How to Stop a Washing Machine Smelling
Discover practical steps to stop a washing machine smelling. This guide covers odor sources, deep cleaning, and maintenance tips to keep your laundry fresh. From moldy gaskets to detergent residues, learn proven techniques to banish odors once and for all.
To stop a washing machine smelling, start with a hot maintenance wash using a washer cleaner or white vinegar. Clean the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer, then air-dry the drum by leaving the door ajar after each cycle. Regular monthly cleans prevent recurrence. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, odors most often come from mold, mildew, and residue rather than a failing motor. This guide walks you through practical steps you can perform in under an hour.
Why washers develop odors
A washing machine can develop a smell for several reasons. Persistent moisture invites mold and mildew to grow in the drum, door gasket, and crevices. Detergent and fabric softener residues can cling to rubber seals and parts, creating a damp, sour, or sour-mollen odor over time. In some cases, leftover water in the trap or drain hose can stagnate and contribute to a musty stink. Regular use without proper drying allows biofilm to form, especially in front-load machines where air circulation is limited. The Best Washing Machine analysis notes that odors are often tied to routine practices rather than a catastrophic failure, so a systematic cleanse is usually enough to restore freshness.
Common odor culprits and how they form
Odors most often originate from mold and mildew in the door seal, water trapped in folds of the gasket, and a buildup of soap residue in the detergent drawer and dispensers. Overuse of detergent or using the wrong type for your machine can cause excess suds that trap in the drum. Additionally, if you frequently leave the door closed between cycles, moisture cannot escape, which accelerates odor formation. Poorly cleaned hoses or a clogged drain can also harbor smells. Identifying the root cause—gasket, drum residue, or detergent buildup—helps you tailor the cleaning method for best results.
How to approach odor removal: a plan
Approach odor removal like a mini project with clear steps: first, expose and inspect key areas (drum, gasket, drawer); second, perform a thorough sanitation cycle; third, finish with targeted cleanups of drawers and seals and finally establish habits to prevent recurrence. A disciplined plan reduces odor faster and minimizes repeat cleaning.
Step-by-step deodorizing: overview
A deep clean typically involves a maintenance wash, physical scrubbing, and drying. It’s best done in a single session or two shorter sessions within a 24-hour window. Use items you can easily source at home, and follow up with preventive routines. The process is safe for most machines when used as directed by manufacturer guidelines, and it can dramatically improve freshness and laundry results.
Clean the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer
Focus on the drum interior, the silicone door seal, and the detergent drawer. Wipe the seal pockets, remove any foreign objects, and scrub with a brush to lift residue. Rinse drawers thoroughly under warm water and scrub any mold spots. Dry all parts completely before reassembling. This targeted cleaning eliminates the most common odor sources and helps prevent mold regrowth.
Ongoing maintenance to prevent odors
After you finish cleaning, keep odors at bay with simple daily and weekly habits. Leave the door or drum open after cycles to air-dry, use the hottest safe wash monthly, and periodically clean the gasket and drawer. If you notice recurring smells, increase air-drying time or switch to a cleaner designed for your machine’s materials. Consistency is key to long-term freshness.
When to call a professional
If odors persist after thorough cleaning, or you detect signs of mold behind the drum or within the pump area, it could indicate a more complex issue. In such cases, a professional service can inspect for mold growth, drain issues, or gasket damage that DIY cleaning cannot fix.
Tools & Materials
- White distilled vinegar(2 cups for the maintenance wash or as recommended by the cleaner's label)
- Washing machine cleaner or baking soda(Follow product directions for dosage)
- Detergent drawer cleaning brush or old toothbrush(For scrubbing crevices and compartments)
- Microfiber cloths(For wiping the drum, gasket, and drawer)
- All-purpose spray cleaner(Useful for tough gasket spots)
- Gloves (rubber)(To protect hands during scrubbing)
- Bucket and sponge(To rinse and catch drips)
- Old towels(Dry and protect surfaces)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
- 1
Unplug and prep the machine
Unplug the washer and remove any clothes. Wipe the surrounding area to prevent water damage. This step ensures safety and gives you a clear workspace before cleaning.
Tip: Keep the drain area dry to prevent slips; this is also a good moment to check for visible mold around the gasket. - 2
Run a hot maintenance wash
Run the hottest safe cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar or a washer-cleaning product. This loosens and kills biofilm and neutralizes odors.
Tip: Do not overload the drum; the cleaner needs space to circulate properly. - 3
Scrub the drum and door seal
Put on gloves and scrub the drum interior and the door seal folds with a brush and microfiber cloth. Pay attention to any visible mold spots.
Tip: Pay special attention to the gasket folds where water tends to stagnate. - 4
Clean the detergent drawer
Remove the drawer (if possible), rinse with warm water, and scrub with a brush to remove detergent residue and mold.
Tip: Dry the drawer completely before reinserting to avoid damp storage of residues. - 5
Wipe hoses and exterior surfaces
Wipe hoses and the exterior with a damp microfiber cloth. Check for leaks while you’re at it.
Tip: Avoid spraying cleaner directly into hoses; use a cloth to prevent oversaturation. - 6
Dry and air out
After cleaning, leave the door ajar to air dry the drum and gasket completely. This reduces residual moisture and mold risk.
Tip: Ventilate the room or run a fan to speed up drying. - 7
Establish a maintenance routine
Schedule a monthly maintenance wash and quarterly deep clean of gasket and drawer to keep smells away.
Tip: Set a reminder to keep cleaning on your calendar so you don’t skip it. - 8
Evaluate and adjust
If smells reappear, recheck seals and hoses for leaks or mineral buildup and consider a more frequent maintenance wash.
Tip: Sometimes a stubborn odor needs a second cleaning cycle with a different cleaner.
FAQ
Why does my washing machine smell after I wash clothes?
Odors usually come from mold, mildew, and detergent buildup in the gasket, drawer, or drum. The moisture trapped in these areas fosters microbial growth that creates a lingering smell.
Odors typically come from mold and detergent residue in the gasket, drum, or drawer.
Is vinegar safe to use for cleaning my washer?
Vinegar is commonly used for cleaning, but avoid mixing it with bleach. Use it sparingly and follow manufacturer guidelines for your model.
Vinegar is generally safe if you follow the guidelines and don't mix it with bleach.
How often should I clean to prevent smells?
Aim for a maintenance wash once a month and a deeper clean every 3 months, especially in humid climates or if you use a lot of detergent.
Clean monthly, deeper clean every 3 months depending on usage.
What if odors persist after cleaning?
Persistent odors may indicate mold behind the drum or a leak. Consider professional inspection to check seals, hoses, and the pump.
If odors persist, professional inspection is advised.
Can I still use the washing machine if it smells?
It’s best to address odors first. Using the washer while smells linger can spread odors to laundry and indicate an underlying issue.
It’s better to fix the odor before continued use.
Should I use hot water for cleaning?
Hot water helps with residue and mold but always follow your machine’s manual to avoid damage. Some models tolerate hot cycles better than others.
Hot water can help, but check your manual first.
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The Essentials
- Identify odor sources: gasket, drum, and drawer.
- Perform a thorough cleaning and rinse.
- Dry thoroughly and keep the door ajar after cycles.
- Adopt a regular cleaning schedule to prevent recurrence.
- Consult a pro if odors persist after cleaning.
