There’s nothing worse than doing a fresh load of laundry in the washing machine and finding that it has that distinctive musty smell afterwards! So, if you’re experiencing that unwanted washing machine smell – the slightly mouldy, mildewy one that lingers in your clothing – here’s what you need to do.
- Run the service wash
You should be running a hot service wash at least every month. Leave the drum empty, or add some white vinegar and essential oil for an anti-bacterial wash that will smell great and be all-natural.
You can buy drum washing detergent preparations if you prefer. The service wash is usually about an hour and will be hotter than usual in order to remove bacteria and mould build-up.
2. Clean the seal
The seal can harbour black mould which grows over time and ruins your laundry. Use this time to check for any broken sections too. If you find them you can make small repairs with a metal bonding adhesive such as https://www.ct1.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive/.
3. Wash the drawers
Get the detergent drawer out and give it a scrub in hot water and washing-up liquid. Excess detergent can build up and become slimy. You could also run it through a dishwashing cycle to sterilise it. Clean the lint filter while you are there.
4. Finish by leaving the doors open
It is good practice to leave the door and drawer of the washing machine open after you’ve washed it so that the inside can dry. Without this, mould can grow.
- Look at the standpipe
If you’ve done all of these steps and still have problems, take a look at the standpipe. Sometimes old water can become trapped in here and this becomes stale and contaminated with bacteria and mould.
If your problems persist, it is well worth calling in a plumber to take a look at the issues and determine the right course of action.
Follow these easy steps and your laundry will be smelling fresh and looking great again in no time!
