Cleaning your washing machine that smells bad
Your laundry smells musty after washing? The seal is black? Your machine is clogged. Here is the big cleanup.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar (1 liter)
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush
Steps to follow
Step 1
The seal (gasket): It's the #1 mold nest. Spread the folds of the gray rubber. You will often find smelly black sludge there. Scrub with a toothbrush dipped in pure white vinegar. If it is very encrusted, leave a cloth soaked in vinegar in the fold overnight.
Step 2
The detergent drawer: Remove it completely (there is often a small plastic clip at the bottom to press). Wash it under hot water to remove detergent crusts and moldy softener (black). Also clean the drawer housing in the machine with a brush (the ceiling of the housing is often dirty).
Step 3
The drain filter: It is located at the bottom of the machine, behind a small hatch. Open it (have a mop and a flat basin ready, water will flow). Unscrew the cap, remove coins, buttons, hair and lint. Rinse it under water.
Step 4
Internal descaling: Pour 1 liter of white vinegar directly into the empty drum. Add a cup of baking soda (watch out, it foams a lot!). Run a long empty cycle at 90°C (or max temperature). The heat + acid will loosen the limescale and kill bacteria.
Step 5
The exterior: A wipe with a vinegar cloth on the front, buttons and porthole to make it shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often ?
About every 3 months, or as soon as the laundry no longer smells fresh.
Should I leave the door open ?
YES, IMPERATIVELY! Always leave the porthole and the detergent drawer ajar between washes so that moisture evaporates. A closed machine is a mold incubator.
Precautions
- Unplug the machine to clean the filter.
- Do not mix Bleach and Vinegar (toxic gas).
