The last thing you want in an on-premise laundry that is providing clean linen to guests, residents or customers, is a washing machine that smells bad. If left for too long, a smelly washer can develop into a smelly laundry, which is not a pleasant environment to be working in. What is worse is if the smell starts transferring to clean linen, rendering your wash efforts wasted. It may come of a surprise that a machine that is built for cleaning can itself become dirty. But over time, especially within a commercial laundry setting where linen is constantly being washed throughout the day and week, mould and bacteria can grow within the washing machine. Here is how to rid your washer of any odours, scum build up, and mould.
Why Does my Washing Machine Smell Bad?
A lack of air flow, the absence of regular machine maintenance, extensive washing machine use, and humid weather, all make the right conditions for mould and bacteria to grow, causing undesirable smells. You will find the mould is likely hiding within the crevices of the washer’s rubber door seal. Unfortunately all the detergent that runs through the washer does not clean the door seal. Despite all their superior features, front load washers are more likely to develop mould and smells than top loaders because of their rubber door seals.
If your machine takes manual chemical dosing, the soap hopper can also be an area of built-up grime in need of attention. If you’re not using detergent that is especially made for commercial washers, it could create more of a build up in the hopper and the machine itself. If you use automated dosing, your chemical hoses may 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 splashback
- 250mL cup
- 3 cups household vinegar
- 2 x sponge or cleaning cloth
- Optional small scrubbing brush or toothbrush
Step by step instructions:
- Ensure you are wearing eye protection and gloves.
- Make sure the washer is empty.
- Switch off your chemical dispenser if one is connected.
- Start the washer on a warm or hot cycle setting, and carefully pour 2 cups of vinegar into the soap hopper.
- Allow the machine to complete the wash cycle.
- Create a water and vinegar mix. Open the door of the washing machine. Taking a cleaning cloth or sponge, dip it in the mix and wipe the door seal, including the nooks and crannies, removing any evidence of mould.
- Check the soap hopper compartment. If it still has mineral or mould deposits, clean with your vinegar sponge or use your small scrubbing brush to get into any hard-to-reach areas.
- Wipe down all washing machine surface areas, including the drum, with a clean damp cloth to remove any vinegar scent.
This simple method will ensure that any odours in your washing machine are gone, and mineral and mould deposits are removed. You can also enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you have prevented cross-contamination of bacteria to linens and other washing machines.
How to Prevent a Stinky Washing Machine
To prevent your washing machine from developing any more funky smells in the future, the machine needs to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning includes disinfecting the door seal, cleaning the soap hopper or chemical hoses, giving the machine an all-over wipe down, as well as leaving the door or lid open after use to allow the drum to dry. Not only will you prevent smells, you will uphold a hygienic laundry; an important factor in operating a successful laundry and business. Here’s more information on why washing machines need to be cleaned regularly.
Take it One Step Further
Now you understand the importance of cleaning and maintaining the outside of your washing machines, why not take care of the inside of the machine, where you can’t see? Take advantage of an Aqualogic comprehensive Protection Plan. Our Protection Plans provide scheduled maintenance that will extend the life of your washers and dryers, reduce machine downtime, increase machine efficiency, improve health and safety, and catch any wear and tear early before it becomes a major breakdown. Not only will your washing machine live longer, but you’ll save money on avoiding breakdowns and minimise expensive repairs. Registering for a Protection Plan takes the stress out of having to ensure you’re taking good care of your washers.
Your Commercial Laundry Experts
You can rely on Aqualogic 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 online today or call 1300 222 119.
