Why do washing machines develop that smell?
Washing machine smells can develop because of bacteria breeding on residue left behind after a wash. The residue is made up of soap detergent, softener and soiling (from the clothes) all clinging to surfaces within the inner tub/drum compartment. The damp, warm and dark conditions within the tub are an ideal enviroment for bacteria to start growing, and the bacteria give off that smell. The more they grow the stronger the smell. Years ago much higher temperature washes were performed as the norm, 60*C and 90*C were often used for white cottons and boil washing. In these modern times we do lower temperature washing, 40*C even 30*C are enough to get modern clothes clean because of the advancement in detergent technology. Unfortunately this does not “clean” the washer as well, it in fact helps the bacteria to survive and breed, increasing the problem. This picture is the bearing backplate from an Indesit washer in a hard water area. This amount of soiling is a common sight within washing
