Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Fish?
If your washing machine smells like fish, it’s likely due to a build-up of dirt, grime, and bacteria. Over time, these contaminants can create an unpleasant odor.
While there are several ways to clean your washing machine, we recommend using a natural cleaner like vinegar or baking soda.
In this article, we’ll show you possible reasons for fishy odor and how to clean your washing machine with vinegar or baking soda. We’ll also share some tips for preventing fishy smells in the future.
What Is Causing the Fish Smell In My Washing Machine?
If you’ve noticed a fishy smell coming from your washing machine, there are a few possible causes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what might be causing the fish smell in your washing machine and how to get rid of it.
Possible causes of fish smell in the washing machine:
1. Soap Build-Up
Over time, soap can build up in your washing machine, especially if you don’t use a cleaner regularly. This soap build-up can cause a fishy smell.
2. Dirty Laundry
If you don’t wash your clothes often enough, they can start to smell fishy. This is especially true for workout clothes or other clothes you sweat.
3. Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can cause water to back up into your washing machine, and this stagnant water can start to smell fishy.
4. Bacteria
Bacteria can build up in your washing machine, causing it to smell fishy. It happens when you leave the machine dirty for a long time.
5. A Build-Up of Dirt and Detergent
Over time, dirt and detergent can build up in your washing machine, causing it to smell bad. If you don’t clean it regularly, this build-up can cause a fishy smell.
6. Old Washing Machine
An old washing machine is more likely to develop a fishy smell. This is because the seals and gaskets in an old machine can break down, allowing water and bacteria to seep in.
How to Get Rid of Fish Smell in Washing Machine?
The fishy smell is unpleasant for anyone. So if your washing machine smells like fish, you are probably thinking about what removes the fishy smell. But, don’t worry, just follow these tips to eliminate the odor.
1. Check Your Washing Machine’s Filters
Your washing machine has filters that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. If these filters are not cleaned, they can cause your washing device to smell. To clean filters, consult your machine’s manual.
2. Leave the Door Open
After you wash a load of laundry, leave the door to your washing machine open. This will allow the machine to air out and hopefully eliminate the fishy smell.
3. Use Vinegar
Fill the machine with hot water and add two cups of vinegar. Turn on the machine for a few minutes before draining it. This will help to get rid of the fishy smell.
4. Apply Baking Soda
Apply a cup of baking soda with hot water. Run the machine for a few minutes before draining it. This will remove the fishy smell.
5. Use Bleach
Fill your washing machine with hot water and add a cup of bleach. Keep the machine on for a while before draining it. Remember that bleach can damage your machine, but it will eliminate the fishy smell.
6. Try Lemons
Lemons are a great natural way to deodorize a washing machine. Simply cut a lemon in half and add it with a cup of vinegar.
Then, run the machine on the hottest setting. The lemon and vinegar combination will help break down any soap scum or residue built up over time.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural disinfectant. Add a few drops to a clean cloth and wipe down the inside of your washing machine. You can also add a few drops to a load of laundry to help fight odors.
8. Use Commercial Washing Machine Cleaner
There are several commercial washing machine cleaners available on the market. These cleaners are designed to clean and deodorize your machine. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner to avoid damaging your machine.
9. Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all these things and your washing machine still smells like fish, it’s time to call a professional. They will be able to help you figure out what the problem is and how to fix it.
Following these tips will help you to avoid washing machines smelling like fish in the future.
What Are Some of the Best Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners?
You can use a commercial cleaner to remove any unpleasant odor. There are many good commercial washing machine cleaners available in the market. Here are some best of them
Lemi Shine
This cleaner is very effective in removing odor from your washing machine. It is very easy to use. Add one tablet of Lemi Shine cleaner into the machine. Set the device on a regular cycle mood and turn it on. It will be clean and fresh.
Simple Green Washing Machine Cleaner
This is another excellent commercial washing machine cleaner. It is made with natural ingredients and is very effective in removing odor from your machine.
Add one tablet of Simple Green cleaner along with your regular detergent. Turn the machine on a normal cycle, and it will be clean and fresh.
OxiClean
This cleaner is also very effective in removing odor from your washing machine. Just add one tablet of OxiClean cleaner with your regular detergent.
Then, set the device on a regular cycle. The cleaner will clean all the dirt and eliminate odors.
Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner
One of the best commercial washing machine cleaners, Glisten Washer Magic, is very effective in removing odor from your machine.
Use a single tablet of Glisten Washer Magic cleaner with your regular detergent. Your device will be odor-free once the cycle is complete.
Calgon
This cleaner is most famous for its water-softening capabilities. However, Calgon can also be used as a commercial washing machine cleaner. It is very effective in removing odor from your machine.
To clean your machine, add one tablet of cleaner with regular detergent. And begin the cycle. After the process is complete, your machine will be clean and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vinegar damage your washing machine?
Yes, it can. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can break down your washing machine’s components over time. So if you’re using vinegar to clean your machine, be sure to do so sparingly.
On the other hand, vinegar is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural way to clean your machine. But, if you use it too often or in too high of concentrations, it can damage your machine.
Why does my clothes smell of fish?
Fish odor is a common problem with a washing machine. And if you don’t take any steps to remove it, it will make all your clothes start to smell. So it is the machine that is the primary source of the problem.
How often should you clean washing machine?
If you have a front-loading washing machine, you should clean it every month. If you have a top-loading one, you should clean it every two weeks. If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, It is best to clean it every week. However, an old machine will need to be cleaned very often.
Can a dirty washing machine make you sick?
If you have a dirty washing machine, it could make you sick. The dirty machine can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and even skin infections.
Can a Musty Smelling Closet Affect the Smell of My Washing Machine?
The closet smell musty reasons could impact the smell of your washing machine. Musty odors can transfer onto clothes during the wash cycle, leaving them with a lingering smell. It’s important to address the musty odor in your closet to prevent it from affecting the cleanliness of your laundry.
Final Words
A build-up of bacteria causes fishy smells in the washing machine. These bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments. You need to remove the bacteria to get rid of the fishy smell.
The best way to do this is to clean your washing machine on a regular basis. Thanks for reading. Feel free to leave any queries in the comments below.
