How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Smells

Does your washing machine smell more like a damp cellar than a fresh laundry room? You're 

not alone. Over time, washing machines can trap dirt, grime, and detergent residue, leading to an unpleasant odour.

But, not to worry, you can easily get rid of the smell and keep your machine smelling nice and fresh with a few simple steps. 

Let's dive into how to fix this.

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Bad?

Let's face it, washing machines can get pretty gross. When you wash your clothes, your machine doesn’t always rinse away all that dirt, sweat, detergent and fabric softener. Over time, this creates the perfect home for bacteria and mildew, especially in hidden spots like the door seal, detergent drawer and even inside the drum.

If you've ever noticed a musty or rotten eggy smell coming from your washing machine, it's likely caused by moisture, grime and residue building up. Plus, living in a hard water area can add to the problem, as minerals in hard water combine with detergent to form stubborn scum. 

If you're wondering why your clothes smell after washing, these build-ups are often to blame.

How to Remove Bad Smells from Your Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

If your washing machine has produced that unwelcome, musty scent, don’t worry, it’s easy to fix with the right cleaning supplies and a few steps.

Here’s the best way to clean a smelly washing machine and what you’ll need to get started.

What You’ll Need:

• Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel – to help eliminate 99.99% of odour-causing bacteria from your washing machine
• Calgon 4-in-1 Power Gel – perfect for tackling limescale and grime build-up as part of your usual washing routine
• White vinegar – an effective natural cleaner for your machine
• Baking soda – for extra scrubbing power
• Microfibre cloth – to wipe down surfaces and seals
• Soft-bristle brush – ideal for cleaning those tricky areas, like the seal
• Warm, soapy water – for soaking and scrubbing removable parts
  

With these tools at the ready, you’ll be able to effectively clean your washing machine and say goodbye to those bad smells!

Clean the Washing Machine Drum

The best way to clean a smelly washing machine is to start by tackling the inside of your machine. Begin by using Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel to kill 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria on an empty cycle once a month. 

Clean the Washing Machine Filter

You'd be surprised at how much grime your washing machine filter collects. You'll probably notice small bits of dirt, lint, hair, and even lost socks, can get trapped in here, causing bad washing machine smells. It's usually located at the bottom of your machine, behind a small panel at the front. Carefully remove the filter, clear away any debris, and rinse it under warm water. This simple step works wonders to keep your machine fresh. For more tips, check out how to clean a washing machine filter.

Scrub the Rubber Seal

The door seal (that rubber ring around the edge) is notorious for trapping moisture and grime.

Clean the Detergent Drawer

Next up is the detergent drawer. This spot is often forgotten about, but detergent and fabric softener build-up can create a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Best Way to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

So, what's the best way to tackle those unpleasant washing machine smells? 

If you notice dirt build-up, learn how to clean dirt out of your washing machine to avoid future odour issues.

How to Stop Your Washing Machine from Smelling in the Future

Now that your machine is clean and fresh, let's make sure it stays that way. 

Here's how:

• Leave the door open: After every wash, leave the washing machine door open. This simple trick allows the machine to dry out by letting air circulate, which stops bacteria build-up. 
• Wipe down the seal: After each cycle, quickly wipe around the door seal with a microfibre cloth to remove any moisture.
• Use Calgon in every wash: Calgon products help prevent limescale build-up, which is particularly common in hard water areas. It's a simple way to keep your machine clean and fresh while protecting it from future problems. It is especially important when it comes to reducing residue build-up, which can contribute to a smelly washing machine. 

FAQs

How do I get rid of the horrible smell in my washing machine?

Use Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel to kill 99.9% of bacteria.


Why does my washing machine smell like rotten eggs?

Rotten egg smells are often caused by bacteria or sulphur in the water. Run a cleaning cycle with Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel to kill 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria.


How do I stop my washing machine from smelling like a sewer?

Clean the filter, run regular hot cycles with a cleaner, and leave the door open between washes to let air circulate and prevent moisture build-up.