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10 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Your Top Loading Washing Machine
If you have ever noticed a musty, mildew smell coming from your top loading washing machine, you are not alone. This unpleasant odor can be caused by a variety of factors, including a buildup of detergent and fabric softener, moisture in the machine, and a lack of ventilation.
Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to banish mildew smell from your washing machine. Here are 10 easy tips to get you started:
1. Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar
2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
3. Use Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
4. Run a Hot Water Cycle with Bleach
5. Use Dish Soap and Hot Water
6. Clean the Washing Machine Gasket
7. Leave the Door Open
8. Use Store-bought Washing Machine Cleaners
9. Change Your Laundry Detergent
10. Maintain Your Machine Regularly
By following these tips, you can get rid of mildew smell and enjoy fresh, clean laundry once again.
10 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Your Top Loading Washing Machine
1. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is a known natural cleaning agent that can get rid of stubborn mildew smells. Simply pour two cups of white vinegar into the washing machine tub and run it through a complete cycle on the hottest setting. After the cycle is complete, wipe down the inside and outside of the machine with a clean cloth.
2. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that can eliminate mildew smells. Add one cup of baking soda to the washing machine drum and run a complete hot cycle. After the cycle is finished, wipe down the inside and outside of the machine.
3. Use Bleach
If the mildew smell is persistent, use bleach to get rid of it. Add one cup of bleach to the washing machine drum and run a complete hot cycle. Wipe down the inside and outside of the machine after the cycle is finished.
4. Leave the Door Open
One of the reasons mildew smells occur is because moisture gets trapped inside the washing machine. Leaving the door open after each cycle can allow the moisture to dry out and prevent mildew from growing.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
If your laundry room is often damp, consider using a dehumidifier. This will reduce the amount of moisture in the air and prevent mildew from growing.
6. Dry Clothes Properly
Make sure that you are drying your clothes properly. Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long can create the perfect environment for mildew to grow.
7. Use a Washing Machine Cleaning Solution
There are many washing machine cleaning solutions available on the market that are designed to eliminate mildew smells. Follow the instructions on the package of your chosen cleaning solution.
8. Clean the Filter Regularly
The filter in your washing machine can trap dirt and debris, which can create a breeding ground for mildew. Make sure to clean the filter regularly to prevent this from happening.
9. Inspect the Drain Hose
The drain hose can also become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to the growth of mildew. Inspect the drain hose and clean it if necessary.
10. Run Regular Maintenance Cycles
Running regular maintenance cycles on your washing machine can help keep it clean and prevent mildew from growing. Follow the instructions in your washing machine manual for the best results.
By following these 10 easy steps, you can eliminate mildew smells in your top loading washing machine and keep your laundry smelling fresh and clean.
For more information on washing machine maintenance, visit www.familyhandyman.com.
What Causes Mildew Smell in Top-Loading Washing Machines?
The Problem
If your top-loading washing machine smells like mildew, you’re not alone. This is a very common problem, and it’s usually caused by the buildup of bacteria and mold inside the machine.
The Causes
There are several things that can contribute to the buildup of bacteria and mold in your washing machine. One of the main causes is leaving wet laundry in the machine for too long. Moisture and heat create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow.
Another cause is using too much detergent or fabric softener. These products can build up in the machine over time, trapping moisture and creating a breeding ground for mildew and other fungi.
The Solution
The best way to prevent mildew smell in your top-loading washing machine is to keep it clean and dry. After each use, leave the lid or door open to allow air to circulate and help dry out the machine.
Also, be sure to clean the machine regularly. You can use a mixture of bleach and hot water to kill bacteria and remove any mold or mildew that may have built up inside the machine.
Outbound Link
If you need more information on how to keep your washing machine clean and prevent mildew smell, check out the Washing Machine page on Wikipedia. It has a lot of helpful tips and advice for keeping your machine in top condition.
FAQs
What causes mildew smell in top loading washing machines?
Mildew smell in top loading washing machines is often caused by the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew in areas such as the rubber gasket, detergent dispenser, and drum.
How can I prevent mildew smell in my top loading washing machine?
To prevent mildew smell in your top loading washing machine, it’s important to leave the door or lid open after every use to allow air to circulate and dry out any moisture. You should also regularly clean the detergent dispenser and rubber gasket.
What are some easy ways to get rid of mildew smell in my top loading washing machine?
There are several easy ways to get rid of mildew smell in your top loading washing machine:
- Run a hot water cycle with bleach or white vinegar.
- Use a washing machine cleaner, such as Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner.
- Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe down the rubber gasket and inside of the drum.
- Place a bowl of white vinegar in the washing machine and run a hot water cycle.
- Add a cup of baking soda to your next load of laundry.
- Wipe down the drum and rubber gasket with a mixture of water and tea tree oil.
- Leave a sachet of lavender or lemon peel in the drum overnight.
- Run a hot water cycle with a cup of borax.
- Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your next load of laundry.
- Wipe down the drum and rubber gasket with a mixture of water and lemon juice.
How often should I clean my top loading washing machine to prevent mildew smell?
You should aim to clean your top loading washing machine at least once a month to prevent mildew smell. However, if you notice a mildew smell before the month is up, you should clean it immediately.
What other measures can I take to prevent mildew smell in my top loading washing machine?
In addition to leaving the door or lid open after every use and regularly cleaning the detergent dispenser and rubber gasket, you can also try using a low-sudsing detergent, reducing the amount of detergent you use, and using hot water cycles for heavily soiled loads.
Bullet Points for 10 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Your Top Loading Washing Machine
- Clean the gasket with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda
- Run a hot water cycle with vinegar and baking soda
- Use a washing machine cleaner like Affresh
- Leave the lid open after washing cycle to air out
- Use a dehumidifier in laundry room
- Wipe down the inside of the drum after each use
- Use a laundry detergent with baking soda or borax
- Consider purchasing a washing machine with a self-cleaning cycle
- Clean the drain pump filter regularly
- Use a laundry sanitizer to kill bacteria and eliminate odors
