Your Washing Machine Is Smelling Bad

Washing machines can often start to develop musty or mouldy odors inside. These unpleasant smells are not a catastrophic problem and can easily be explained! We detail here the possible causes.

THE POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR THIS ISSUE:

• The door or detergent drawer is being left closed too often

• The wash temperature is too low

• The washing powder is too weak or an excessively large amount is being used

• There is an issue with the waste water evacuation

• The washing has been left in the machine for too long a period

WARNING
Before handling your machine, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply to avoid any risk of electric shock. 
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything to avoid any
risk of getting cut or injured.

The door or detergent drawer is being left closed too often

 Your washing machine needs to be aired out. Be sure to leave the door open once the washing cycle has finished and your machine is no longer being used. The damp, confined space inside is a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, which will quickly multiply. We also recommend you to make it a habit of leaving the detergent drawer open when the machine is not in use. This will slow down the development of unpleasant odors. If the door seal or detergent drawer is caked in hardened powder, gunge, etc., it can be cleaned well using a brush and vinegar. If you have tried everything and these parts simply prove to be too dirty to clean properly, they will need to be replaced.

Purchase a washing machine detergent drawer

The washing temperature is too low

 Microorganisms love temperatures of around 30° or 40°, so if you regularly use programmes at those temperatures, this is something you need to be aware of. We recommend you to run your washing machine once in a while on 60° or 90° programmes, for example once a month. Load all your dirty towels and cloths in and wash them at a high temperature programme. The heat will get rid of a large portion of the bacteria and thus prevent bad odors.

The washing powder is too weak or an excessively large amount is being used

 For economic reasons and out of concern for the environment, it is essential to avoid using too much detergent. However, you should still ensure, that you pour a sufficient quantity into the machine. If you use too much, the surplus will end up stagnating in the machine; and if you use too little, your machine load will not be properly washed. If you want to avoid mould and bad smells, carefully follow the manufacturers' guidelines and use a dosing ball or scoop if possible.

There is an issue with the waste water evacuation

 Bad smells around your washing machine may be coming from the waste water draining system. When this is the case, try checking the system yourself first. If you are unable to solve the problem, we recommend calling on the services of a plumber.

The machine load has been left in the machine for too long a period

 If at all possible, avoid leaving your clothes in the machine for too long once it has finished its cycle: this can cause the washing to become musty and develop an unpleasant odor.