While the monsoons are drenching our surroundings, the moist air can bring about a lot of household problems. One such issue that is faced by many Indian households during this time is having a stinky washing machine. The dank environment provides an ideal breeding ground for molds, mildews and bacteria which can make your reliable appliance emit a bad odor. But don’t worry! This complete manual will assist you in keeping your washing machine fresh and clean so that your clothes come out smelling as good as new.
What Makes Your Washing Machine Smell?
Before we discuss remedies, let us first know what causes those funky smells from our washers:
1. Moisture Accumulation
The high levels of humidity experienced during monsoons may result in excessive moisture inside the washing machine, thus creating perfect conditions for the growth of molds and mildews.
2. Detergent Residuals
Sometimes using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave behind some residues which accumulate over time, serving as food sources for bacteria.
3. Hard Water Stains
In most parts of India, hard water is common such as mineral deposits build up in your machine, trapping dirt and germs.
4. Still Water
When clothes are left wetting in the washer for long hours or when the drainage system is not done correctly, stagnant water forms, providing a conducive environment where bacteria thrive.
5. Dirty Seals
The rubber seal around the door traps water, detergent and other debris, hence becoming an ideal spot for mold formation.
Now that we have identified what causes these smells, let’s see how we can deal with them and keep our washing machines smelling fresh.
Here are 5 Ways to Prevent Foul Smell in Your Washing Machine
1. Cleanse Your Washing Detergent Tray
Take out the drawer of your dispenser unit and let it soak in warm soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off any residue hiding in corners, then rinse well with clean water before putting it back.
2. Wipe the Rubber Seal Properly
After every wash, wipe the rubber lining around the door using a dry cloth. For deep cleaning, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle; apply this solution onto the seal then rub with a microfiber cloth until all dirt is removed.
3. Leave Open Your Machine’s Lid Post Wash
This easy practice can do wonders! After each washing cycle, keep your washing machine’s doors open for some time to allow free circulation of air within, thus preventing dampness buildup.
4. Run Hot Water Empty Washes
Run empty hot water cycles once monthly together with a cupful of vinegar. It helps in dissolving soap scum plus mineral deposits while at the same time killing germs.
5. Cleaning Filters
Filters are one area most people tend to forget but they could be causing huge odors too; refer to your manual on where it is located or how to go about cleaning it more effectively.
Do an In-Depth Cleaning Once
If after doing regular checks your washer still maintains its odor, then consider giving it some deeper attention through these steps:
Baking Soda and Vinegar Technique
- Empty drum – run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar inside it.
- Do an additional cycle with hot water.
- Wipe the inside of the drum using a microfiber cloth.
- Deal with Detergent Buildup
- Combine one-quarter cup baking soda with one-quarter cup water to make a paste.
- Use an old toothbrush to apply this paste to areas where there is detergent buildup.
- Let it sit for ten minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.
- Descale It with Citric Acid
- Pour two tablespoons of citric acid into the detergent dispenser.
- Run the machine on empty but on hot.
This really works well if you have hard water deposits that need to be removed from your machine.
Preventative Steps To Avoid Smelly Washing Machines
Prevention is always better than cure, here are some tips to keep your washing machine smelling fresh:
1. Use The Right Amount Of Detergent
More does not equal better – use only as much as needed per load so as not to leave behind too many residues which can cause bad odors over time!
2. Use Liquid Detergents Instead of Powders During Monsoons
During rainy seasons, powder ones tend to leave behind more residues thus giving liquid ones an upper hand in terms of cleanliness left behind after rinsing clothes done using them, hence preventing any future smells from developing within the washer itself due to dirty laundry becoming wet again during the drying process because it rained outside while still being washed inside.
3. Remove Wet Clothes Promptly
Don’t let wet clothes sit in the machine longer than necessary; take them out immediately after the cycle ends and hang them up or lay them flat somewhere else so mold doesn’t grow!
Upgrade To a New Washing Machine by Haier India
Haier India washing machines have inbuilt technologies for self-cleaning, anti-bacterial measures and better ventilation that keep your machine from stinking. There is an Indian household perfect match while choosing between the front load and top load models to enhance the laundry experience.
Haier Smart 9 Kg Direct Motion Motor Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine HW90-DM14959CS8U1
Features
- Super Drum – The extra-large 525L drum provides more space for laundry to tumble freely, resulting in a thorough clean. Its smooth ceramic surface is gentle on fabrics.
- Quiet Direct Motion Motor – Advanced direct motion motor technology allows for quiet yet powerful operation. It also enhances durability for long-lasting performance.
- Refresh Cycle – The steam refresh cycle helps revive wrinkled garments and reduce odors, keeping clothes fresh between washes. Gentle steam rejuvenates fabrics.
- Smart App Control – The user-friendly Hai Smart app allows you to conveniently control your washer from your smartphone. Effortlessly monitor cycles and receive notifications for total laundry management.
Haier 7Kg Front Load Washing Machine HW70-IM12929BKU1
Features
- Super Drum: The large 525mm drum provides extra room for laundry while the hexagonal drum structure gently lifts and tumbles clothes for a thorough clean.
- Inverter Motor: An inverter motor provides powerful yet quiet and energy efficient performance by optimizing power usage based on load size.
- Dual Spray: Water jets from the top and bottom thoroughly soak clothes and target stains by spraying from multiple angles.
- Puri Steam: The steam purification function removes up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses to sanitize clothes during the wash cycle.
Haier 9Kg Top Load Washing Machine HWM90-678ES8
Features
- Oceanus Wave Drum – The unique wave-like drum design gently mimics the natural motion of ocean waves, providing thorough cleaning while being gentle on fabrics. Clothes are washed efficiently with minimal damage.
- Low Water Pressure Performance – With near zero pressure technology, this washing machine delivers consistent washing performance even in low water pressure conditions. Optimal cleaning results are achieved regardless of water pressure.
- Softfall Lid – The Softfall lid closing system allows the lid to close gently and quietly, preventing slamming and reducing noise disruptions during the wash cycle. Clothes are protected while noise is minimized.
- Toughened Glass Lid – The ultra-durable toughened glass lid provides unmatched strength and crystal clear visibility inside the drum during the wash cycle. The reinforced glass ensures long-lasting reliability.
Features
- Removes 106 types of stains with Oceanus Wave Drum that mimics ocean waves for thorough cleaning
- Advanced in-built heater elevates laundry experience by enabling powerful cleaning and germ elimination
- Achieves 99.9% germ elimination
- Softfall lid technology closes drum gently and reduces noise
- 2X Magic Filter captures lint and debris efficiently
- 12 years warranty on motor
Bid farewell to smelly clothes forever by following these guidelines as well as buying a good washing machine – you will always have clean fresh clothes even during tough rainy seasons. Remember to take care of your washer because this could make it last longer than expected.