In many households, the washing machine is used almost daily, especially when children live in the household. But what if the washing machine smells? The unpleasant, modest smell unfortunately transfers to the laundry and clothes and is distributed in the living area. So you do not want to leave the house, the causes of the bad smell to find and fix.
The washing machine smells – cause research
The stench of a washing machine can be very unpleasant. The causes are often obvious, and from time to time a specialist has to apply hand. First, the lint filter and the detergent compartment should be checked and, if necessary, cleaned. Detergent residues are usually easily removed with water and brush , if the encrustations prove to be stubborn, the corresponding container can also be removed from the washing machine and soaked in a bucket of water. The screen should generally be cleaned regularly.
Pay attention to the rubber seals of the washing machine. There is often accumulated water, which smells and smells foul. These should be wiped dry from time to time.
It is possible that residual water accumulated in the washing machine. This is then discharged. For this purpose, a diaphragm can be opened at the bottom of a majority of all washing machines, where a drain valve is located. If possible, the remaining water should be collected in a container.
Larger defects – waste water pump and bacterial attack
One of the coarser defects of a machine is certainly a non-functioning wastewater pump. In this case the water can not be pumped down after the wash cycle and smells with time. Almost every washing machine refuses service in such a situation, and a professional should take care of the problem. This checks the washing machine and, if possible, repairs the defect. The pump may have to be replaced.
Another problem that many people are not aware of is a bacterial attack in the machine. Basically we tend to wash our clothes in the washing machine energy-saving and at as low temperatures as possible. This unfortunately leads to the fact that inside the washing machine, especially in the area of the rubber coatings, fungi and bacteria can deposit and spread in a film layer. These do not only cause a foul odor , they may also spread to the clothes.
In order to make the uninvited washing machine guests go out of their way, a cooking washing machine should also be inserted at 90 ° – 95 ° degrees. This wash cycle can also be carried out without washing and detergent, with the aim of killing the bacterial attack. Generally, after a wash cycle, the clean and moist laundry should always be removed immediately from the washing drum of the machine and the washing machine door should remain open. So the drum can dry – germs and bacteria do not like the dryness.
Tips for prevention – washing machines do not have to smell
So that a washing machine does not begin to smell, you should follow a two simple tips. The odors usually last a long time:
- After washing, leave the washing machine open!
- Always wash your clothes immediately from the washing drum!
- It is best to use a washing machine (with or without detergent) once a month!
- Regularly clean and wash the lint filter, the container for the washing powder and the rubber seals!
- Cleaning with decalcifier – alternatively cooking empty washing with vinegar essence!
- Now drain the remaining water and check whether the drain pump is working properly!