Descaling targets mineral deposits, while a washing-machine cleaner may address other residues. One product should not be assumed to perform every maintenance task.
Understanding this situation
Check the appliance instructions and the cleaner's stated purpose. Smell, visible detergent deposits and local water conditions are different pieces of information; none by itself specifies a universal treatment.
A useful next step
Use only a permitted method and frequency for the model. Do not mix a descaler with bleach or another cleaner. If an actual fault remains after appropriate owner maintenance, report it separately rather than repeating stronger chemical treatments.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.