Um…so…I’m 40 and just learned you have to wash…I mean seriously wash your washing machine! What?! My machine started to have this weird smell. Even right after the clothes were done getting washed with my lovely organic laundry detergent. This detergent makes my laundry smell delicious but there was still this smell coming from the laundry room.
I re-washed the clothes and there was no change in the smell. I decided I would do some research and see what the problem could be. Everywhere I read said you need to wash your washing machine. My first thought was, “For real? Why would I need to clean something that has soap and water running through it daily. It’s clean, right?” If not, my whole world is shattered with the gross thought that my clothing are getting dirty because of my dirty wash machine.
So, I did what the cleaning website told me. I dumped 1/2 cup of bleach into the soap section, then a cup of hot water and ran the empty machine though a hot cycle. I opened it when the cycle finished and the smell was better but not gone. I filled the drum up with piping hot water, poured another 1/2 cup of bleach into the soap section and took a scrubber and started scrubbing everything inside that bad boy that I could. You would not believe the scum that came out of that machine. I was completely grossed out. There are little concave walls on the top sides of the machine…scum. The door hinges…scum. The fabric softener cup…more scum.
You guys, for real, I never knew this was a thing and have not washed my washing machine…EVER! The website said it should be washed…drumroll…EVERY MONTH! I feel bad. I mean I honestly feel completely grossed out by all of that trapped scum just pilling up where I couldn’t see it.
Now, after two bleach cycles and a full scrub down, I would like to report the foul smell is almost gone. I will do one more once around with the cleaner tomorrow and a final hot cycle. My trusty wash machine will live to fight another day of scummy clothing from my dirty family of 6…and a cat that barfs on sheets almost daily.
You are welcome for today’s PSA to wash your washing machine! Do you wash yours every month? Am I the only one that didn’t know this? Comment and tell me below!