If your washing machine smells musty or sour every time you open the door, there is a good chance mildew is to blame. Leftover moisture, detergent buildup, and poor airflow all create the perfect conditions for it to grow. The good news is that it is easy to fix. This guide walks through exactly how to get the smell out of your washing machine and what to do so it does not come back.
Why Washing Machines Start to Smell in the First Place
Washing machines deal with a lot of moisture, and if that moisture sticks around, it becomes the perfect spot for mildew and bacteria to grow. It gets worse if you mostly wash in cold water, since that does not kill off much of the bacteria.
Leaving wet clothes sitting inside, closing the door right after a load, or skipping regular cleanings all make the problem worse. The rubber seal, detergent dispensers, and any part of the washer that stays damp can start to smell if they never fully dry out. Once that buildup sets in, the smell will not go away without a deep clean.
Getting Rid of the Mildew Smell from Your Washer in 5 Simple Steps
Follow the below steps to make your washing machine smell fresh again.
Clean the Rubber Door Seal
Whether you have a top loader or a front loader, mildew tends to build up around the rubber seal. This is where moisture, lint, and detergent get trapped, and it does not take long for that to start smelling.
Mix 1 cup of bleach with 2 cups of warm water. Put on gloves, soak a soft cloth in the solution, and start by wiping the bottom part of the seal where water usually collects. Then go all the way around the inside, getting into the folds if your machine has them. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference in starting to cut down the smell.
Run a Hot Bleach Cycle
Once the seal is clean, the next step is running a full cleaning cycle to take care of any bacteria inside the drum or hoses. Pour bleach into the bleach dispenser, then run the washer on the hottest and longest cycle available. Make sure the machine is completely empty when you do this.
This helps sanitize the parts of the washer you cannot reach by hand. I do this every few months just to keep smells from building up in the first place.
If you want something to freshen up your washer monthly, I’ve had a lot of success with this washing machine cleaner. Just fill the drum with the cleaner and run a hot cycle.
Clean the Dispensers
Detergent and fabric softener can leave behind a sticky buildup that adds to the smell over time. I wipe out the inside of each compartment with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. It does not take long, but it makes a difference.
If your machine has removable dispensers, take them out and rinse them in warm water. Just avoid using anything harsh or solvent based. That kind of cleaner can damage the plastic. Check your manual if you are not sure how to take the compartments apart.
Wipe Down the Drum and Lid
After the cycle from Step 2 finishes, I wipe down the inside of the washing machine. Use a soft cloth and warm soapy water to clean the drum, the lid or door, and the edges around the opening. Avoid using vinegar here, since mixing it with leftover bleach can create a dangerous reaction that you do not want to inhale.
Even if everything looks clean, there is usually still some moisture. Drying it out right away helps prevent new smells from coming back.
Leave the Door Open to Dry
Once everything is wiped down, leave the door or lid open so the inside can air out. This is one of the easiest ways to stop smells from coming back.
Letting the drum fully dry keeps moisture from getting trapped and gives mildew less of a chance to grow. I do this after every load, not just deep cleanings.
How to Prevent Odors from Coming Back
Once you get the smell out, the goal is to keep it from creeping back in. That mostly comes down to managing moisture and buildup before it has a chance to sit.
Make sure your laundry area is well ventilated. If the room feels damp or humid, consider using a fan or dehumidifier. Cleaners and detergent bottles should be stored away from vents and control panels so they are not adding heat or blocking airflow.
Check your washer hoses a few times a year to make sure they are not kinked or starting to leak. If they are over five years old, it is worth replacing them. A lot of hidden moisture problems start right behind the machine.
And before long trips or vacations, turn off the water supply to the washer. It is a small step that helps prevent standing water and even flooding if something goes wrong while you are away.
Keep up with these habits and your washer will stay clean, fresh, and mildew free.
