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How to Thoroughly Clean Your Washing Machine: 3 Foolproof Tricks to Get Rid of Musty Smells
Your washing machine works hard day in and day out, tackling everything from sweaty workout clothes to dirty towels. Over time, however, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew, leading to those musty, unpleasant smells that can linger in your laundry. But don’t worry—getting rid of these odors and ensuring your washer is sparkling clean is easier than you might think.
Here are 3 foolproof tricks to clean your washing machine thoroughly and eliminate those stubborn musty smells, leaving your laundry room smelling fresh and your clothes coming out cleaner than ever!
Why Your Washing Machine Gets Smelly
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand why your washing machine develops a musty odor in the first place. Most of the time, this happens due to:
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Washing machines, particularly front-loading models, are prone to mold and mildew buildup. These organisms thrive in damp, dark environments, such as the rubber gasket around the door.
- Soap Scum and Detergent Residue: Over time, soap and detergent can build up inside your washer, creating a sticky residue that traps dirt and moisture.
- Stagnant Water: If you leave your washing machine door closed or don’t dry it out properly between washes, water can get trapped in the drum or the rubber seals, leading to a stale, musty odor.
Now that you know the culprits, let’s look at how you can clean your washing machine and restore it to its fresh-smelling glory.
1. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Deodorize
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the best natural cleaning agents for banishing odors and removing buildup. They work together to eliminate musty smells and dissolve soap scum.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ½ cup baking soda
Steps:
- Empty the Washer: Make sure your washing machine is empty before starting the cleaning process.
- Add Vinegar: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum of your washing machine.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Set your washer to the hottest water setting and run it on a normal cycle. The vinegar will help break down any residue, kill bacteria, and neutralize odors.
- Add Baking Soda: After the cycle finishes, add ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
- Run Another Hot Cycle: Run another hot cycle with the baking soda to remove any remaining buildup and leave your machine smelling fresh.
Why This Works:
Vinegar acts as a disinfectant, killing bacteria and mold, while baking soda neutralizes odors. Together, they are a powerhouse duo for cleaning and deodorizing.
2. Clean the Rubber Seal and Gasket
For front-loading washers, the rubber door seal (or gasket) is one of the most common places for mold and mildew to grow. Water and detergent residue can get trapped in the folds, creating a perfect environment for bad smells. It’s essential to clean this part of the machine regularly.
What You’ll Need:
- A clean microfiber cloth
- White vinegar or bleach
