, clean those too. After an hour, run the longest wash and spin cycle again.
Your trusty washing machine should now be shiny clean and ready for more abuse
Professional Help: If you’ve tried every way to clean your front-load washer and it still smells, you may have a clogged drain or filter. A qualified washer repair technician can dismantle the machine and clean it for you, or you can unplug the machine and carefully explore and clean it yourself
Preventative Maintenance For Your Washing Machine
Once your machine is clean, follow these tips to keep it that way