ADVERTISEMENT
# **How to Thoroughly Clean Your Washing Machine: 3 Sure-Fire Tricks to Get Rid of Musty Odors**
## **Introduction**
A washing machine is an essential appliance in most households, tasked with keeping our clothes clean and fresh. However, over time, your washing machine can become a breeding ground for dirt, detergent buildup, mold, mildew, and bacteria. This can result in unpleasant odors, particularly the musty smells that seem to linger even after washing a load of laundry. These odors not only affect your washing machine but can also transfer to your clothes, leaving them smelling less than fresh.
Just like any other appliance, your washing machine needs regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and to prevent the buildup of grime and odors. Thankfully, you don’t need to call in a professional or spend money on expensive cleaning products to restore your washing machine to its pristine condition. With a few simple, natural cleaning methods, you can thoroughly clean your washing machine and say goodbye to musty odors.
In this article, we will guide you through how to clean your washing machine effectively, share three proven tricks to eliminate musty odors, and explain why these cleaning steps are crucial to maintaining your appliance and laundry routine.
## **Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Musty?**
Before diving into the cleaning solutions, it’s important to understand why your washing machine develops that musty odor in the first place. There are a few common causes:
1. **Moisture Buildup**
Washing machines are exposed to water regularly, and excess moisture can accumulate in places that aren’t properly ventilated, such as the drum, rubber seals, or detergent drawers. This moisture can combine with detergent residue and fabric softener, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which are the main culprits behind that musty smell.
2. **Detergent and Fabric Softener Residue**
While detergent is essential for cleaning your laundry, it can leave behind residues that accumulate inside the machine, particularly in areas like the detergent drawer or drum. This residue can trap moisture and become a food source for mold and mildew, contributing to unpleasant odors.
3. **Dirty Rubber Seals and Gaskets**
The rubber seals around the door (especially in front-loading washing machines) are notorious for trapping moisture and detergent, which provides the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. This can lead to a persistent musty smell.
4. **Clogged Drain and Filter**
Over time, dirt, debris, hair, and detergent buildup can clog your washing machine’s drain and filter. This can cause water to stagnate, creating a foul-smelling environment.
5. **Improper Drying**
Leaving the door of the washing machine closed after completing a wash cycle traps moisture inside, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. It’s crucial to leave the door ajar between washes to allow the machine to dry out properly.
Now that we understand why washing machines develop musty odors, let’s explore how to clean and maintain your washing machine to keep it fresh and odor-free.
## **How to Thoroughly Clean Your Washing Machine**
There are two main methods to clean a washing machine: the **interior cleaning** and the **exterior cleaning**. The interior cleaning focuses on the drum, rubber seals, and detergent drawer, while exterior cleaning involves wiping down the machine’s surface, door, and control panel. Let’s go over each step in detail.
### **1. Cleaning the Washing Machine Drum and Interior**
The drum of your washing machine is where the majority of dirt, grime, and detergent residue accumulates. Cleaning it regularly helps to prevent odor buildup and keep your clothes smelling fresh.
#### **Method 1: Vinegar and Baking Soda**
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the most effective, natural cleaning agents available. When combined, they work together to break down grime, remove odors, and leave your washing machine smelling fresh.
**Instructions:**
1. **Empty the Washing Machine**
Before starting, make sure the washing machine is completely empty, with no clothes inside.
2. **Add Baking Soda**
Add 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum of the washing machine. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and break down detergent residue.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
