Your washing machine is meant to clean your clothes and leave them smelling fresh. But sometimes, the machine itself starts to give off an unpleasant odour. Struggling with a smelly washer? Discover easy tips to banish the bad smell and stop it from coming back.
Knowing the cause of the smell from your washing machine makes it easier to tackle. In most cases, it’s due to bacteria, often called “grease lice”, hiding in the filter or the rubber cuff. These bacteria thrive on skin flakes, soap residue and damp conditions. The result is a musty, sour smell and even brown stains on your clean laundry. Another common culprit is a blocked drain. When water builds up and can’t drain properly, it starts to stink.
It’s more than just an unpleasant odour. That smell can soak into your clean clothes, forcing you to rewash them. This wastes water, time, detergent and energy. If grease lice are the cause, they can also trigger allergic reactions, especially for people with sensitive skin. If the problem is a clogged drain, fix it quickly. Leaving it too long could damage the machine and lead to costly repairs or replacements.
Struggling with a smelly washer? Grease lice are often to blame. These simple cleaning tips can help get rid of the odour and prevent it from coming back.
Always washing at 30 or 40 degrees? That’s the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Run the occasional hot wash, 60°C or more, especially for towels and bedding. This saves energy on regular cycles while keeping your machine cleaner.
Short programmes are convenient but don’t rinse as thoroughly. Run a long cycle once a week to give the drum a proper flush. It helps remove residue and leftover detergent from hard-to-reach areas.
Too much detergent leads to more soap scum. Liquid detergent is more likely to cause buildup than powder. Use a dosing cap or spoon to measure exactly. The best washing machines currently have smart sensors that detect load size and adjust detergent levels automatically. Most energy-efficient washing machines have this useful function.
The rubber ring around the door is a hotspot for grease lice. After each wash, wipe it dry with a cloth. Once a month, clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water or a vinegar mix, scrubbing deep into the folds with a small brush.
After washing, leave the door and detergent drawer open. This allows moisture to escape and prevents mould. Wipe the inside of the door and drawer with a dry cloth to stop buildup from forming.
Each month, run a 90–95°C cycle without laundry. Add vinegar or citric acid instead of detergent to kill bacteria and remove limescale. Some washers have built-in cleaning modes. Use them according to your manual.
Clean the filter and drain hose now and then. Remove hair, soap and dirt, and check for blockages or bends. A clogged hose can prevent dirty water from draining, which causes the smell to return. Make sure you then connect it properly to your washing machine.
These tips will help you keep your machine clean and smelling fresh. Grease lice, a mix of hair, detergent and grime, are the usual suspects. Alternate between hot and cold washes, and clean parts like the rubber cuff, drawer, filter and drain hose regularly.
