After washing, you expect your clothes to be sparkling clean. The pleasant smell is also a testament to the cleanliness of the textiles. But why is it that in some cases a musty odor emanates from the washing machine? Low washing temperatures and insufficiently dosed detergents are responsible for this unpleasant effect. Both factors ensure that dirt residues remain in the wash water. As a result, the inside of the appliance smells similar to rotten eggs. The unpleasant smell settles in the laundry, so that it also gives off the odor.
How do you fight the washing machine smell?
If the washing machine smells unpleasant or even putrid, the odor impairs the desired washing result. To prevent this, a monthly wash cycle at over 40 degrees Celsius is the focus. If you run your washing machine at 60 degrees Celsius, the heat kills the majority of bacteria in the laundry. Bernd Glassl, who is a member of the Industrial Association for Personal Care and Detergents, advises this useful measure. Many people choose the energy-saving mode when washing. In this case, the water only reaches a temperature of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
If you wash your garments permanently at low temperatures, a biofilm forms inside the machine. Bacteria and fungi find a habitat in this. They cause the unpleasant Washing machine smell. To remove the deposit, it is worth using a heavy-duty detergent. This is suitable for decomposing the biofilm at low and high temperatures because it contains bleach. The same applies to universal detergents.
Another method to combat the smell in the washing machine is to clean the door seal. The rubber layer seals the appliance's door so that no water escapes from the drum. However, lint and germs collect under the coating. Therefore, it is a good idea to wipe away the residue under the rubber ring after every wash cycle. Unpleasant odors also form due to a lack of ventilation. If you close the washing machine door after using the appliance, moisture remains inside. The musty smell results from the bacteria that multiply in the dampness.
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of the washing machine
To ensure that the washing machine functions efficiently and odor-free for a long period of time, cleaning the lint filter is the top priority. The assembly catches detached textile fibers. If mold forms on the wet threads, an unpleasant smell occurs in the drum.
Furthermore, make sure to clean the detergent drawer regularly. If residues remain in the compartment, various molds and germs collect there. The laundry absorbs their odors, so that it subsequently smells bad. To avoid the smell in the washing machine, you can find the practical washing machine cleaner on the website bosch-home.com. This is a care product that ensures a hygienic interior of the appliance.
Read also: Protecting the washing machine from limescale without chemicals
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
