How To Clean a Smelly Washer

Don't blame your washer if it's smelling rather rank lately. After all, isn't it doing what you want it to do - taking your dirty and yes, admit it, smelly, clothes and returning them to you as fresh laundry? In the time that elapses between the moment you shut the door of your washer and when you remove your laundry, it clears every fiber of the scum, body oil, hair, and dirt clinging to it.

No, all this detritus and debris hasn't disappeared mysteriously, it now resides in your washer's door seal, gasket, and detergent dispenser. Leave it there, and before you know it, the laundry room's humidity adds its touch and you have a washer that smells as bad if not worse than the clothing you ask it to clean. Leave it too long and it gets worse. Mold, mildew, and bacteria will grow and add their less-than-enticing scent to the mix.

So, what can you do to get rid of the smell?

Experts recommend you follow the following three-step "S" protocol.

• Soak: Remove the soap, softener, and bleach dispensers and let them soak in a bicarbonate or soda bath. These parts are where standing water tends to gather between cycles and serve as a breeding ground for the mildew that's responsible for the musty odor that greets you whenever you open the washer's door.
• Scrub: Next, use a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to get at any scum or residue that's left behind in the dispensers, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. If your washer is front-loading, use a wet cloth to wipe around the rubber seal and take a cotton swab to the gasket to dig out any gunk that may have accumulated there. If it's a top-loader, do the same but don't forget to check the area around the door where dirt tends to gather in cracks and crevices.
• Sanitize: Chlorine bleach is one of the best mold and mildew cleaners. However, make sure to never use it with other cleaning products since doing so will result in noxious fumes. White vinegar can also kill bacteria and neutralize smells. Pour two cups of into the detergent dispenser. Select the hot water setting and run an empty cycle. If you can't decide which, run consecutive cycles, one with bleach and the other with vinegar. You may also want to follow up with a baking soda cycle to neutralize any bleach or vinegar odor that remains.
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How You Can Prevent the Smell

Now that you've taken the time to rid your washer of nasty odors, you want to minimize the chances of them returning. The following steps won't take up any more of your valuable time.

• Use the right detergent. Check the manual that came with your washer. Manufacturers often recommend a type.
• If you have a front loader, you may want to avoid powdered detergents since they often produce more suds than the washer can handle.
• Keep the drum dry. Always remove your clothes as soon as the cycle ends and leave the door open, so air can circulate. You may want to go the extra mile and run a fan in your laundry area after every wash to keep the airflow going or even better buy a dehumidifier to remove moisture.
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Keep Your Appliances Sparkling with Help from AllyMaids

Although it can take a little bit of elbow grease to keep your appliances fresh and clean, you don't have to do it all yourself. If you're looking for professional help in keeping your home spotless, contact AllyMaids today. Our experienced cleaners will be more than happy to help!

AllyMaids is proud to provide affordable, quality maid services throughout the Atlanta area. From regular cleaning service to deep cleans and move-in/move-out cleans, we have all your residential cleaning needs covered. Plus, our team is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment! We look forward to hearing from you!