Washing Machine Repair Near Me in Nairobi | Refitec 0704843613
Why does my washing machine smell? Odors come from mold, mildew, bacteria, and detergent residue that build up in the drum, door seal, and detergent dispenser due to moisture and leftover soap.
How often should I clean my washing machine? Clean your washing machine once a month for regular maintenance, or immediately if you notice unpleasant odors.
What’s the fastest way to clean a smelly washing machine? Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar, followed by a second cycle with ½ cup of baking soda to neutralize odors and remove buildup.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine? Yes, bleach works well for front-loaders and top-loaders. Use 1 cup of bleach in an empty hot water cycle, but never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
Will cleaning my washing machine improve its performance? Absolutely. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can damage components, reduce efficiency, and transfer odors and residue to your clothes.
Why Your Washing Machine Smells (And Why It Matters)
Your washing machine is supposed to clean your clothes, but what happens when the cleaner needs cleaning? That musty, mildewy smell coming from your washer isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a sign of bacteria, mold, and soap scum buildup that can transfer to your freshly washed laundry.
Modern high-efficiency (HE) washing machines are particularly prone to odor problems. They use less water than traditional models, which means detergent and dirt don’t always rinse away completely. Combined with the warm, moist environment inside the drum, this creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
The good news? Cleaning your washing machine drum is simple, inexpensive, and takes less than an hour of active work.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these common household items:
- White vinegar (2-4 cups)
- Baking soda (½ cup)
- Microfiber cloths or old towels
- Optional: Bleach (1 cup) as an alternative to vinegar
- Optional: An old toothbrush for scrubbing tight spaces
- Optional: Commercial washing machine cleaner tablets
Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine Drum
Step 1: Empty and Inspect the Drum
Remove any clothing, towels, or items from the drum. Check all pockets and crevices to ensure the drum is completely empty. This is also a good time to inspect the drum for any visible mold, residue, or foreign objects that might have been left behind.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser
The detergent drawer is often the smelliest part of your washing machine. Remove the dispenser drawer completely (consult your manual if you’re unsure how). Soak it in warm water mixed with a cup of white vinegar for 10-15 minutes, then scrub away any residue with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and set aside to dry.
Don’t forget to wipe down the cavity where the dispenser sits—this area often harbors hidden mold and soap buildup.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Door Seal (Front-Loaders)
If you have a front-loading washer, the rubber door seal is a major culprit for odor. Carefully pull back the rubber gasket and wipe around the entire seal with a cloth dampened with white vinegar or a mixture of water and bleach (1:1 ratio). You’ll likely find trapped water, hair, lint, and even mold hiding in the folds.
For stubborn mold spots, spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the area, let it sit for 5 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
Step 4: Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar
Now it’s time to clean the drum itself. Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum (for front-loaders) or fill to the max line (for top-loaders). Don’t add any detergent or other cleaners.
Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and the longest wash cycle available. Many newer models have a specific “clean washer” or “tub clean” cycle—use this if available.
Start the cycle and let it run completely. The vinegar will break down soap scum, mineral deposits, and kill odor-causing bacteria.
Step 5: Run a Second Cycle with Baking Soda
Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run another hot water cycle (you can use a shorter cycle this time).
The baking soda serves two purposes: it neutralizes any remaining vinegar smell and provides additional deodorizing and mild abrasive action to scrub away residue.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Exterior and Drum
After the cycles complete, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum, paying special attention to the top rim where residue tends to accumulate. Also wipe down the door, control panel, and exterior of the machine.
For the drum interior, you can dampen your cloth with a bit of vinegar for extra cleaning power.
Step 7: Clean the Filter (If Applicable)
Many front-loading washers have a drain pump filter that catches lint, coins, and debris. This filter should be cleaned every 1-3 months. Locate your filter (usually behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine), place towels underneath, and carefully unscrew it.
Clean out any debris, rinse the filter under running water, and replace it securely.
Step 8: Leave the Door Open
After cleaning, leave your washing machine door open for several hours or overnight to allow the interior to dry completely. This is actually a habit you should adopt after every wash—leaving the door ajar prevents moisture buildup and discourages mold growth.
Alternative Method: Using Bleach
If you prefer bleach or have severe mold problems, you can use bleach instead of vinegar:
- Add 1 cup of bleach directly to the drum (never to the detergent dispenser)
- Run the hottest, longest cycle available
- Run an additional rinse cycle with plain water to remove bleach residue
- Wipe down all surfaces as described above
Important: Never mix bleach and vinegar together. If you want to use both, run separate cycles and ensure the machine is thoroughly rinsed between them.
Preventing Future Odors: Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your washing machine once won’t solve the problem permanently. Follow these preventive measures to keep your machine fresh:
Use the right amount of detergent. More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. HE machines require HE detergent, and even then, you often need less than you think. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold and bacteria.
Choose liquid detergent over powder. Powder detergents can leave more residue in the drum and dispenser, especially in cold water washes.
Run monthly cleaning cycles. Make it a habit to run a vinegar or commercial cleaner cycle once a month, or at minimum once every three months.
Always leave the door open between washes. This single habit prevents most odor problems by allowing moisture to evaporate instead of creating a breeding ground for mold.
Wipe down the door seal after each use. For front-loaders, quickly wipe the rubber gasket with a dry cloth after each wash to remove standing water.
Remove wet clothes immediately. Don’t let clean laundry sit in the drum for hours. The damp environment encourages mildew growth in both your clothes and the machine.
Use the hot water cycle occasionally. If you typically wash in cold water, run an empty hot water cycle once a week to help dissolve buildup.
Consider washing machine cleaning tablets. Commercial cleaners like Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner are formulated specifically for this purpose and can be very effective for monthly maintenance.
Troubleshooting Persistent Odors
If you’ve cleaned your washing machine but still notice odors, try these solutions:
Check your drain hose. A kinked or partially clogged drain hose can trap water and create odors. Ensure it’s properly positioned and draining correctly.
Inspect for hidden mold. Some mold growth occurs in areas you can’t easily see, like behind the drum or in the drainage system. You may need professional service for severe cases.
Evaluate your water quality. Hard water can contribute to mineral buildup. Consider using a washing machine cleaner specifically designed for hard water, or install a water softener.
Review your laundry products. Heavily scented fabric softeners and detergents can leave residue. Try switching to gentler, fragrance-free options.
Run a longer, hotter cycle. Some quick-wash cycles don’t rinse thoroughly. Periodically use longer cycles with hot water to ensure complete rinsing.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Professional Service
While most odor and cleanliness issues can be resolved with DIY cleaning, sometimes you need expert help:
- Persistent odors after multiple deep cleaning attempts
- Visible mold in areas you can’t access
- Strange noises during wash cycles
- Water doesn’t drain properly
- Error codes related to drainage or drum function
- Water leaks around the door seal or underneath the machine
The Bottom Line
A clean washing machine is essential for truly clean laundry and for extending the life of your appliance. By spending just 30 minutes to an hour each month on maintenance cleaning, you’ll prevent odors, improve washing performance, and avoid costly repairs down the road.
The combination of white vinegar and baking soda is not only effective but also eco-friendly and budget-friendly compared to commercial cleaners. However, whatever method you choose, consistency is key—make washing machine cleaning a regular part of your household routine.
Your clothes (and your nose) will thank you.
Key Takeaways:
- Clean your washing machine monthly with vinegar and baking soda
- Always leave the door open between washes to prevent moisture buildup
- Use the correct amount of HE detergent to avoid residue
- Wipe down the door seal regularly, especially on front-loaders
- Clean the detergent dispenser and filter every few months
- Run hot water cycles periodically, even if you usually wash in cold water