Suddenly the washing machine stinks: These tricks are guaranteed to help

A musty smell in the washing machine is often perceived as unpleasant and affects the cleaning power of the laundry.

But what are the reasons for the stench and what can consumers do about it?

• A

  smelly washing machine

  is often perceived as unsightly.

• The musty

  smell

  can have different origins.

• Home remedies can

  help

  with the

  stink

  .

Offenbach - There can be different reasons why a

smells bad.

But one thing is certain: the smell is never pleasant.

Because actually the

should

smell flowery

after

and not smell musty.

But if the washing machine is not odorless, the laundry will not always be properly clean.

Smelly washing machine: bacteria are the reason

If the

a musty odor, it is usually

to blame.

These can accumulate in different areas of the washing machine, which can lead to a film of bacteria over time.

The bacteria are usually not a health risk, but we still perceive them as an unpleasant smelly problem.

These are the

:

• Washing at low temperatures

  encourages bacteria to build up in the washing machine.

  Those who wash their laundry mainly at 30 or 40 degrees save

  energy

  and

  money

  , but these programs do not kill germs effectively.

  Instead, these multiply magnificently thanks to the moisture and warm temperatures.

• The

  washing machine's rubber seal

  can also be to blame for the odor.

  In addition to water residues, hair and detergent residues can also accumulate here - also a welcome breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

• In addition,

  residues

  can get

  stuck in the lint filter

  , the drum or the hoses of the washing machine.

  Textile fibers that have become detached when the clothes are washed collect in the fluff filter.

  If the sieve is not cleaned regularly, mold can develop from the wet lint.

• In the

  detergent compartment,

  germs and bacteria also provide a place of well-being for germs and bacteria to accumulate and reproduce.

  This is where the musty smell of your washing machine can have its origin.

• The

  washing machine's drain pump

  can also be leaking or defective.

  If so, water can build up and bacteria spread, creating the musty smell.

+

After a long period of use, a washing machine can start to smell bad.

(Symbol image)

© dpa / Oliver Berg

Washing machine musty smell: home remedies can help

If your washing machine smells musty, that is no reason to dispose of it.

With a few

, you can get rid of the smelly problem in no time:

• Many consumers swear by

  dishwasher tabs

  to get rid of the washing machine odor.

  Throw the tab in the washing machine and let it run at 60 degrees.

  Thanks to the

  bleaching agent

  , the tabs work against the bacterial film.

  A simple wash cycle at 60 degrees can help.

• Baking soda

  is a great home remedy for removing the bad smells in the washing machine.

  Let the machine run at at least 60 degrees with a little baking soda in the detergent drawer.

  You can achieve the same effect with

  baking powder or soda

  .

• With

  citric

  their washing machine can descale wonderful.

  This helps with unsightly smells.

  Simply

  mix

  the acid with

  water

  and put it in the washing machine's compartment.

  Then let the machine run at at least 60 degrees.

  Warning: Do not use

  vinegar

  for descaling, as it attacks the sealing materials and only causes more problems.

you don't stink if you put yourself in the washing machine.

pic.twitter.com/gv4AoC8qg8

- Mad Abu (@nilsuhlig) February 23, 2017

Stink in the washing machine: how to prevent it

In order to prevent the musty smell in the washing machine in the future, experts recommend

cleaning

the washing machine once or twice a month at

, especially if you haven't washed hot laundry for a long time.

You should also

washing machine

so that bacteria films cannot form in the first place.

The induction bowl, rubber seal and fluff filter are also part of a thorough cleaning of the washing machine, otherwise germs can collect here.

Therefore, you should

the washing machine

after each wash

to allow it to dry properly and ventilate.

The washing machine drain pump should also be

that it is working

.

List of rubric lists: © dpa / Oliver Berg