How to Get Smell Out Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Discover practical methods to remove odors from your washing machine, prevent future smells, and keep laundry fresh with simple, repeatable maintenance steps anyone can follow.
To get rid of washing machine odors, start with a thorough cleaning: run an empty cycle with hot water and a washing machine cleaner or 2 cups of white vinegar, then re-clean gaskets and seals with a rag. Air-dry the drum, wipe down the exterior, and leave the door open between loads. Regular monthly cleanings prevent odors.
Why odors form in washing machines
Odors originate when moisture, warmth, and residue create mold and mildew habitats inside seals, gaskets, and the drum. Detergent and fabric softener residues can build up sticky films that trap bacteria, while hard water minerals leave deposits that harbor smells. If you’re wondering how to get smell out washing machine, start by addressing these sources and inspecting the door seal and detergent drawer. In many homes, improper loading and leaving the door closed between cycles also promote damp, stagnant air that compounds odor. Regular use of hot water helps kill lingering microbes, but you still need to remove residue and dry the interior to prevent a rebound.
This is not just about freshness; clearly smelling washers protect fabric health and can extend appliance life. Mold can seep into hoses and crevices, and mineral buildup can impede drainage, increasing the likelihood of lingering scents. By understanding where smells come from, you’ll choose targeted cleaning methods rather than generic scrubbing.
Immediate fixes you can try today
Before diving into a deep clean, try quick actions that can dramatically reduce odors. Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting with two cups of distilled white vinegar in the detergent dispenser. After the cycle finishes, wipe the drum and door seal with a microfiber cloth and leave the door ajar to air out. If your washer isn’t compatible with vinegar, use a dedicated washer cleaner following the package directions. Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners, as this can create harmful fumes.
If you notice residue on the agitator or lint buildup in the drum, manually wipe these areas with a damp cloth and mild detergent. This fast reset can reduce offensive smells and set the stage for deeper cleaning. After completing the quick fixes, allow the interior to dry completely before running a second clean cycle.
Deep-cleaning method: gaskets, seals, and drum
Start by removing any removable parts, such as the detergent drawer, to access hidden pockets where residue hides. Soak the drawer if needed and scrub with a soft brush. Inspect the door gasket thoroughly; pull back folds to expose any mold, hair, or detergent film. Wipe with a mild cleaner or vinegar solution, then rinse and dry. Check the drain pump filter (if your model has one) and remove any lint or debris you find. A clean drum interior requires careful attention to corners and seams where moisture tends to linger.
Use a flashlight to inspect hard-to-see areas and capture mold growth early. After cleaning, run another hot-water cycle with a dedicated washer cleaner or a baking-soda solution to neutralize odors and dissolve mineral deposits. Finally, wipe everything dry and leave the door open for air-drying between uses to prevent future mold growth.
Deep dive: running a second cycle and drying thoroughly
Sometimes one deep clean isn’t enough. For many machines, a second hot-water cycle with 1/2 cup baking soda helps deodorize the drum while removing residual oils and deposits. Do not mix baking soda with vinegar in the same cycle; instead, run separate cycles to maximize effectiveness. After this second clean, wipe the drum surface, door seal folds, and the detergent drawer with a dry cloth. Leave the door open for at least an hour to ensure complete drying, especially in humid environments.
If odors persist, inspect hoses for signs of mold or mildew and replace any sections that show wear. In rare cases, persistent smells can signal a seal leak or drain issues; in those cases, consult a professional technician.
Maintenance habits to prevent future smells
Establish a simple monthly ritual to maintain odor-free operation. Run a hot-water cycle with a cleaner or vinegar, followed by a quick rinse cycle with hot water. After each use, wipe the drum and door seal and leave the door or lid open for air circulation. Use the right amount of detergent—too much can leave residue that feeds odor-causing bacteria. If your water is hard, consider a water-softening option or mineral-removing cleaner. Store cleaning products out of reach of children and pets, and never mix cleaners.
Authority guidance and practical checks
Reliable care relies on following manufacturer recommendations and independent guidelines. Always consult your washer’s manual for cycle settings and available cleaning options. For broader best practices on appliance maintenance and indoor air quality, consider guidance from federal and university sources that discuss safe cleaning methods and odor prevention. A routine, consistent approach yields the best long-term results and helps protect your laundry’s freshness.
Tools & Materials
- White distilled vinegar(2 cups for a hot cycle; avoid any bleach interactions)
- Washing machine cleaner tablets or powder(Follow manufacturer directions)
- Baking soda(Optional for deodorizing; not used in the same cycle as vinegar)
- Soft microfiber cloths(For wiping seals, drawers, and drum walls)
- Non-abrasive sponge(Gently scrub gaskets and drawer with mild cleaner)
- Old towels or rags(Place around the drum to catch drips during drying)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Inspect and prep the washer
Unplug the machine, remove laundry, and take out the detergent drawer. Wipe the exterior and inspect the door gasket for visible mold or residue. This preparation prevents spreading grime during cleaning and ensures you reach all odor sources.
Tip: Have a flashlight handy to inspect folds in the gasket; mold often hides in the crevices. - 2
Run a hot-water vinegar cycle
Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Run the hottest cycle with the machine empty. This step kills microbes and starts dissolving mineral buildup.
Tip: Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners during the same cycle. - 3
Wipe and re-inspect gaskets
After the cycle, wipe the drum and door seal thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Check folds again for any leftover grime and remove it with a mild cleaner.
Tip: Use a small brush to reach tight folds; mold can cling to fabric folds that are hard to see. - 4
Deep-clean the drum and dispenser
Remove the detergent drawer and scrub it clean. Wipe the drum interior with a damp cloth, then rinse. Reinstall the drawer and ensure there is no detergent residue that can harbor odors.
Tip: Soak the drawer in warm water with mild soap to dissolve buildup before scrubbing. - 5
Second cycle with baking soda (optional)
Run a second hot-water cycle with 1/2 cup baking soda to deodorize and soften any remaining mineral deposits. Do not run this cycle if you used vinegar in the prior cycle unless you rinse thoroughly.
Tip: If your warranty prohibits certain cleaners, use the recommended product instead. - 6
Dry and maintain
Wipe everything dry and leave the door ajar for at least an hour to air out. Regularly wipe seals and drawers, and schedule monthly cleanings to prevent odors from returning.
Tip: Keep the door open after each wash for a few minutes to improve drying and reduce moist environments.
FAQ
What causes washing machine smells?
Odors come from mold or mildew in seals and hoses, plus detergent residue and mineral buildup. Regular cleaning cuts off the moisture and food sources for odor-causing microbes.
Odors come from mold in seals, detergent residue, and mineral buildup. Regular cleaning stops odors from forming.
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean my washer?
Yes, vinegar is generally safe in moderation, but never mix it with bleach or ammonia. Use it in a hot cycle or with a dedicated cleaner as directed.
Yes, vinegar can be used, but don’t mix it with bleach and follow clean-cycle directions.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
A monthly cleaning routine is typically enough for most households, with additional cycles if odors persist or heavy use occurs.
Most people should clean once a month, more often if you have high usage.
Can persistent smells indicate a plumbing issue?
Persistent odors can signal mold in hoses or a drain issue. If smells persist after cleaning, inspect hoses and consider professional service.
Yes, lingering smells can mean a hose or drain problem; check hoses and seek a pro if needed.
What should I avoid when cleaning a washer?
Avoid mixing cleaners, especially vinegar with bleach. Don’t leave cleaners in the drum overnight. Follow manufacturer guidelines for your model.
Don’t mix cleaners and never leave them in the drum overnight.
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The Essentials
- Identify odor sources in seals and residues
- Use hot-water cleaning cycles with vinegar or cleaners
- Thoroughly wipe and dry to prevent regrowth
- Maintain a monthly cleaning routine to keep smells away
