5 Indications Your Washing Machine Might Be Overlooking Clothing Cleanliness
A malfunctioning washing machine can lead to clothes that smell musty and have an oil-like residue after washing. This issue may not be immediately apparent, so it's essential to watch out for early warning signs. Running garments through a faulty machine could result in permanently damaged or discolored items in the future. We consulted cleaning experts to provide tips on maintaining this appliance for optimal performance and clean laundry each time.
- Lauren Simonelli, a cleaning professional and co-founder of ThreeMain
- Sammy Wang, a cleaning expert at 9 Elements and a Tide Senior Scientist
Sniff Your Laundry
If you detect a faint smell or oily residue remaining on your clothes post-wash, it suggests that the laundry wasn't properly cleaned. According to Lauren Simonelli, a cleaning expert and co-founder of ThreeMain, "Musty scents indicate mold growth, meaning the laundry wasn't thoroughly washed. Residues might also indicate that the detergent wasn't adequately rinsed, leaving your garments without the full effects of the soap."
Assess User Error
If your clothes emerge from the wash smelly, stained, or coated in soap, there was undoubtedly a mistake—but it might not be the machine's fault. As Simonelli points out, "This could signify a user error, such as using too little, too much, or too many items in the load. If you're confident everything was handled correctly, however, it may be indicative that the appliance needs cleaning or, in the worst-case scenario, replacement."
Inspect the Machine
Before reaching for a replacement, check your washing machine thoroughly. According to Simonelli, "Begin by examining the machine's seals to ensure there's no detergent buildup, residue, mold, or mildew. If there is, apply a surface cleaner or mix baking soda, vinegar, and water, then scrub the area. Next, run a cycle with vinegar and hot water to remove any blockages or buildup hindering your clothes from getting clean."
Recognize Signs
According to Simonelli, most washing machines last for roughly 10 years, but their lifespan can be extended with proper care. "When this appliance begins to fail, you may notice strange noises, leaks, or clothes coming out dirty or with an unpleasant smell," she says. If you encounter any of these signs alongside dirty laundry, you might want to start shopping for a new machine.
Consider Environmental Factors
Although you might assume that your washing machine does most of the heavy lifting during the laundry process, Sammy Wang, a cleaning expert at 9 Elements and a Tide Senior Scientist, argues that various factors contribute to a load's cleanliness. "Factors like water hardness, temperature, and detergent type can all impact your clothes' cleanliness," she notes. Consulting a home water expert and plumber, as well as reading your detergent's label to ensure compatibility with your machine, may be helpful before considering a replacement.
According to cleaning expert and co-founder of ThreeMain, Lauren Simonelli, using laundry linens from a machine with mold growth or inadequate detergent rinsing can lead to musty-smelling clothes with residues. To maintain clean laundry and optimize washing machine performance, Simonelli suggests examining the machine's seals for detergent buildup, applying a surface cleaner, and running a vinegar and hot water cycle.
MarthaStewart Living recommends assessing user error when dealing with smelly, stained, or soap-coated clothes. Cleaning expert Sammy Wang, a Senior Scientist at Tide and a cleaning expert at 9 Elements, emphasizes that factors like water hardness, temperature, and detergent type can impact a load's cleanliness. Wang suggests consulting a home water expert and plumber and reading detergent labels to ensure compatibility with a washing machine before considering a replacement.
