How to Get Smell Out of Washing Machine: Simple Solutions

How to Get Smell Out of Washing Machine: Simple Solutions

Hey there! So, you know that funky smell coming from your washing machine? Yeah, it’s not a new perfume called “Dirty Sock Delight.” It’s probably mildew, mold, or some unholy mix of old sports socks and regret. We love clean clothes but our washing machine sometimes feels like it’s auditioning for a horror movie. No worries, though! I got you covered with some super easy-peasy methods to kick that stinky smell outta your life like it’s an annoying relative at Thanksgiving dinner. Let’s dive in!

Step One: The Classic Vinegar Rinse

Okay, first things first—grab a jug of white vinegar. Seriously, this stuff is like magic potion for smells. Just pour about two cups into the drum of your machine and run a hot cycle without any clothes. It’s kinda like giving your washing machine a spa day. But remember—no one wants to be cozy in vinegar-scented water while they’re sudsing up their favorite shirt.

Step Two: Baking Soda Extraordinaire

Now that we’ve hit it with the vinegar, let’s bust out the baking soda! This old pal can absorb odors faster than my dog sniffs out pizza crumbs on the floor. Put one cup of baking soda directly into the drum (not on the fabric softener tray!). Then run another hot cycle. Trust me; this combo is gonna make your washing machine smell fresher than a spring meadow… or at least not like yesterday’s gym bag.

Step Three: Wipe Down Time

Once you tackled those two steps, take a cloth—or old t-shirt you don’t care about anymore—and give the rubber seal around the door a good wipe down. You might find some funky stuff stuck in there that’s causing all kinds of drama for your washing machine and nose alike. Just act like you’re cleaning up after a toddler who had spaghetti for lunch.

Step Four: Check That Drain Filter

You gotta dig deeper here! Most machines have a drain filter that can collect lint and other chaos over time. It’s basically where all lost socks go to party without you. Locate this bad boy and clean it out! You might wanna do this outside unless you want to start an indoor science experiment involving mysterious goo.

Step Five: Leave The Door Open

I know what you’re thinking—who leaves their washing machine door open? Well, if you want to help prevent future smells from developing, let some fresh air flow through there after each wash cycle! Leaving it open gives mildew less chance to set up camp like it’s moving in rent-free.

Step Six: Essential Oil Elixir

If you’re feeling fancy and want your laundry room smelling divine, go ahead and add a few drops of essential oil onto one cotton ball and toss that in before running another load (not while washing). Lavender, lemon or tea tree oils are great choices! Your clothes will come out smelling so good that even laundry will become an Instagram moment.

Step Seven: Repeat Like A Pro

This isn’t a one-and-done scenario, folks! Keep doing these steps regularly or else those smells are just gonna sneak back in when you least expect them—like when you’re trying to impress someone special with fresh linens only for them to wrinkle their nose at “Eau de Stinky Machine.”

FAQ Section

Question: Why does my washing machine smell bad anyway?
Answer: Oh man, usually it’s just moldy bits from leftover detergent, dampness or maybe even dog hair trying to stage an uprising!

Question: Can I use something other than vinegar?
Answer: Sure! You could use bleach but be careful with mixing stuff because chemistry is cool until it’s not!

Question: How often should I do these cleaning tricks?
Answer: Maybe once every month-ish? Or whenever your nose says “Yikes!”

Question: What if my washer still stinks after all of this?
Answer: If it’s still bad then it’s time for professional help or maybe retirement…for your washer not you!

Question: Is it safe to leave my washer door open all the time?
Answer: Yep! Just watch out for little kids or pets who think it’s their new hideout.

Question: Can I really make my washer smell nice with essential oils?
Answer: Absolutely! You’ll feel like royalty doing laundry if it smells good!

Question: Do I need any special tools for this crazy cleaning adventure?
Answer: Nahhh man just some vinegar, baking soda, and maybe an enthusiasm level over 9000!

So there ya have it—a quick guide on how to kick that stink right where it hurts (the funk)! Now get scrubbing so you can get back to making laundry less terrifying and more fun again. Happy cleaning!