If you’ve ever gone to hang the washing up and winced at that sour, mildewy smell drifting from the washing machine drum, you’re far from alone. Unpleasant smells in the washing machine are one of the most frequent household complaints, and many people have no idea where the smell is coming from.
Professional plumber James Clarkson, who has worked on residential and commercial plumbing systems across the UK for over 15 years, said: “The smell usually comes from trapped detergent residue, fabric softener, and lint mixing with warm, damp conditions. This creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Once that builds up behind the drum or in the rubber seal, the machine can quickly start smelling.”
If you want to get your washing machine squeaky clean, and stop that nasty smell from building up there is a simple and super cheap solution. The expert recommends a simple £1 household staple: bicarbonate of soda (baking soda).
James said: “Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and mild abrasive.
“When you run it through the machine, it helps break down soap scum and neutralises odours without damaging the drum or pipes. Most households already have a box in the kitchen cupboard, and it costs about a pound.”
It’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance of your machine to stop smells building up.
An easy way to keep smells at bay is to make sure you air your washing machine out.
Don’t leave wet washing in the machine for a long time, and leave the door slightly open after every wash to let the drum dry out.