Why does my washing machine smell? The NATURAL fix for bad odours
WASHING bad odours from your clothing, sheets and household fabrics is worth the effort when they come out smelling fresh after a quick spin - but what can you do when it's the washing machine that starts to smell like eggs?
Mrs Hinch uses washing machine cleaning hack to remove dirt
Cleaning your clothes in a dirty machine is a pointless task, but it could be exactly what you’re doing by ignoring foul odours coming from your washing machine. While many of us overlook the importance of cleaning our washing machines, unpleasant smells are a tell-tale sign that it’s time to give it a once over. Tackling dirty laundry is one thing, but a dirty machine can be costly and time consuming - but with this hack you can fix it naturally.
Why does your washing machine smell like eggs?
A rotten egg smell can stem from two things - a buildup of bacteria from residual soap, or a trapped item causing mould or mildew to grow in the rubber seal.
Bacteria, lindt, mildew, soap and mould are all common origins of an egg-stench in your washing machine.
How to leave your washing machine smelling fresh
Essential oils are a natural and calming alternative to chemical detergents and bleach products when banishing rotten-smells from your washing machine.
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The best way to tackle mould and mildew while banishing the unpleasant stench is to use anti-fungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial oils such as:
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Thyme
Run a monthly crystal service
Leave the machine empty, add just one scoop of soda crystals and run a hot wash-cycle to flush out any bacteria or built-up gunk that may have accumulated in the drum.
After running an empty service wash, add 20 drops of essential oil, mixed with two cups of white vinegar to the dispenser tray.
Next, run another wash cycle on the hottest water setting and let the oils work their magic before wiping the drum with a clean microfibre cloth.
Mix a solution of two cups white vinegar and boiling water with 20 drops of essential oils of your choice.
Use a clean cloth to dip into the fragrant solution to clean the remaining components of your washing machine as outlined below.
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Check the rubber seal for mould
Where there is moisture, there is always a risk of mould.
The rubber seal that runs around the circular window of your washing machine is prone to harbouring excess moisture through residual water.
You will notice dark, irregular spots on the seal which can indicate mould, as well as a must odour.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the seal over on a weekly basis to keep mould at bay.
Wash out the detergent drawer
Despite the drawer containing clean and often fragrant detergent, it can soon turn sour if left without regular cleaning.
Clean the filter
The filter of a washing machine can harbour nasty smells.
Open the filter found at the bottom of the front face of the machine and drain excess water into a shallow tray.
Unscrew the filter and clean in warm soapy water to rid it of gunk and bad odours.
Air your machine
Leaving the door of your washing machine open after use acts as ventilation which can prevent mould and mildew.
Airing your machine can stop it from mustering up the lingering stench of eggs in the room.