So, you did the ‘adult’ thing and cleaned your washing machine. Tick!
But there's a problem: your washing machine still stinks. What gives? And how is it possible that your washing machine smells worse after cleaning it?
Flush the Funk
When you clean your washing machine for the first time in a long time (we’re talking 12 months or more but hey, no judgement), you might notice a stronger stench afterwards.
Throughout the cleaning process, you’re dislodging a lot of funk and gunk after many, many cycles of dirty laundry. Now, the grime has loosened up, but it’s still in your machine, hence the bad odours.
The solution? Flush out all the nasties with a second or third clean cycle on the hottest setting with our Machine Drum Wash. If this was the issue, that should do the trick.
The M-Word
If flushing it doesn’t work, you might have a mould problem.
Mould usually grows in the seals of your machine. If that’s the case, it’s time to level up with chlorine bleach, which is the only product that will truly eliminate mould in your washing machine.
To do this, you can stuff your rubber gasket (seal) with paper towels and pour bleach on top to absorb. Let it soak for up to 24 hours (depending on how bad the situation is) and give it a good wipe after, to remove any excess bleach.
You can watch our video example of this here.
Smell & Memories
Firstly, we believe you but also… there might be a chance you could have developed an odour association? Meaning, are you linking the smell of your detergent with the memory of your musty clothes?
Before you call us out on this wild theory, science proves that smell and memory are closely linked, so this isn’t as crazy as it sounds.
If this is the case I would try and test the theory by changing up your detergent. See what happens and after using a refill pack of the alternative scent (for example using Advanced Wash if you usually use Original Laundry Detergent, or vice versa), then switch back to your regular preference. You might notice that your clothes are back to smelling as good as they should.
Worst Case Scenario
So none of the above worked and you’re looking at us like, “What now?”
If your washing machine and freshly laundered clothes smell like rotten eggs (ew!) or sewage (double ew!), it’s time to pick up the phone and call in the professionals.
Our best guess at this point is that your drain pipes are blocked with dirty water, residual soap and grime which together, create a foul smell (not to mention, a haven for mould growth). This bad smell is something that you just can’t fix by yourself. Yep, it’s delegation time!
Need to deep clean your washing machine? Follow our 4 simple steps for a cleaner and more effective machine here.
