Drain flies are never pleasant, and it’s no surprise that you definitely don’t want them in your washing machine. In this article, you’re going to find out why there are drain flies in your washing machine, the signs to look for, and most importantly, what you can do to get rid of them!
So keep reading to find out everything you want to know.
Why Are There Drain Flies In Your Washing Machine?
Drain flies are attracted to stagnant pools of water that can build up in drainage areas and pipes (such as the type found in your washing machine. They normally live there because of the warm temperature and the access to organic material they can eat there.
And remember, drain flies breed rapidly, so if you’ve found them in your washing machine, you should also make sure they’re not hiding in other parts of your house as well.
How Do You Get Rid Of Drain Flies In Your Washing Machine?
When you’re getting rid of drain flies in your washing machine, it’s important to realize that you should be trying to pour any solutions down the drain of your washing machine, not into the drum. So without further ado, here are the top 5 ways to get rid of drain flies in your washing machine.
Salt, Baking Soda, And Vinegar
The first option is to add a combination of salt, baking soda, and vinegar into the washing machine. Mix half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda together before adding a whole cup of vinegar. Once you’ve done this, pour it into the washing machine and let it sit overnight.
The next day you just have to pour boiling water into the washing machine to flush it out. This should not only kill the drain flies, but it should also kill all their eggs too.
Bleach
If you’re not interested in mixing things together, you can also try using bleach. To do this, all you have to do is add 60ml of bleach to the detergent drawer and put your washing machine on a hot cycle. Once that cycle is over, you should then let your washing machine do an extra rinse cycle just to make sure all the bleach is gone, so you don’t stain your clothes.
And remember, doing this can create a lot of bubbles, so don’t add more than the recommended amount.
Boiling Water
This has to be the easiest method by far, but there’s also a chance it won’t be 100% effective. Simply pour boiling water down the drain of your washing machine. Any flies that are caught down there will be killed instantly along with their eggs. However, the only problem is, any flies that aren’t in the drain will survive, and if they lay more eggs, you’re right back to square one.
Drain Fly Traps
It’s also possible to add a drain fly trap to your washing machine to help get rid of any drain flies that have decided to leave the drain. To do this, fill a bowl with sugar, water, and vinegar in equal amounts before adding a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Then all you have to do is leave the bowl in the drum of your washing machine, and the drain flies will become attracted to it and drown. Make sure you’re leaving the trap for a few days for the best result.
Spray Oils Into The Washing Machine
Some essential oils also make great deterrents for drain flies. Lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are all known to keep drain flies away as they hate the smell. And the best part is not only will they keep drain flies away, but they also smell fantastic as well.
Drano
In extreme cases, it’s also possible for you to pour Drano into the drain of your washing machine as well. However, to do this, you may need to take the drum out, so it’s definitely a last resort. Not only will Drano kill the drain flies and their eggs, but it will also remove any organic build-up that was attracting drain flies in the first place.
Call In A Professional
And lastly, you may just need to call in a professional. In some rare cases, drain flies could be infesting many areas of your house, so every time you get rid of them in one place, they pop up somewhere else. In this case, the best thing to do is find a professional who will help you remove them completely!
How Long Does A Drain Fly Infestation Last?
Drain flies typically live for 20 days, so if you work quickly, you can be rid of them within this time. But remember, they lay eggs very fast. So if you don’t get rid of them quickly enough, the chances are a new batch of drain flies will be born, and you could be stuck with them indefinitely.
Recap
As you can see, there are a good few ways to remove drain flies from your washing machine, and if you do notice them, you should try to get rid of them as soon as possible. But fortunately, with the right amount of patience, you’ll be able to!
If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. Otherwise, have a great day!
