Smells in washing machines are commonly caused by leaving the door of the machine closed and/or ‘underdosing’ – using too little detergent over a period of time.  The latter allows the build up of soiling in the warm, damp atmosphere of the machine, an ideal environment for common micro organisms to multiply and cause a smell.

 The micro organisms responsible are widespread in nature.  They can be found in water supplies, but are more likely to originate from the soiled laundry.  Normally these organisms would be destroyed in the washing process – either by temperature, or chemically by the bleach components found in some washing powders.

 Nowadays, many washes are carried out at lower temperatures.  Also ‘colour’ products and liquid detergents do not contain bleach.  Nonetheless when these product are used according to the manufacturers instructions, the results are excellent, there is no build up of soiling in the machine, and there is no likelihood of a smell developing.

 If, however, higher temperature washes are never carried out, and a detergent containing a bleach is never used, ‘underdosing’ will increase the chances of the washing machine developing a smell. 

 Where a smell has already developed this can be cured by the occasional use of AFFRESH which remove odur causing residue

 To further help prevent recurrence of the malodour, we advise wiping the door gasket of the machine clean at the end of each wash programme and leaving the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation to take place for a short while.  This procedure will also help to prevent door gaskets becoming sticky.