The last thing anyone wants in an on-premises laundry that provides clean linens to guests, residents, or customers is a washing machine that emits unpleasant odors.
If left unchecked, a smelly washer can turn into a smelly laundry, which is not a pleasant working environment. It's even worse if the smell starts to transfer to clean linens, making all the washing efforts pointless.
It may seem surprising that a machine designed for cleaning can get dirty, but over time, especially in a commercial laundry setting where linens are constantly being washed, mold and bacteria can accumulate in the washing machine.
Here's how to eliminate any odors, scum buildup, and mold from your washing machine.
Why Does my Washing Machine Smell Bad?
Mould and bacteria can thrive in washing machines under certain conditions, such as limited air circulation, irregular machine upkeep, frequent usage, and humid weather. These factors create an environment conducive to the growth of unwanted odors.
Typically, the rubber door seal of a front-loading washer is where mould tends to accumulate, and regular washing with detergent is not sufficient to eliminate it. Although front-load washers have advanced features, they are more susceptible to mold and odors than top-loading washers due to their rubber door seals.
If your washing machine requires manual chemical dosing, the soap hopper could be an area where grime has built up and requires attention. Using non-commercial detergents can result in more build-up in the hopper and the machine. If you use automated dosing, it's possible that your chemical hoses have accumulated some detergent build-up.
How to Rid my Washer of a Bad Smell: Step by Step
What You Will Need:
- Rubber gloves and eye protection in case of splash back
- 250mL cup
- 3 cups household vinegar
- 2 x sponge or cleaning cloth
- Optional small scrubbing brush or toothbrush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make sure you're using gloves and eye protection.
- A full washer should be used.
- If you have a connected chemical dispenser, turn it off.
- Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the soap hopper of the washer while it is running on the warm or hot cycle.
- Allow the washer to finish its cycle.
- Make a solution of vinegar and water. The washer's door should be left open. Take a cleaning cloth or sponge and dunk it in the mixture. Then, wipe the door seal, getting into all the nooks and crannies, to get rid of any mould spores.
- Examine the soap hopper storage area. If there are still mineral or mould deposits, you can clean it using a vinegar sponge or a small scrub brush to get into any nooks and crannies.
- To get rid of the vinegar smell, wipe down all of the washing machine's surfaces, including the drum, using a clean, wet cloth.
This easy procedure will guarantee that any odours in your washing machine are gone, as well as the removal of mineral and mould deposits. You can also take comfort in knowing that you have stopped bacteria from spreading to linens and other washing machines.
How to Stop Your Washing Machine from Smelling
Regular cleaning of your washing machine is necessary to keep it from producing any more unpleasant odours in the future. Cleaning involves wiping down the entire machine, sanitising the door seal, cleaning the soap hopper or chemical hoses, and keeping the door or lid open after usage so the drum can dry. You'll maintain a hygienic laundry, which is crucial for running a good laundry and business, in addition to preventing odours.
Waikato's Leading Commercial Laundry Specialists
You can rely on Electric Laundry Repair to get the best wash results in your laundry and ensure that your commercial washing machines perform at their best every time.
We are experts in the set up and maintenance of commercial laundries, and we can help you find the laundry equipment that is best for your business. For more information on our comprehensive range of equipment and services, contact us admin@elrnz.co.nz or 07 847 8070.
