Discover why your washing machine might smell and get step-by-step expert advice on how to clean it effectively, including recommended cleaning frequency and methods for different parts of the appliance to prevent mold, mildew, and odor buildup.
If there’s an odor coming from your washing machine, it could be mold or mildew that has been building up for years. Experts at Consumer Reports have some tips on what you can do to get rid of the problem. Yes, even washing machines get dirty, so it's helpful to know when and how to give them a good scrub.
So, how often should you clean your washing machine and how do you do it? We asked Reichert and Nelly Martinez, Whirlpool's senior brand manager, for their expert guidance.
“We recommend cleaning your washing machine about once a month or about every 30 cycles to prevent buildup and soils,” advises Martinez. “Without cleaning your washing machine, you may experience buildup of detergent or soils that cause clothing to smell,” she adds. Nobody likes their clothes smelling funky!
If your washing machine has a detergent dispenser drawer, she recommends using a damp cloth or machine cleaning wipes to wipe down the drawer surfaces. If the drawer is removable, you can also soak it in hot water for an even deeper clean. 'Of course, always check your appliance’s care guide for specific cleaning instructions!' she emphasizes.
Before cleaning the washer drum, spray the gasket with white vinegar and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew.
Add 2 cups of white cleaning vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum.
While you’re at it, wipe down the front of the machine, too.
Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting. After the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour. During this time, wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth dipped in the hot vinegar water. If your top-load washer has an agitator with a removable cap, don’t forget to remove the cap and clean the inside as well.
After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth to remove any scum.
Aside from visibly seeing mildew build up, if your machine start to smell, it might be time to consider cleaning it. In other words, you'll probably be able to tell pretty easily if it's time, but you should still be preventative and do regular cleanings.
'It is generally safe to use baking soda or bleach in washing machines, but we always recommend running a rinse cycle before loading clothes back inside,' explains Martinez. Martinez says that bleach is a common product used to clean washing machines, but suggests making sure to check your appliance’s care guide first before using it.
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