Odour ousted: Mum shares magical mix to rejuvenate stinky washing machine

As people age, they often find comfort in the familiar scents of home, including the fresh smell of laundry straight out of the washing machine.

However, what happens when that comforting smell is replaced by a persistent, unpleasant odour?

Many have faced this problem, one that can turn the simple task of doing laundry into a frustrating ordeal.


A clever solution was shared by a mum who found herself at her wit's end with a stinky washing machine.

‘My son is a landscape gardener and got petrol from a lawn mower all over his jacket and put it in my washer,’ she shared.

‘For two days, I haven't been able to use it because of the strong petrol smell.’

After trying various products and methods, including multiple hot washes, white vinegar, and dishwasher tablets, the smell persisted.

Seeking guidance from fellow cleaning enthusiasts on a social media group, she received an overwhelming number of responses.

This led the mother to blend three potent products, ultimately eradicating the odour once and for all.


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A mum shared on social media a three-product mix for removing washing machine odours. Credits: Woolworths


The first weapon in her odour-busting arsenal was the Dettol Odour Eliminator Washing Machine Cleaner 250mL ($8).

This powerful cleaner is designed to kill bacteria, remove lime scale and dirt, and leave a refreshing fragrance.

It's a simple fix: just pour it into the detergent drawer and run a hot wash at around 60 degrees Celsius to give your washer a thorough refresh.

Next, she tackled the drum with a homemade scrub made from cheap washing-up liquid like Fairy mixed with diluted Zoflora disinfectant.

This ensured that every part of the machine was cleaned and left smelling heavenly.


However, the mum didn't stop there. She added an extra layer of odour-fighting power by placing a lemon and an onion in the drum.

It might sound unusual, but these natural ingredients are excellent at absorbing odours, leaving your laundry and machine smelling fresh.

If you're keen to try this method, you'll be pleased to know that these items won't break the bank.

You can buy the Dettol cleaner for $8 (250 mL), Zoflora's concentrated disinfectant for $5.50 (250 mL), and Fairy's washing-up liquid for $3.75 (495 mL) at most stores.


This mum’s revelation not only highlights the power of everyday household items in tackling common cleaning challenges, but also underscores the importance of maintaining a hygienic environment in our homes.

Such practical insights align closely with ongoing discussions about these tips and tricks for achieving sparkling cleanliness using readily available household items.

This collective pursuit of effective cleaning methods reflects a broader trend towards sustainable and budget-friendly cleaning practices, fostering a sense of empowerment among individuals seeking to maintain a pristine home environment.
Key Takeaways
  • A mum shared a three-step solution on social media for eliminating foul odours from washing machines.
  • The solution includes Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, a scrub of diluted Zoflora disinfectant with cheap washing up liquid, and placing a lemon and onion in the drum.
  • The homemade remedy has proven effective even against strong petrol smells impacting the washing machine.
  • These cleaning products are affordable and readily available on the high street, helping to maintain a fresh-smelling washing machine.
Have you ever faced a smelly washing machine? What tricks have you used to combat the odours? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
 
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When we were living in a home with no town water, just water tank, I point blank refused to wash my oldest boy's work clothes in the same machine as the usual home wash. He was an apprentice machinist and was sent into the dirtiest work areas one could ever imagine.
Once a week, he took his little bundle of grease filled, grime infested work clothes to the nearest laundromat that catered to these kind of washes.
No point ruining every thing else in the home for the sake of a couple of items.
He didn't mind and I have never had any issues with stinky washing machines.
 
Very interesting, I didn’t know about this before. Sometimes common household products can be effective in resolving problems like odors, which is great. This method, using hygiene products and natural ingredients, can be an affordable and effective way to eliminate odors, which will certainly be useful for anyone who faces a similar problem.
 

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