How to Stop Washing Machine Smelling (and Prevent Mould too!)

How to Stop Washing Machine Smelling (and Prevent Mould too!)

Are you struggling to keep your washing machine smelling fresh? Smelly washing machines are a common concern, but luckily there are many things that you can do to help keep your washing machine clean and smelling fresh.

Your washing machine literally does a lot of dirty work cleaning your household’s clothes, linen, towels, cleaning cloths, and more. A lot of dirty stuff goes through your washing machine and the addition of detergent build-up, limescale, and excess moisture can soon cause problems with bad smells and mould. 

Naturally, a dirty and stinky washing machine will not do a great job cleaning your family’s clothes. If you want your washing machine to perform well and smell good, you need to do what you can to keep it clean and prevent any problems. Let’s look at how this can be done with a few easy habits. 

• Leave the Door of your Washing Machine Open

The one thing that will probably make the biggest difference is leaving the door to your washing machine open. It’s especially important to do this to let your washing machine dry as much as possible after each wash and some people choose to simply leave it open for a few hours to do this. I find that leaving the door ajar at all times when the washing machine is not in use is even better for preventing unpleasant smells. If family members tend to push it close, you can hang a small hand towel over the door to keep it from closing fully. You can also leave the drawer ajar for a while to dry out after each wash. 

• Use Powder Detergent Straight in the Drum

Liquid detergent can often be a cause of mould in washing machines so if you are using a liquid detergent or liquid pods, try swapping for powder which is usually cheaper and more eco-friendly too. Even better, put the powder straight into the drum if you’re starting the wash cycle straight away as this will reduce the risk of mould developing in the detergent drawer and the pipes. 

• Run a Regular Drum Clean Cycle 

Part of your laundry routine should be to clean your washing machine. If you use powder detergent straight in your drum, this job will be much faster and easier because the drawer should stay spotless!

As a minimum, run a drum clean cycle about once a month. Our washing machine lets us know when it’s time for a drum clean but I generally do it before the light comes on for this. If your washing machine doesn’t have a dedicated clean cycle, simply run a long programme at the hottest temperature available (90 degrees Celsius is ideal). To help clean your washing machine, use a washing machine cleaner product. You can also use a generous amount of white vinegar and/or baking soda.

Here are a few washing machine cleaner options that are readily available online and in shops:

• Dr Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner
• Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner 

Also check for own brand versions to save some money on this monthly task. Other areas to clean regularly include the drawer (take it out fully and wash in the kitchen sink), the inside of the door, the rubber seal, and the filter.

• Add Vinegar to the Drawer

Just like it’s best to avoid liquid detergents, it’s also best to avoid fabric softeners. These often contain animal fats so it’s not strange that this increases the risk of mould as the fabric softener builds up in the drawer, the pipes, and the drum. 

Instead, you can use white vinegar which naturally softens clothes while also helping to freshen up both your clothes and your washing machine. White vinegar also helps keep whites bright and you can add it to your washing machine drawer without causing any problems to your washing machine. 

• Don’t Leave Damp Washing Inside

Last but not least, if you want to reduce the risk of both smells and mould, don’t leave wet or damp washing inside your washing machine. As soon as your washing machine is done, empty it and leave the door open to let all condensation and moisture evaporate fully. Use the timer function to ensure this if needed. Also don’t put any dirty damp washing in the washing machine until it’s time to put the machine on. I’m sometimes tempted to chuck cleaning cloths into the machine but have to stop myself unless a wash will be put on imminently. Instead, I use a small wet bag for things like this to keep them contained but out of the washing machine. 

There we have it – these are my top tips for how to stop your washing machine smelling and for how to prevent mould in your washing machine. If you have any more tips, please share them in the comments below.