Many homeowners report an unpleasant odor in their washing machines. It's usually caused by water or moisture being retained somewhere in the machine or associated drain; this moisture is a fertile breeding ground for mold and mildew. Although there are products made for helping you rid your washing machine of odor, there are other things you can try to see if you can solve the problem yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean the washer's drain and any filters. Find the point inside where the water leaves the washer tub because sometimes paper or coins left in clothes pockets clogs this area. The clog retains water, and mold and mildew can form, creating the odor.
(If you are not comfortable doing this repair, call a qualified technician. Some warranties will become void if an unqualified person attempts repairs during the warranty period.)
2. Clean the rubber gaskets around the washing machine door with vinegar and a lint-free cloth. The gaskets, especially those on front-loading machines, retain moisture.
3. Run the wash cycle with the washer empty at the hottest water setting using white vinegar. Pour one-quarter gallon of vinegar in the detergent drawer before starting washer. After the pre-wash cycle had ended, pour another quarter gallon of vinegar in the detergent drawer.
4. Empty clothes from the washer immediately after every wash cycle. Wet clothing sitting in a closed washer invites mildew that can produce smell.
5. Use less detergent for each load than recommended by the manufacturer, especially for front-loading machines. For these machines, use only high-efficiency (HE) detergents.
6. Leave door and detergent drawer open between loads so the washer can dry out. Moisture retained in an idle washer can cause mold and mildew.
Tags: detergent drawer, mold mildew, front-loading machines, gallon vinegar, gallon vinegar detergent
