It happens to the best of us. You go to start a load of laundry and are suddenly overwhelmed by a terrible smell coming from your washing machine. A smelly washer is more common than most people realize, and those unpleasant odors are often caused by a buildup of mildew, detergent residue, and minerals inside the drum and seals.
The good news is that learning how to clean a smelly washer is simple, effective, and can restore your machine’s freshness in just a few steps. Whether you own a front-loading or top-loading washer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know including what causes the smell, how to deep clean your machine, and how to prevent it from returning.
What Causes a Smelly Washing Machine?
Your washer goes through a lot. Every load of laundry brings in dirt, body oils, soap scum, and fabric lint. Over time, these materials collect in the gasket, detergent drawer, and drum. Combined with constant moisture, they create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to thrive, which leads to bad odors.
Why Front-Loading Washers Smell Worse
Front-loading washers are efficient but more prone to developing smells. The rubber gasket on the door traps water to prevent leaks, but it also traps moisture. When not properly dried, that moisture leads to mildew growth.
Another reason is detergent buildup. Front-loaders use less water than top-loaders, so if you use regular detergent instead of high-efficiency (HE) detergent, residue builds up inside the drum and around the door seal. This sticky film traps dirt and bacteria, creating that unpleasant odor many homeowners notice.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Front Loader
If your front-loading washer smells musty, don’t worry. With a few pantry staples like baking soda and vinegar, you can completely deodorize your machine.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions:
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Gather your materials.
You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, a microfiber cloth, and some warm water. -
Empty the washer.
Remove any clothes or laundry items before starting the cleaning process. -
Mix a baking soda solution.
Combine ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water. Pour this into the detergent dispenser to help neutralize odors inside the machine. -
Add vinegar to the drum.
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Vinegar naturally removes mold, mildew, and detergent buildup. -
Run a hot cycle.
Set your washer to the highest temperature and run a complete cycle. For deeper cleaning, pause the wash for 30 minutes after filling with water, then resume. -
Wipe down the gasket and drum.
Once the cycle finishes, pull back the rubber gasket and wipe away any remaining residue with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Then dry the drum completely.
Your washer will smell clean, fresh, and ready for your next load.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Top Loader
Top-loading washers can also develop unpleasant smells, especially if detergent or fabric softener builds up over time. Fortunately, cleaning them is just as easy.
Follow these steps:
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Gather your cleaning supplies.
You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, and warm water. -
Empty the washer.
Take out any clothes before starting. -
Mix and add the baking soda solution.
Combine ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water and pour it into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum. -
Add vinegar.
Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the drum. Top loaders use more water than front loaders, so extra vinegar helps eliminate odors more effectively. -
Run a hot cycle.
Select the hottest setting and run a full cycle without any laundry inside. -
Wipe the drum dry.
When the cycle ends, use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the washer. This step helps remove any lingering vinegar scent and moisture.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine Drain
If your washing machine still smells after cleaning, the odor might be coming from the drain. Over time, soap residue, lint, and grime can clog the drain line.
Here’s how to clean it:
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Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
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Run a regular wash cycle with no clothes.
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After the cycle, pour hot or boiling water down the drain trap to dissolve buildup.
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To prevent future odors, pour about 4 ounces of mineral oil into the drain. This creates a thin barrier that prevents water from evaporating and smells from escaping.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Most people forget that washers need cleaning too. Ideally, you should deep-clean your washing machine every two weeks if you use it frequently. For moderate use, once a month is enough.
Regular cleaning not only eliminates odors but also helps your washer run more efficiently and last longer. The more often you wash clothes, the more frequently you should clean your machine to prevent buildup and bacteria growth.
How to Keep Your Washer from Getting So Smelly
Once your washing machine smells fresh again, take preventive measures to keep it that way.
Tips to Prevent Washer Odor:
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Wipe the interior after each use. Remove moisture from the drum and door gasket.
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Leave the door open between washes. This allows the inside to air dry and prevents mildew.
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Clean the detergent drawer regularly. Wash out detergent residue using warm, soapy water.
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Use the right detergent. Always use HE detergent for front-loading washers to avoid buildup.
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Clean the exterior. Dust and dirt can find their way inside, so wipe down the outside of your washer weekly.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your washer smelling clean, extend its lifespan, and enjoy fresher laundry every time.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean a smelly washer is an essential part of home maintenance. Odors caused by mildew, soap scum, and residue can make your machine unpleasant to use, but with baking soda, vinegar, and consistent care, you can restore freshness easily. Regular cleaning not only keeps your washer odor-free but also ensures your clothes come out cleaner and more hygienic.
Start today, your laundry room will smell better, and your washing machine will thank you.
