A smelly washing machine can leave your laundry room smelling dingy and your clean clothes feeling unwashed. While you may think that only stagnant and infrequently used washing machines get smelly, this is not the case. In fact, washing machines that are used on a daily basis are more likely to develop a foul smell. How is this possible with constant cleaning products and hot water running through them? 

Why Does My Washing Machine Have an Odor?

As your washing machine does its job, small particles of fabric fibers, hair, skin cells, dirt, and more can become trapped in certain areas–the more you use your washer, the more of these things can collect. 

The most common places contaminants collect and build up are around the rubber door seal, the gasket, and the detergent dispenser. These places create the ideal harbor for both organic and inorganic contaminants to get stuck and grow. In addition to being good hiding places for small particles, they are also difficult to clean, adding to their likelihood of becoming odorous. 

Are Certain Washing Machines More Susceptible to Odors?

There are two types of washing machines: front-loaders and top-loaders. While they may each do their job well, they have their own unique problems when it comes to where odor can originate from. 

In general, front-loading washers will have more issues with buildup and odor because of the location of the gasket. The gasket is the rubber seal that prevents water from leaking out of the door. During the wash cycle on a front-load washer, there is water directly up against the door, making a thick gasket necessary. While it is effective for keeping water from escaping, it is common for water and contaminants from dirty clothes to get into the gasket, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. 

While front-loading washing machines are generally more likely to become smelly, top-loaders are not immune. Top-loading washing machines have rubber seals around the doors that can trap contaminants as well. The build-up may take longer, meaning they may not become odorous as quickly. 

How Can I Resolve the Issue of a Smelly Washing Machine? 

Regardless of what is causing your odor and where it is originating from, there is a one-size-fits-all solution. Ahh-some’s Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio-Cleaner & Deodorizer will take care of that smelly washing machine and keep it clean with regular use. 

This effective washing machine cleaner works by breaking down and drawing out gunk and grime where both organic and inorganic contaminants may live. Ahh-some’s cleaner can reach any part of your washing machine that water can enter and draw out anything stuck or growing there–this is particularly helpful for those hard-to-reach areas.

How Do I Use Ahh-some’s Washing Machine Cleaner?

Not only is this washing machine cleaner effective, but it is also simple to use. For each use, you will only need ½ teaspoon of the cleaning gel. This gel can either be added straight into your washing machine’s drum, or you can dissolve it in hot water and put it in the liquid detergent spot of your washer. 

Once the cleaning gel is in your empty washing machine, run a cleaning cycle that uses hot water–a sanitary setting is ideal if you have one. Let your washing machine run the entire cycle with the Ahh-some cleaner. Once the cycle is complete, take a paper towel–or similar product–and wipe out any gunk that is now visible. You will likely see gunk around the seal, gasket, and in the area where the lid connects to the washer.

Don’t be alarmed when your washing machine has a nasty odor after using the washing machine cleaner–that means that it worked! All the contaminants that were causing the odor to begin with are now at the surface, making their smell stronger. Simply run a second cycle to wash those materials down the drain. This cycle should have none of the washing machine gel inside. The second cycle should either be empty or run with a small load of laundry. 

With routine use–recommended once a month or as needed–you can avoid a smelly washing machine altogether. Purchase your Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio-Cleaner & Deodorizer today to get started.