People often ask us “Why do my clothes smell so clean when they come out of my Speed Queen washer?” Some users have even left reviews praising their machines for leaving clothes with a fresher, cleaner smell.
“[My Speed Queen] does in one wash what my old machine never did. Our clothes come out lint, dirt, and stink free. You can smell the cleanliness of our garments.” – Anonymous review
Besides the obvious fact that washing clothes properly makes them smell better, there are a few reasons why Speed Queen machines can do this better than others—but let’s start with why washing machines can sometimes result in funky smelling clothes.
Why does my laundry machine smell bad?
“Today’s washers don’t get clothes cleaned properly therefore I bought a Speed Queen. I’m loving it. It’s like going back to washing clothes the right way—and no bacterial smell from a plastic drum anymore.” – Dana W.
Often, the cause of smelly laundry is the washing machine itself. Over time, components in your washing machine can become clogged with built-up bacteria, mildew, limescale, soap scum, detergent, or fabric softener residue, which can cause an unpleasant smell. This issue can happen more regularly if you’re someone who uses cool wash cycles to save energy, as the heat generated by other cycles can help clean residue and kill bacteria.
Regular cleaning of your washing machine can eliminate this issue and set you on the path to better-scented clothes. If your machine has a sanitize or clean cycle (like a Speed Queen Front Load Washer), follow the manufacturer’s instructions to rid your appliance of smelly buildup.
However, Speed Queen machines also have another feature that’s built right into the very fabric of its design that allows for cleaner and fresher smelling laundry.
The Speed Queen difference: The all-metal outer tub.
“I’ve only had [my Speed Queen] for a month, but I’m hooked. I’m not sure what it is, but I believe my clothes come out cleaner, softer, and smell fresher.” – morto67
Many washing machines feature a plastic tub, and plastic is a porous material with microscopic pores that can trap smell molecules from previous cycles. The result of this? The potential for a smell to be left behind on clothes, and the longer you use a washing machine like this, the greater the opportunity for it to leave this stench on clothes. For Speed Queen machines, this isn’t a problem because they’re built with an all-metal, stainless steel outer tub. As a non-porous, smooth metal surface, stainless steel helps prevent the growth of bacteria and resists mold buildup better than plastic can.
“[My Speed Queen] is the most amazing machine. It actually washes clothes the way that they used to get washed. Plenty of water and agitation. I can’t believe how much cleaner our clothes feel and smell.” – John1632
Designed to deliver clean clothes. Engineered to stay clean.
From the inside out, we design our washing machines to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Speed Queen machines are built to commercial-grade specifications and feature superior cleaning cycles to clean efficiently for decades.
Our machines leverage deep cleaning agitation to thoroughly soak and clean clothes. Our top load washers fill with a full tub of water and have a high vane agitator designed for commercial applications, which means you’re getting the cleaning power of a laundromat in your home.
“Living on a farm, clothes get really dirty. My old washer resulted in clothes that were still muddy and dirty after a wash. Purchased a Speed Queen a few months ago, and the clothes are now looking and smelling clean.” – Von Meadows
The agitator moves your clothes through the water—and water through your clothes—for a more thorough wash that leaves clothes smelling fresh. Plus, these washers are still designed to meet the Department of Energy standards for both water consumption and energy usage with our normal eco-cycle.
Finally, we offer cycles that use very hot water to kill bacteria in both our clothes and the tub itself. Hot temperatures are the best line of defense in the fight against bacteria in your laundry. However, it also pays to spend time keeping your machine in tip-top shape by cleaning it often. Here are a few tips to stay ahead of the stink.