How To Clean Your Bad-Smelling Bosch Washer

Although recently washed items may seem clean, a strong-smelling washing machine makes them seem unclean again. Are you wondering, “How do I make my front-loading washer stop smelling bad?” Unpleasant odours can be eliminated using the right methods and materials to clean your washing machine drum and gasket. 

Contact a local appliance repair expert if you need to fix a washing machine in Toronto or get expert advice when your Bosch Washer smells bad. If your Bosch washing machine stinks terribly, just starting another wash cycle or adding extra detergent will not eliminate the stench. Adding more detergent can make the situation worse. 

Why Does My Bosch Washer Smell Bad?

Front-loading washing machines use less water than top-loading ones. However, less water means that residue, sludge and dirt may still be present in the wash tub. As a result, a mildew-like odour appears in your Bosch washing machine. The following factors also affect the smell in a Bosch front-loading washing machine:

• Absence of routine cleaning
• Too much detergent was used
• Use of non-HE detergent in a HE washer
• Use of low water temps on a regular basis

The easiest way to take care of your front-loading washer and get rid of odours is to flush the gasket and tub regularly, using the tips below.

Cleaning The Washer Door Seal

If your Bosch washing machine smells terrible, the main culprit could be the rubber seal around the door, as dirt and detergent accumulate on it. To get rid of the stink and prevent it from returning, you must regularly clean the door handle.

Here’s how to clean the door seal on a Bosch washing machine:

1. Peel back the rubber seal on the washer door after opening it to get access inside.
2. Remove any protruding items, such as hair, coins, or buttons.
3. Apply a mildew cleanser or hot, soapy water to the interior of the seal.
4. Clean a cloth or paper towel to remove the cleaner from the surface.
5. Scrub any remaining dark, mouldy patches with a toothbrush soaked in a 10% bleach solution. Equal parts of vinegar and water can be used as a solution.

How to Clean the Drum of a Bosch Washing Machine

The washing machine drum also collects dirt and debris that doesn’t wash out, which leads to mould and mildew growth. Keeping your washing machine drum clean can help prevent mould and mildew growth. To find out if your washing machine has a Tub Clean cycle for cleaning the drum, refer to your machine’s manual.

If there is no Tub Clean cycle, use the following Bosch cleaning procedures:

1. Close the door after adding 1/3 cup of baking soda to the washer’s drum.
2. Fill the detergent dispenser with 2 cups of white vinegar.
3. Set a routine wash cycle with hot water, then let it take its course.
4. Run a second wash cycle with 2 cups of bleach in the bleach dispenser to remove tough odours and stains.

Advice For Preventing Washer Odour

A clean gasket and drum should eliminate any odour, but the greatest defence against its recurrence is routine cleaning.

Here are some more suggestions for avoiding unpleasant laundry odours:

• Wash the drum of your washing machine every month. For front-loading machines, Bosch recommends using Affresh detergent as the best detergent for washing machines.
• If using a HE washer, use only HE detergent. To avoid applying too much or too little detergent, follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Clean the pad with a cloth after each load of laundry.
• To limit the amount of moisture in the washing machine drum, remove freshly washed clothes as soon as possible.
• When the machine is not in use, leave the washing machine door open to allow any residual moisture to air dry.