Residual laundry detergent, fabric softener, and built-up debris can get stuck in your washer, dryer drum, and doors. Clothes washers will grow mold and develop a musty smell, especially front-loaders! To dodge this, clean your appliance regularly and do it thoroughly.
Bad Odors and Mildew Smell in Washer and Dryer Drum
Washer and Dryer Drum Cleaning
After every wash, remove debris, pet fur, or hair so it doesn’t redeposit on future loads. Every three months, give your washing machine a deep clean. Some washers have a dedicated cleaning cycle; I still thoroughly clean them with 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach added to the dispenser and running a regular hot water cycle. You can use cleaners like Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner. Front loaders must be wiped, including the rubber seal on the door.
Similar to washing machines, dryers require routine maintenance. Regularly clean the lint trap before and after every load. Also, once a month, clean the assembly around the lint filter. First, pull out any lint you can grab, and then use a vacuum and a dryer airway brush to remove the loose debris.
The clothes Dryer Drum Needs to be Cleaned Often
It would also be great if you vacuumed behind and under the machine at least once a year. Make the job more accessible with a MagVent professionally installed by The Lint King to make pulling your dryer away from the wall easier. And if it’s been a while since the last dryer duct cleaning, The Lint King has a special offer of $15 Off any dryer vent service.