Neither Detergent nor Bleach: The True Cause of Washing Machine Odors Revealed
If you've been diligently cleaning the drum, lid, and rubber gasket of your washing machine, yet it still emits an unpleasant smell, the issue might lie in a part that often goes unnoticed. According to cleaning expert Alicia Sokolowski, this part is the pump filter, which many people aren't even aware exists.
Here are the details...
The pump filter traps lint, hair, and coins that get mixed into the machine.
Sokolowski is one of the founding partners of AspenClean, a company in Canada that sells cleaning products and provides home cleaning services. He suggests that the first place to check when dealing with bad odors is this filter.
The filter's job is to catch anything that could potentially cause damage to the pump. However, over time, these accumulated residues can turn into the source of the unpleasant smell.
Since the filter cap appears to be part of the machine, most people never open it.
Unlike the lint filter in the dryer, the filter of the washing machine is not visible during daily use. According to Sokolowski, people tend to clean the drum, the lid, and the rubber seals when cleaning the machine, but they completely overlook this part.
The fact that cleaning instructions vary from model to model can also lead to procrastination by making the task seem more daunting than it actually is.
A clogged filter is causing the dirty water to mix back into the laundry.
After each wash, a certain amount of moisture can remain in the filter. This moisture, when combined with lint, hair, and detergent residue, leads to the formation of bacteria that cause odor and a slippery layer.
Sokolowski states, 'A severely clogged filter disrupts the machine's drainage system and leaves behind more dirty water.' This water is used to rinse the laundry, then it returns to the filter, and the odor gradually intensifies.
The expert recommends cleaning the filter once a month.
In bustling households where the washing machine is frequently used, or where pet bedding and heavily soiled clothes are washed, it is necessary to clean more regularly.
According to Sokolowski, if you notice a foul smell, water not draining properly or your laundry coming out wetter than usual, it's a sign that it's time to check the filter.
Before removing the filter, it is necessary to turn off the machine and unplug it.
First, consult your user manual to determine if your machine has a removable filter. In front-loading machines, the filter is typically located behind a small door at the bottom of the front panel. If you've done a hot wash, wait for the machine to cool down and lay down old towels and a tray on the floor to catch any water spillage.
Empty the lint and hair from the filter and rinse it with water; if necessary, scrub it with a soft toothbrush, and if there's any buildup, use a drop of dish detergent. Wipe down the compartment with a damp microfiber cloth, reinsert the filter, and run a short rinse cycle to ensure there are no leaks. Always follow the manufacturer's method if instructions are provided in the manual.
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