How to clean your washing machine and prevent odours
Find out how to clean your washing machine to keep it — and your laundry — smelling fresh.
Why you should clean your washing machine
After some use, soap residue and dirt can build up on the surfaces of your washing machine drum. This gunk feeds odour-causing bacteria and mould, which thrive in damp environments.
Your machine may not dry out completely between washes, especially if you live somewhere humid or if your laundry area is not well-ventilated. Worse, the folds within the rubber seal, or gasket, of your washing machine lid can trap water, providing even more moisture.
Read on for simple tips on how to keep your washing machine clean and odour-free.
How to clean your washing machine: Panasonic’s way
Once a month, run the Auto Tub Clean programme with drum cleaning detergent. For the outside of the machine, use a mild kitchen detergent, gently wiping lint off the seal and window.
Leave the machine lid open to allow the inside to air-dry. On front-load washing machines, leave the detergent drawer open to dry as well.
If you have a washer dryer, clean your lint filter every six to 12 months, as lint build-up can be a fire hazard in homes.
Panasonic’s washer dryer makes this step simple with easy-access lint filter compartments.
How to clean your washing machine: the home remedy way
For front-load washing machines, add three-quarters of a cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser, and run a hot wash cycle.
Then, run a second rinse cycle to wash out any residue.
Next, remove and gently scrub, rinse and dry the detergent drawer before replacing it. Don’t forget to carefully wipe the outside of the washer as well as the inside (plus any crevices), using a soft microfibre cloth.
How do I stop my washing machine smelling?
Use the right detergent for your washing machine, and not too much of it. Too much detergent can cause a greasy build-up which traps odour-causing bacteria.
Washing at high temperatures helps control residue build-up and prevent bacterial growth. After each wash cycle, leave your washing machine open to air-dry.
Don’t let clothes sit in the machine too long after washing as this traps bacteria-breeding humidity in both your washer and your clothes.
Click here to learn more about the right Panasonic washing machine for you.
Disclamer: The above content is for educational purposes. If you have any queries about your Panasonic product, please get in touch with us through our product support page.
