How do I wash my washing machine that has an awful smell?

My washer has an awful smell, how can I clean it?

How is it possible for a washing machine to smell when used for cleaning? The unpleasant smell from your washer is caused by the build-up of mold and bacterias. Over time, deposits of detergent, lime, fabric softener and dirt builds up and the ever-moist environment becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacterias.

Bad odors most often affect front-load washers, but they can also affect traditional washers.

At Vert Essentiel, we have developed a foolproof recipe for cleaning your washing machine. Simply do this recipe when needed or simply when you start seeing visible residues.

Recipe for washing the washing machine

1/4 cup citric acid

1/4 cup borax

1/4 cup vinegar with 15% acetic acid  

Instructions

• Pour all the ingredients into the tub of your washing machine.
• Start your washer on the longest cycle, making sure to choose hot water (to dissolve the minerals).

Borax is antifungal and antibacterial, citric acid is an excellent abrasive and vinegar is wonderful for the pipes.  

Note: If you have a septic tank, be careful not to wash your machine more often, as borax may harm the bacterias in your septic tank.  

Finally, we recommend that you leave the door of your washing machine open between each load to give it a chance to dry.  

If you don’t use fabric softener, we recommend adding 15 ml to 45 ml cup of vinegar at 15% acetic acid as a fabric softener to each load. This household vinegar will help prevent residue build-up in your washer.