A smelly washing machine is a common occurrence for many of us, and it generally occurs due to a build up of bacteria. But regular cleaning of the appliance can help to keep such odours at bay – and keep your washing machine working to its peak performance.

When it comes to cleaning your washing machine, there are a few components which we recommend you pay particular attention to, as these are the areas where dirt and bacteria are most likely to harbour. These include:

Soap Drawer:

Take a quick look at your soap drawer. Is there a black film covering it or built up in the corner? This film is bacteria, which will build up over time and if left unattended will bring with it unpleasant odours.

Tackling such an issue isn’t difficult, and can be done in a matter of minutes by following the advice in the “How to Remove and Clean the Soap Drawer in a Washing Machine” video below.

Washing Machine Filter:

A clogged filter on your washing machine can bring about a number of issues, including the appliance not draining or the drum not spinning. Nine times out of ten, cleaning the filter on your washing machine is an easy task to do, by following the steps outlined in our “How to Remove and Check the Washing Machine Filter” video below.

However, there will be those occasions when it’s difficult to get the filter out, due to hair grips sticking out. In such a situation, we recommend you watch our “How to Replace the Pump in a Washing Machine” video.

Door Seal:

The door seal on your washing machine plays a vital role in preventing leaks from occurring. Yet, like the soap drawer, it is susceptible to dirt and bacteria which increases the risk of unpleasant odours occurring.

Regular cleaning of the door seal, using warm soapy water and a clean cloth will not only help to keep bacteria and germs at bay, but it also provides you with the opportunity to give the part a once over, ensuring it’s in top condition.

Any blemishes with the door seal or if it feels firm to touch, then it’ll need replacing. This can be done by following the guidance outlined in our “How to Replace the Door Seal on a Washing Machine” video.

In addition to cleaning the parts mentioned above, we also recommend you perform a maintenance wash every couple of months.

A maintenance wash involves putting your washing machine onto the hottest wash cycle possible, when it’s empty, and using the BuySpares Limescale and Detergent Remover.  Carrying out such a wash will kill bacteria and reduce stale odours, whilst cleaning and sanitising the internal parts of your appliance, as well as the drum, helping it to run more efficiently.

By taking the time to clean these components on a regular basis, you can keep unpleasant odours away from your washing machine and keep it running to its full potential for longer.

Tags: Dirty Washing Machine, Washing Machine Filter, Washing Machine Spare Parts