The unpleasant aroma from freshly washed laundry often comes as a surprise to many housewives. The reason for this is not the quality of the powder, but bacteria and moldwhich accumulate inside the equipment. Moisture and heat create an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, especially if you are used to washing at low temperatures. Fortunately, you can restore freshness without calling a specialist and expensive chemicals.
Citric acid against scale and plaque
This is one of the safest and most effective cleaning methods. Citric acid not only eliminates foreign odors, but also corrodes limescale on the heating element.
The procedure will require about 100–150 grams of acid powder. Pour the detergent into the detergent compartment or directly into the empty drum. Select washing mode with maximum temperature (usually 90-95 degrees) and run the cycle without laundry. The hot, acidic environment will kill mold spores and clean internal parts.
Vinegar and soda for deep disinfection
If the smell is too persistent, a combination of table vinegar and baking soda will help. This duo works as a powerful antiseptic.
Mix half a glass of water and half a glass of soda, pour the solution into the powder compartment. Pour a glass into the drum 9% vinegar. Run a long wash on high temperature. Vinegar effectively breaks down fatty deposits and soap scum, where bacteria often live. It is important to remember that it is not recommended to use vinegar frequently, as it can be aggressive to some rubber parts, but for one-time cleaning this is an ideal option.
Cleaning up hidden sources of odor
Sometimes the problem lies not in the drum, but in the parts that we forget to wipe. The main breeding ground for the fungus is rubber cuff hatch.
Bend the edge of the seal and inspect it carefully. Water, hair and small debris often accumulate there, which over time begin to rot. Wipe the cuff thoroughly with a sponge soaked in a chlorine-containing product or copper sulfate solution. It is also necessary to unscrew and wash regularly drain filterlocated at the bottom of the case, where coins, lint and dirt get stuck.
Simple habits for freshness
To prevent the problem from returning, it is enough to follow several operating rules. Always leave the hatch door and powder tray slightly open after washing to ventilation. Moisture should evaporate and not stagnate inside. Try to run a preventative wash at high temperature at least once a month, using special products or regular bleach.
A clean washing machine not only provides a pleasant aroma to your clothes, but also lasts much longer if dirt is removed in a timely manner and regular maintenance is carried out.
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