How to Remove Odours from Washer

Step 1: Clean the Washer Tub

• Remove all items from the tub.
• Clean your washer with a washer cleaning tablet, such as affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablets
• Affresh® tablets are designed to dissolve slowly throughout the cycle, giving you a thorough cleaning. Always follow the directions on the washer cleaner package when using affresh® tablets.
  • For front loading machines, place a tablet inside the washer drum.
  • For top loading machines, place a tablet at the bottom of the wash basket.
• If you don’t have washer cleaning tablets, you may be able to use liquid chlorine bleach, but always check and follow your use and care guide first, as it should be your primary source of information.
• Close the door or lid and select the “Clean Washer” cycle, if this is a feature available on your washer. Usually, this type of cycle is set to use more water than normal cycles and to use hot water, as it helps the tablets dissolve in the proper time frame.
• Otherwise, use a normal cycle with the hot water setting.
• Run a rinse and spin cycle on top-loading washers after your cleaning cycle ends to remove any leftover cleansers.
• Let the tub dry by leaving the washer door open.

Step 2: Clean the Dispensers

• Your washer may or may not have a dispenser drawer. If it does, it should be cleaned regularly, approximately every thirty days.
• You should feel resistance when pulling the dispenser drawer out. In some washing machines, the drawer may or may not be completely removable.
• Use washing machine cleaning wipes to clean all surfaces. Alternatively, use a damp cloth or clean with a general-purpose household cleaner if you don't have any wipes. Afterwards, dry the dispenser with a towel.
• Please be aware that many dispensers are not dishwasher safe.

Step 3: Clean in and around the door

• Make sure all clothes and other items are removed from the washer.
• For top and front load washers: open the washer door or lid and use a machine cleaning wipe or damp cloth to wipe down the inside glass or metal.
• For front load washers: clean both the inside and outside of the rubber door seal with a machine cleaning wipe or a damp cloth.

Step 4: Clean the Washer's Exterior

• Wipe your machine's surface with an all-purpose cleaner or damp cloth to clean any residue, dirt and dust.
• If spills occur, you can also use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to clean them up.
• Clean outside surfaces only with mild soaps or cleaners.

Additional Tips on Preventing Odours

There may be multiple reasons why you're experiencing bad odours in your washing machine. Here are some additional tips on preventing such odours.

1. Let the door stay open between uses - Washers have tight seals to prevent leaks, so leaving the door open helps keep the washer smelling fresh.
2. When your washer cycle is complete, remove your load immediately - Leaving your load in the washer will increase moisture, which can lead to odours and mildew.
3. Wash your clothes with warm or hot water once in a while (unless the fabric requires cold water) - this will assist in the reduction of dirt and detergent build-up.
4. Use only HE High Efficiency detergent - this will help prevent detergent buildup within the washing machine which will cause an odour or smell. Click here to learn more about HE detergent.
5. If your laundry area is damp, use a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture.