Washing Machine Cleaning: Do clothes still smell after washing? Learn the real reason.

Bacteria in a Washing Machine: A machine filled with soap and water may seem like the cleanest place, but the opposite is true when you put a sweaty T-shirt or bed sheet into the machine.

How to get rid of the smell in the washing machine?

How To Remove Odor From Washing Machine: Your washing machine, which appears clean from the outside, can actually be a breeding ground for odor-causing microorganisms. Nowadays, the trend of washing clothes in cold water has increased, which prevents bacteria and body oils from being completely removed. Together, these bacteria form a sticky layer called a biofilm. This layer sticks to clothes and, over time, causes them to develop a strange, musty or sour odor.

The truth is different from what you think.

We often think that a machine filled with soap and water is the cleanest place, but the truth is the opposite. When you put a sweaty T-shirt or sheet in the machine, you inadvertently create an environment for moisture, oil, and microorganisms to thrive. Previously, washing in hot water largely killed these microorganisms, but now, in cold water, they survive and gradually accumulate.

Their world inside the machine

In fact, a tiny world develops inside the machine. This biofilm forms on the rubber seals, detergent tray, and drum edges. A study published in the journal Antibiotics shows that these microorganisms not only exist, but actively break down clothing and detergent residue. In the process, they release sulfur compounds and fatty acids, which cause the smell of old clothes.

Another important finding from this study is that the fabric of the clothing also plays a significant role. While cotton fabrics are easily cleaned, synthetic fabrics like polyester absorb oil but not water. This leaves traces of microorganisms stuck to the clothing, which can then re-emerge as the heat from wearing them increases the odor.

Bacteria come from the machine itself.

Another study, published in the journal Microbiology Research, found that bacteria on seemingly clean clothes often come from the machine itself. This problem is particularly serious in shared or public machines, where microorganisms from different people's clothes accumulate in the machine and are transferred to new clothes with each wash. To avoid this problem, experts recommend running the machine empty at least once a month at a temperature of 60 degrees or higher with bleach. This destroys the biofilm that has accumulated inside. Additionally, the machine door should be left open after each wash to prevent moisture from accumulating inside.