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How to clean a smelly washing machine
With over six years of product testing experience, Rebecca knows exactly which laundry appliances will cut the mustard - or hopefully just remove it.
Clean your washing machine regularly to keep it free from mould and any smelly, musty odours.
You don't need to buy any additional detergents or washing machine cleaning products. Just follow these five easy steps to prevent a smelly washing machine.
But if you do want to add a dedicated cleaner to the mix, we reveal the best washing machine cleaners according to our tests.
How to clean a smelly washing machine
- Run a regular, hot, service wash.
- Clean the rubber seal.
- Wash the detergent drawer and lint filter.
- Leave the washing machine's door and drawer open.
- If you've done numbers one to four and your washing machine is still smelling, check your stand pipe.
1. Run a service wash
A service wash means spinning your washing machine without any clothes in and at a high temperature.
Most people wash their clothes at 40°C or less, and while this is a great way to save money on energy bills and is better for the environment, washing at these temperatures won't completely rid your washing machine of mould and bacteria. That's why you need to regularly run a hotter service wash (60°C or higher) to deal with this problem.
It's ideally done once a month, and most manufacturers now recommend you use a certain cycle to do this or provide a special drum-cleaning program. Your instruction manual should have this information. If not, call the manufacturer's customer service line and ask which program to use.
The only downside to running a hot wash is that it will cost more. That's why when we test washing machines we measure how much energy and water it uses, so we can tell you how much it'll cost to run.
Our expert tests have found A-rated machines that cost more to run than D-rated or lower models. Read our washing machine reviews to help you find a great model at a price that suits you.
2. Clean the seal
Mould and bacteria can fester in the rubber seal around the door hole. After your washing has finished, have a look at the seal to see if it needs a scrub.
One way to do this is by wiping the seal with a microfibre cloth dipped in a bowl of warm water and washing up liquid. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub off any stubborn patches of dirt if necessary, but not too hard as this could lift the seal away from the metal.
Doing this regularly can help prevent the build-up of mould and bacteria. If mould has had too long to fester, it may have sunk into the porous rubber of the seal and be impossible to remove. If this happens, you may need to replace the door seal.
3. Wash out the detergent drawer and lint filter
Mould and bacteria also have a tendency to build up in the detergent drawer and lint filter. An easy way to tackle this is to remove your detergent drawer from the machine and take it apart, then rinse under warm water and use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn gunk.
Make sure to thoroughly dry all of the pieces before inserting them back into your machine to slow down the regrowth of any nasties.
4. Leave the washing machine door and drawer open
Leaving the machine door ajar after washing allows air to circulate in the drum, speeding up the evaporation of any excess water and helping to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.
You should also leave your the detergent drawer partly open for the same reason. Alternatively, you can give it a quick wipe with a clean cloth to ensure there's no standing water lurking in there.
5. Check the stand pipe
If bad smells continue, you may have a partial blockage in the standpipe. A build up of bacteria, stagnant water and detergent residue in your washing machine's drainage system can cause an unpleasant eggy smell.
If you suspect this is the case, use a drain unblocker to try to clear the pipe. If the problem is serious, you may need to call in a professional repairer.
To find a repairer you can trust, try Which? Trusted Traders to find a local trader who has been assessed and checked by Which? experts.
If you're considering buying a new machine, check out the best washing machines according to our rigorous lab tests.
Can you put bleach in a washing machine?
There's no denying that household bleach can be a highly effective cleaning tool, but think twice before chucking it into your washing machine.
The caustic nature of undiluted bleach means it can damage some of the internal workings of your washer, such as the rubber door seal or the components that hold the drum together.
You could also accidentally stain your clothes if it's not completely rinsed away, as neat bleach and fabric traditionally do not mix well.
Plus, a lot of brands also won't cover damage caused by things like user error or unauthorised cleaning agents. Make sure you read your manual and any warranty documentation thoroughly before making a decision.
None of this applies to bleach-based washing detergents, as these typically contain oxygen bleach (colour-safe with a gentler formula) as opposed to chlorine bleach (the type of stuff you might use to clean a toilet).
Why does my washing machine smell?
There are a few reasons your washing machine might smell, but generally, the top three culprits are:
- Leaving wet clothes in the drum for too long This leads to the machine (and your clothes) developing that damp, stale water smell as the detergent left in the fibres begins to break down. Aim to remove items after a couple of hours at most.
- Neglecting to run routine maintenance cycles This is especially if you regularly wash at lower temperatures. Cooler washes, while still good at cleaning clothes, aren't quite as effective at removing bacteria. This builds up over time and creates an unpleasant odour that sticks to the drum and your garments.
- Living in a hard water area Limescale can cause blockages in your machine's pipes, which could in turn lead to a buildup of soap, scum, and the smell that comes with it. Using descaler regularly will help with this.
Why cleaning your washing machine is important
You need to keep your washing machine clean if you expect it to keep your favourite outfits clean. The warm, damp environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When you add things like pet hair and everyday dirt into the mix, it's easy to see why they get grubby.
Not only will a build-up of bacteria mean your clothes start to smell, it can also start to degrade the internal components of your washing machine. Ultimately, it could give up the ghost sooner than you might expect.
It's much easier to keep on top of a regular, low-maintenance cleaning routine than it is to call in a repairs specialist (or buy a completely new washing machine). It's kinder on your pocket and the planet too.
Give your clothes the best chance of smelling good wash after wash. Read '7 easy ways to get fresh-smelling laundry'.