If an odour is coming from your washing machine, save your money and try this before calling an engineer
A washing machine should leave clothes smelling fresh, but over time it can begin to develop unpleasant odours of its own. Fortunately, cleaning experts say one inexpensive kitchen ingredient could help freshen it up in just one maintenance wash.
According to consumer organisation Which?, washing machines can develop bad smells when detergent residue, moisture and bacteria build up inside the drum, rubber door seal and detergent drawer. Low-temperature washes and using too much detergent can also contribute to the problem by allowing residue to accumulate over time.
Cleaning experts at Whirlpool recommend using white vinegar as part of a regular maintenance routine to help remove odours and break down detergent build-up. They say its acidic properties can help dissolve residue while freshening the inside of the appliance.
How to use white vinegar in washing machines
Whirlpool advises homeowners to pour around two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum before running an empty hot wash, ideally at 60C or above. Once the cycle has finished, the manufacturer recommends wiping the rubber door seal, detergent drawer and inside of the door to remove any remaining residue.
Which? also advises cleaning washing machines regularly to prevent mould, bacteria and detergent deposits from building up. The consumer group recommends carrying out a maintenance clean roughly once a month, particularly if you regularly wash clothes at lower temperatures.
The Good Housekeeping Institute says leaving the washing machine door and detergent drawer slightly open after each cycle allows moisture to escape, helping to reduce the damp conditions that encourage mould and mildew to grow. It also recommends drying the rubber seal after use to prevent lingering moisture.
According to Bosch Home Appliances, owners should also clean the machine’s filter every few months. Lint, hair and other debris can collect inside the filter over time, potentially contributing to unpleasant smells and affecting the appliance’s performance.
Cleaning specialists also warn against using more detergent than necessary. Which? says excess detergent may not rinse away completely, leaving behind residue that can trap bacteria and create unpleasant odours inside the machine.
While white vinegar is widely recommended for occasional cleaning, some manufacturers advise checking your appliance handbook first. Bosch says acidic cleaning products should only be used in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, as frequent use may not be suitable for every washing machine.
Regular maintenance can help keep washing machines smelling fresh and performing efficiently for longer, according to Which?. Combined with cleaning seals and filters, leaving the door ajar after washes and running an occasional maintenance cycle with white vinegar could help prevent unpleasant odours from returning.
