Removing the smell of smoke from a washing machine can be a bit tricky, but there are several steps you can take to improve the situation. Here's a guide to help you eliminate the smoke odor:
Clean the Drum and Gasket: Start by cleaning the inside of the washing machine thoroughly. Wipe down the drum, agitator, and any other accessible parts with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. You can also use a damp cloth with a few drops of mild dish soap to clean these areas. Pay special attention to the gasket, where smoke odors can linger.
Run a Vinegar Cycle: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run an empty hot water cycle. This will help neutralize and eliminate any lingering smoke smells.
Baking Soda Absorption: Place an open box of baking soda inside the empty washing machine and leave it overnight. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors.
Check the Drain Filter: Smoke odor can sometimes get trapped in the washing machine's drain filter. Refer to the washing machine's manual on how to access and clean the filter properly. Removing any debris or residue can help eliminate odors.
Wipe Down the Exterior: Clean the exterior of the washing machine with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any smoke residue that may have settled on the surface.
Run a Few Cycles with Vinegar: Run a few additional wash cycles with two cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser. This will further help to neutralize the odor.
Consider an Odor Remover: Some specialty odor removers or washing machine cleaning products are designed to combat persistent smells. You can find these products at appliance stores or online.
Leave the Door Open: After each use, leave the washing machine door open for a few hours to allow air circulation and prevent odors from building up.
Regular Maintenance: Going forward, make sure to clean your washing machine regularly to prevent odors from coming back. Wipe down the drum and gasket, check and clean the filter, and run occasional cleaning cycles with vinegar or specialized washing machine cleaners.
By following these steps, you should be able to reduce and eliminate the smoke smell from your washing machine. If the odor persists, it's a good idea to contact the manufacturer or a professional appliance repair service for further assistance.