How To Clean a Stinky Washing Machine

We’ve all been there- those times where you go to do a load of laundry, and that terrible odor creeps up on you as you lift the washing machine lid. You know that if you don’t find a way to get rid of the odor quickly, the smell is going to linger on your freshly washed clothes. With the challenges of today’s world, and so many of us working from home in new and demanding ways, a battle with your washing machine is one less thing you should have to deal with.

In this article, learn about the common causes of washing machine odors, myths related to eliminating odors, and why EnviroKlenz is the best solution to eliminate unwanted odors!

Why does my washing machine smell?

So many things can contribute to the unpleasant odors that linger in our washing machines. An intense game of one-on-one or a sweaty, summer morning jog can leave your shirts grimy with odor. These odorous particles are so microscopic; often, multiple washes will not be enough to break them free. Pets are another big offender, as our furry friends can do a number when it comes to unpleasant smells.

But are these things the only factors contributing to that odor lingering in your washing machine?

Read more: Why does my new washing machine smell?

The type of washing machine you own could be contributing to the problem

If you’re using a front-loader washing machine, you’re definitely on the right track with a superior product.  But, the attributes of front-loaders that make them so effective are also contributing to odors lingering longer than they should be.

Front-loaders don’t fill with water all the way, unlike their top-loading counterparts, and thus, don’t always rinse thoroughly. The layers of soap scum left behind are warm, ripe environments for mold and bacteria to grow. Both of those things lead to that nasty odor we all hate.

Front-loaders also have a rubber gasket on the door, which keeps water from leaking during the wash cycle. Bits of debris tends to get caught in the gasket, also creating the perfect environment to breed mold, bacteria, and mildew.

Is it safe to use vinegar to clean my washing machine?

Using vinegar to remove odors from your clothes and your washing machine is a tale as old as time, but as it turns out, most of the alleged benefits of using vinegar are actually completely false!

According to this article, the use of vinegar actually began in the 1950s, before the birth of laundry detergent. People used soap at that time, which left an unwanted residue on clothes. Vinegar was a great solution to combatting the soapy residue.

But vinegar, even though effective in dissolving soap scum, is not a powerful enough acid to be considered a disinfectant by any means.

Vinegar might be able to handle the tiny problem of soap scum, but it isn’t powerful enough to clean your washing machine, and might actually end up doing some considerable damage to the delicate surfaces in the machine itself.

So, what’s the best way to clean your washing machine?

First and foremost, the laundry detergent you’re using is likely a large part of the problem – changing that will get you well on your way to living odor-free.

Read more: How long does an allergic reaction to laundry detergent last

Next, you want to make sure you’re keeping the drum dry by removing damp laundry promptly when the load is finished, and leave the door open for the machine to air-dry.

Following, cleaning the gasket should be done regularly, as this is where pesky mold and odor-causing bacteria love to thrive. Make sure to remove the debris from the rubber seal around the door and wipe it clean with your preferred cleaner. There are many natural options when looking to choose a cleaner that works best for you.

A Solution for your stench

Enviroklenz Washing Machine Deodorizer & Cleaner can be used with both front and top-loaders alike. Just add ½ cup to the washtub or detergent dispenser and run a normal, warm water cycle.

Enviroklenz is a safe and effective odor eliminator and is powerful enough to blast away those pesky odors by neutralizing them completely. Enviroklenz is proven to produce incredible results fighting even the toughest odors in your washing machine.

We are proud to use only all-natural ingredients comprised of simple earth minerals. Enviroklenz doesn’t include any fragrances, dyes, harsh chemicals, or masking agents. We neutralize odors at the source.

Washing Machine Deodorizer

✓ Patented earth mineral technology works to attack VOCs and break them down on a compound level

✓ No chemicals or masking agents

✓ Will not release any chemicals back into your environment

✓ Get rid of odors