Why Your Maytag Washing Machine Stinks and How to Clean It
Sawyer M.

Your Maytag washing machine may start to stink over time if you don’t maintain it properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, including mildew growth and bacteria. If you don’t clean your washing machine on a regular basis, these contaminants can build up and cause unpleasant smells. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to clean your washer when you find your Maytag washing machine stinks. We’ll take you through the causes of washing machine odor and how to clean it effectively.

What To Do When Your Maytag Washing Machine Stinks

When your Maytag washing machine smells bad, it doesn’t feel great putting your clothes there. And it can be tough to figure out how to get rid of the smell. We’ll help you figure this problem out here!

What Causes Washing Machine Odor?

One common cause of a smelly washing machine is mold or mildew. These fungi can grow in any damp environment, and that includes your washer! If you don’t clean your machine regularly, mold and mildew can start to grow. This is more common in front-loading washers and usually takes place in the gasket.

Another common cause of a smelly washing machine is bacteria. Bacteria love warm, wet environments. That’s why your washer is the perfect place for them to multiply! If you don’t clean your machine regularly, bacteria can start to build up and cause bad smells.

Finally, a smelly washing machine could be the result of your detergent. If you’re using a cheap or old detergent it may be leaving a residue.

How to Clean a Maytag Washing Machine

Now that we’ve talked about the causes of a smelly Maytag washing machine, let’s talk about how to clean it.

1. Clean the Washer Gasket

If you have a front-loading washer, start by cleaning the gasket. This is where mold and mildew are most likely to grow. Use a cloth or brush to scrub the gasket with warm, soapy water. If you see any mold or mildew, make sure to remove it all. Then, dry the gasket thoroughly.

If you have a top-loading washer, skip this step!

2. Clean the Washer Drum

Next up on our guide to preventing Maytag dishwasher stinks is cleaning the drum. This is another spot where bacteria can build up. If your machine has a clean washer cycle, start by running that according to the machine’s instructions. If not, you can run your own cleaning cycle by adding baking soda to the drum, and vinegar to the dispenser and running a hot water cycle with no clothes.

If the smell lingers in the drum, you can try scrubbing it with a sponge and white vinegar. And finally, for really stubborn smells, add bleach to the bleach dispenser and run a hot water cycle with no clothes.

Once you’ve cleaned the drum, make sure to leave the door open so it can air out.

3. Clean the Detergent Dispenser

 

Something you may not think of for Maytag washer smells is a dirty detergent dispenser. This is where detergent residue can build up and cause bad smells. Use a cloth or brush to scrub the dispenser with warm, soapy water. If you see any buildup, make sure to remove it all. Also, make sure you’re using the right detergent for your washer!

 

4. Clean Out the Washer Filter

 

If your machine has a filter, make sure to clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clogged filter can cause odors by trapping dirt and debris. Usually, these are located on the front of your machine near the bottom and you can pull them out by twisting and pulling. Check out our guide to cleaning washer filters for more info.

 

 

Cleaning your Maytag washing machine regularly will help prevent odors from building up. We recommend doing a deep clean once a month and a quick clean (steps one and three) once a week. By following these simple steps, you can keep your washer smelling fresh and looking great! If you need help with washer repairs, please feel free to contact us! We’re always happy to help!

 

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