Cleaning the washing machine
Short answer: Run an empty programme at 90 degrees once a month and wipe the rubber seal after every wash. That removes the smell that otherwise ends up in your clothes.
Why the machine smells
Low wash temperatures and liquid detergent leave a film of grease and soap in the drum and the hoses. Bacteria and mould grow in that film, and that is what you smell.
The monthly clean
Run an empty boil wash at 90 degrees with no laundry. Add a cup of vinegar or a machine cleaner if you like. See bamboo towels.
The two minutes after every wash
Wipe the rubber seal with a cloth and leave the door ajar. Trapped moisture is the main cause of smell. See bamboo bedding and bamboo clothing for women.
Frequently asked questions
How often should the detergent drawer be cleaned
Once a quarter. Take it out and rinse it under warm water.
Does it help against clothes that smell after washing
Yes, it is the most common cause when laundry smells sour after a wash.
Does 90 degrees damage the machine
No. It is built for it, and it benefits from it once a month.