How to get rid of washing machine odor
Learn proven methods to eliminate washing machine odor for good with safe, step-by-step routines, maintenance tips, and preventative practices for both front-load and top-load models. Brought to you by Best Washing Machine.
This guide helps you eliminate washing machine odor with safe, step-by-step actions. Identify odor sources, then use hot-water clean cycles, wipe seals, clean the detergent drawer, and rinse hoses. According to Best Washing Machine, regular cleaning and drying are essential to lasting odor control.
What causes washing machine odor
Most washers develop an odor when residual moisture meets organic residue inside seals, drawers, and the drum. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark corners, especially around the door gasket of front-load models. Detergent buildup, fabric softener, and mineral deposits can create a slimy film that traps odors and fuels recurrent smells after cycles. The combination of moisture, warmth, and trapped air forms a micro-ecosystem that releases musty notes as soon as you start a new load. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, odor complaints in 2026 most often originate in the gasket and soap dispenser areas, followed by the drum and drain hose, particularly in heavily used homes.
Quick-start actions you can take now
Immediately after reading this, you can take several actions to reduce odor today. Start by unplugging the machine, removing any laundry, and wiping the door gasket with a microfiber cloth. Leave the door open between uses to promote drying. Run an empty hot-water cycle with 1–2 cups of baking soda, then repeat with white vinegar to tackle mineral buildup. Clean the detergent drawer and any residues with a small brush. If your model has a drain pump filter, remove and rinse it. These steps begin the odor-fighting process without specialized tools.
Routine maintenance to prevent odors
To keep odors at bay, establish a lightweight routine: after each load, wipe the door gasket dry, leave the door ajar for 15–30 minutes, and ensure the drum is dry before closing. Once a week, run a quick hot-water rinse cycle with a mild cleaner or baking soda. Each month, perform a deeper clean using pantry staples (vinegar and baking soda) and inspect the detergent drawer for built‑up residue. Consistency is key; neglect invites biofilm growth and odor recurrence.
Deep cleaning with pantry staples
Several common pantry staples can dramatically reduce odor when used correctly. Start with a hot water cycle and add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum for a thorough soak. After the cycle, add 2 cups of white vinegar in the detergent drawer and run another hot cycle to dissolve mineral buildup and kill lingering bacteria. Finish with a rinse cycle and wipe down all accessible surfaces. Avoid mixing vinegar with bleach, which can produce harmful fumes.
Cleaning the drain and hoses
Odors frequently originate from the drain hose or the filter/pump area where lint, hair, and soap scum accumulate. Disconnect power, place a towel to catch water, and detach the drain hose to inspect for blockages. Rinse the hose with warm water and reattach. If your model has a lint filter or pump filter, remove, rinse, and scrub with a brush. This step prevents stagnation that fuels smells and improves drainage.
Front-load vs top-load odor considerations
Front-load washers tend to trap more moisture in the gasket due to a tight seal, which can foster mildew if not dried properly. Top-load machines often experience odor from the overflow pathway and soap buildup in the agitator or tub. Understanding your machine’s design helps tailor cleaning. For both types, the key actions are drying the gasket, removing residue, and performing periodic deep cleans.
Safe cleaners and cautions
Use non-abrasive cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage seals. Safe options include baking soda and white vinegar for most routine cleanings. If you prefer commercial products, choose ones labeled safe for household washers and always rinse thoroughly after use. Never mix cleaners or combine vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as this can create dangerous gases. Always unplug the machine before servicing.
When odors persist: advanced steps
If odor remains after routine cleaning, consider inspecting the inlet hoses for mold growth on the outside or inside the hose nipples. Check the drain pump area for persistent blockages or a musty smell when the drum spins. In persistent cases, professional service may be required to disassemble seals or replace a failing gasket. The Best Washing Machine team recommends a professional evaluation if odors recur after multiple deep cleans.
Odor prevention for shared washers and rentals
Shared or rental machines require more vigilant maintenance due to high turnover. Establish a policy of leaving the door ajar after cycles, wiping seals, and scheduling a quarterly professional inspection if feasible. Encourage users to remove damp clothes promptly and use the appropriate cycle settings to minimize residue buildup. Regular communication about best practices helps keep odors from becoming a recurring issue.
Tools & Materials
- White vinegar (5% acidity)(2 cups per cycle)
- Baking soda(1 cup per cleaning cycle)
- Washing machine cleaner tablets or powder(Optional, for routine maintenance)
- Microfiber cloths or soft rags(For wiping seals and drawers)
- Old toothbrush or small scrub brush(For tough residue in crevices)
- Sponge(General cleaning and dispenser scrub)
- Gloves (rubber)(Protect hands during cleaning)
- Bucket or basin(Catch water when disconnecting hoses)
- Measuring cups(Accurate ingredient amounts)
- Lint trap or pump filter (if present)(Rinse and clean as needed)
Steps
Estimated time: 90-150 minutes
- 1
Unplug and prep
Unplug the washer and remove any laundry. Set down towels to catch any water and gather your cleaning supplies. Why: safety first and reduces mess during maintenance.
Tip: Use gloves and keep the area dry to prevent slips. - 2
Start with a hot-water rinse
Run an empty cycle with the drum empty on the hottest setting. Add baking soda to the drum to break down residue and loosen grime.
Tip: Hot water helps dissolve soap scum and kill bacteria. - 3
Wipe the door seal and gasket
Inspect the door gasket for mold and wipe it thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Pay attention to the folds where moisture hides.
Tip: Don’t rush; a dry seal reduces future mildew. - 4
Clean the detergent drawer
Remove the drawer if possible and scrub with warm soapy water using a brush. Rinse and dry before reinserting.
Tip: Residue here can transfer to clothes and odors. - 5
Scrub the drum interior
Make a baking soda paste and scrub any visible residue on the drum walls with a soft brush. Rinse with a cycle of hot water.
Tip: Focus on areas near the agitator or drum lips where grime collects. - 6
Rinse with vinegar
Add white vinegar to the detergent compartment or drum and run another hot cycle. This neutralizes odors and helps dissolve mineral buildup.
Tip: Do not mix vinegar with any bleach products. - 7
Inspect drain hose and filter
Disconnect and inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Remove and rinse any filters in the pump area.
Tip: Have towels ready for possible water spills. - 8
Dry and protect seals
Wipe all surfaces dry and leave the door ajar to air out for 30–60 minutes after cleaning. This step helps prevent immediate mildew return.
Tip: Keep the area ventilated to speed up drying. - 9
Establish a maintenance cadence
Create a simple schedule: monthly deep cleaning and weekly quick wipe-downs. This reduces long-term odor buildup.
Tip: Consistency is the most powerful odor fighter.
FAQ
What commonly causes odors in a washing machine?
Odors typically come from moisture plus organic residue in gaskets, hoses, and the detergent drawer. Mold and mildew flourish in damp seals, especially in front-load machines. Regular cleaning interrupts this biofilm.
Odors come from moisture and residue in gaskets and hoses; regular cleaning stops mold buildup.
Can I use bleach to remove odors?
Bleach can be effective in some cases, but never mix it with vinegar or ammonia. Always rinse thoroughly after using any strong cleaner and follow manufacturer guidelines for your model.
Bleach can help, but never mix with vinegar. Rinse well after use.
How often should I clean my washer to prevent odors?
Aim for a deep clean every 1–3 months, with quick wipe-down after each large or smelly load. A monthly hot-water cycle with baking soda is a good baseline.
Deep clean every 1–3 months, plus quick wipes after loads.
Why does odor keep returning even after cleaning?
If you keep the door closed between uses or render surfaces damp, moisture returns and mold can regrow. Ensure proper drying and ventilation.
Odor returns if moisture isn’t dried; keep the door open after cycles.
Are odor problems more common in front-load washers?
Yes, front-load washers are more prone to gasket mold due to the tight seals. Regular drying and gasket cleaning are especially important for these models.
Front-loads often smell more because of tight gaskets; dry and clean seals regularly.
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The Essentials
- Address odor sources at the gasket, drum, and dispenser.
- Use hot cycles and safe cleaners to break down residue.
- Dry surfaces after cleaning to prevent mold growth.
- Regular maintenance prevents odor from returning.
- For persistent smells, inspect hoses and consider professional help.
