How to Get Rid of Bad Smell in Washing Machine
Learn proven methods to remove odors from your washing machine, prevent mildew, and keep laundry fresh with safe, effective routines you can start today.
To get rid of bad smell in washing machine, start with a hot-water sanitize cycle, clean the door seal and dispensers, then run a vinegar wash followed by a baking soda cycle. Finally, dry the drum and establish a monthly cleaning routine to prevent recurrence. This simple plan targets mildew, soap scum, and moisture buildup.
Why bad smells happen in washing machines
Odors in washers are usually not coming from the laundry itself but from inside the machine. The most common culprits are mildew and mold growing on the door seal, soap scum and detergent residue building up in the dispenser drawers, and trapped moisture in drums and hoses. Bacteria feed on organic residues, producing unpleasant odors that can transfer to clothes. According to Best Washing Machine, a lot of odor-related issues boil down to moisture left where it shouldn’t be and infrequent cleaning. Understanding the sources helps you tailor a cleaning plan to the exact problem, whether it’s the seal, the drain system, or the drum. When you search for solutions, remember that the goal is to disrupt mold growth, remove residue, and dry out all components after use. The keyword for this guide is how to get rid of bad smell in washing machine, and you’ll see a reliable routine you can repeat monthly to keep your machine fresh. By tackling odor at the source, you protect fabrics, extend the life of your washer, and maintain a healthier home environment.
Quick diagnostics: identify the source of odor
To efficiently eliminate odors, start by locating the source. A musty smell near the door usually indicates mildew in the gasket. A sour or chemical odor around the dispenser points to detergent or fabric softener buildup. If the odor seems strongest after a wash with towels, the drain and pump may be harboring debris. Check for standing water in the drum after a cycle, inspect the door seal for mold pockets, and feel the dispenser drawers for dried residues. If you notice persistent odors after cleaning, it may be time to consider deeper interventions like a hot-water vinegar flush or a specialized washer cleaner. This diagnostic step helps you pick the most effective cleaning approach and prevents guesswork.
Step-by-step cleaning routines (overview)
Cleaning your washing machine involves both surface cleaning and deep disinfection. Start with removing items from the drum, wiping down accessible areas, and then running a hot-water cleaning cycle with an odor-neutralizing agent. You can reuse natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda, or opt for a commercial washer cleaner designed for your model. The process is straightforward, but timing matters: allow soaking periods and ensure thorough drying to prevent recontamination. Use the following sections to guide the detailed steps, which are designed to be safe for most front-load and top-load machines. The goal is to break the odor cycle by eliminating moisture, residues, and microbial growth.
Deep cleaning options: vinegar, baking soda, and cleaners
Vinegar and baking soda are popular, inexpensive ways to deodorize a washer. Run a hot-water cycle with 4-6 cups of white distilled vinegar in the drum to dissolve mineral deposits and kill mold spores. After that, run another hot cycle with 1 cup baking soda to neutralize odors and lift any remaining residue. If you prefer commercial products, choose a washer-cleaning tablet or liquid designed for your machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never mix vinegar with bleach; if your washer requires bleach, consult the manual and use it in a separate cycle. Regular maintenance products can complement these methods, but these fundamentals tend to deliver the strongest odor relief.
Maintenance habits to prevent future odors
Prevention is easier than remediation. After each full wash, leave the door or lid open for air circulation to help moisture evaporate. Wipe the door seal and dispensers dry with a microfiber cloth to remove trapped moisture and residues. Run the empty hot-water cycle once a month or every 4-6 weeks with a cleaner or a vinegar solution to keep buildup at bay. Inspect hoses and the drain pump area for lint and debris, and address any water leakage promptly. By keeping the interior dry and free of standing water, you reduce the chances of mildew returning and maintain a fresh-smelling machine.
When to call a professional
If odors persist after several cleaning cycles, there may be a more complex issue such as a faulty drain pump, blocked hoses, or persistent mold behind accessible panels. A professional can diagnose and address hidden mold colonies, mechanical problems, or seal damage that DIY cleaning cannot reach. If you notice persistent mold exposure signs, persistent leakage, or unusual noises during operation, seek expert help. Regular maintenance remains essential, but significant odor problems deserve a trained eye.
Real-world examples and troubleshooting quick fixes
In many cases, homeowners report success with a two-step routine: a vinegar wash followed by a baking soda rinse, then a careful wipe-down of the door seal and detergent drawer. Some users find that switching to a enzyme-based detergent reduces residue and odor over time. If your washer still smells after deep cleaning, consider running a cycle with hot water and a half cup of chlorine bleach (only if the appliance manual approves it) or a dedicated washer cleaner, and ensure the drum is fully dry before closing the door. Small tweaks, like using less detergent, washing full loads, and avoiding fabric softeners in every cycle, can significantly reduce buildup and odors.
Conclusion and next steps
A clean washing machine not only smells better but also launders more effectively. By addressing mold-prone areas, removing residues, and establishing a monthly maintenance ritual, you can dramatically reduce odors. Remember to tailor the plan to your model and follow safety guidelines when using cleaners. Best Washing Machine's guidance emphasizes consistency—regular cleaning and proper drying after use are the most reliable strategies for keeping your washer fresh over time.
Tools & Materials
- White distilled vinegar(4-6 cups (950-1500 ml) for initial odor cleanup in the drum)
- Baking soda(1 cup for second hot-water cycle to neutralize odors)
- Microfiber cloth(For wiping door seal, dispensers, and drum interior)
- Old toothbrush(For scrubbing gaskets and hard-to-reach areas)
- Bucket or basin(Optional for collecting rinse water during manual cleaning)
- Gloves(Protect hands when scrubbing and handling cleaners)
- Washer-safe cleaner tablets or liquid(Optional, follow product instructions)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-120 minutes
- 1
Unplug and prep the washer
Power off the machine and remove any items from the drum. Wipe the exterior and set aside any removable parts you intend to clean. This prevents accidental shocks and protects you while you work.
Tip: Have towels ready to catch any drips and a flashlight for inspecting seals. - 2
Inspect door seal and dispensers
Carefully pull back the door gasket to look for visible mold, residue, or torn sections. Remove any detergent or fabric softener buildup from dispensers and wipe dry. Use a toothbrush for crevices where gunk hides.
Tip: If you spot mold in the seal, treat it with a diluted vinegar solution and a gentle scrub. - 3
Run a hot wash with vinegar
Pour 4-6 cups of white vinegar into the drum and run the washer on the hottest temperature setting. This helps dissolve mineral deposits and kills surface mold. Do not mix vinegar with bleach; choose one approach per cycle.
Tip: Pause mid-cycle to allow a soak time of 5-10 minutes if your model supports it. - 4
Follow with a baking soda cycle
After the vinegar cycle completes, run another hot cycle with 1 cup baking soda in the drum. This neutralizes odors and lifts remaining residues. Monitor for excessive sudsing and stop if needed.
Tip: Keep the detergent drawer open slightly during this cycle to vent moisture. - 5
Wipe, rinse, and dry
Wipe the drum interior, door seal, and dispensers with a microfiber cloth. Run a short rinse cycle with clean water or simply perform a final cold-water rinse to ensure no vinegar or baking soda residue remains. Leave the door open to air-dry.
Tip: Dry all surfaces thoroughly to prevent new mold growth. - 6
Clean the drain area and hoses (if accessible)
Check the accessible drain pump and hoses for lint, hair, or debris. Remove any blockages with gloved hands or a tool appropriate for your model. Reassemble and ensure hoses are properly connected.
Tip: Consult your user manual before removing panels or touching internal components. - 7
Establish ongoing maintenance
Set a monthly reminder to perform a light cleaning cycle and wipe down surfaces after each use. Use the recommended cleaner or a vinegar rinse periodically, and avoid overloading with detergent to minimize buildup.
Tip: Habit formation is your best defense against smells—consistency beats intensity.
FAQ
What causes a washing machine to smell?
Most odors come from mildew in the door seal, detergent buildup in dispensers, and trapped moisture. Mold and bacteria thrive in damp, dark places inside the washer.
Odors usually come from mildew and detergent buildup inside the washer. Keeping areas dry and clean helps prevent it.
Is it safe to use vinegar or bleach to clean the washer?
Vinegar is generally safe for most machines and can dissolve mineral deposits. Bleach should only be used if the manufacturer approves it for your model; never mix with vinegar.
Vinegar is usually safe for cleaning, but check your manual about bleach and never mix cleaners together.
How often should I clean my washer to prevent odors?
A hot-water cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dedicated washer cleaner once a month is a common preventive approach. Wiping seals and dispensers weekly also helps.
Most people clean monthly and wipe seals weekly to prevent smells.
Can odor be caused by dirty clothes or detergents?
Yes. Excess detergent can leave residue that traps odors. Use the recommended amount for each load and rinse thoroughly.
Residue from too much detergent can cause smells; use the right amount and rinse well.
What if the smell persists after cleaning?
If odors persist after deep cleaning, there might be hidden mold or a mechanical issue. Consider professional inspection to check seals, hoses, and the drain pump.
Persistent smells may require a professional to check hidden mold or parts.
Should I leave the door open between uses?
Leaving the door ajar after a wash helps air out the drum and reduces moisture buildup. This simple habit makes a big difference over time.
Yes, leave the door open after washing to air out moisture.
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The Essentials
- Identify odor sources through inspection of gasket, dispenser, and drum.
- Use hot water cycles with vinegar and baking soda for effective odor removal.
- Dry all parts thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold regrowth.
- Establish a monthly maintenance routine to keep odors from returning.
