If you’ve noticed a musty, mildew-like smell coming from your washing machine, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many people encounter. The good news is that in most cases, it can be easily fixed with some simple troubleshooting and maintenance.
What Causes the Smell
Mildew and mold growth is usually the culprit behind a smelly washing machine. The damp, warm environment inside the machine makes it a prime spot for mold and bacteria to multiply. Additionally, leaving wet clothes sitting for too long before drying can allow odor-causing germs to develop.
Some specific causes include:
Using Too Much Detergent
Too much detergent can leave a residue in your washer that doesn’t properly rinse out. This gives mold and bacteria food to feed on. Try using less detergent – most people use more than they need.
Not Draining Properly
If your drain hose gets kinked or clogged, water can get trapped inside the machine. Allowing puddles of water to sit leads to odor issues. Make sure the drain hose is free of obstructions.
Neglecting Routine Cleaning
Not cleaning the inside of the washing machine regularly allows dirt, bacteria, detergent scum, and other grime to build up. Completing regular maintenance cleans this grime away before it can get out of hand.
Leaving the Door Shut
After you finish a load, always leave the door open to allow airflow. This helps moisture evaporate rather than getting trapped inside a closed machine.
Using Too Much Fabric Softener
Like detergent residue, leftover fabric softener can promote mildew growth inside your washer. Use it sparingly or consider ditching it altogether.
How to Eliminate Odors
If your washing machine has a funky smell, here are some DIY solutions to freshen it up:
1. Run an Empty Vinegar Cycle
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar straight into your machine’s drum. Then run a hot water cycle with no clothes. The vinegar will help kill bacteria and remove soap residue. Consider doing this monthly.
2. Use Bleach
Pour 1 cup of bleach into the drum and run an empty hot water cycle. Just don’t mix vinegar and bleach – use one cleaning method at a time. Repeat every couple months.
3. Clean with Baking Soda
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly onto the drum floor. Then fill the detergent compartment with 1/4 cup baking soda. Run a hot water cycle with the drum empty. The baking soda will naturally deodorize.
4. Wipe Out the Gaskets
Mold loves growing in the folds of the door gasket. Be sure to grab an old toothbrush and give this area extra scrubbing when cleaning your machine.
5. Dry Out the Drum
After washing finishes, prop the door open to promote airflow. It only takes a few minutes for harmful mold to thrive in a damp environment.
6. Be Proactive
Check the drum, drain hose and door gaskets regularly for black mildew growth and odor issues. By staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid major smelly problems.
By identifying what is specifically causing odor in your machine and following these cleaning tips, you should be able to eliminate that mildew smell for good. Just remember moisture and grime are what mold feeds on. So keeping your washer clean and dry should prevent unpleasant scents from taking over.
I hope these troubleshooting tips help you tackle that stinky washing machine! Let me know if you have any other questions.
References
American Cleaning Institute. “How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine.” https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/how-clean-smelly-washing-machine
Good Housekeeping. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a32773/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine/
Consumer Reports. “4 DIY Ways to Get Rid of Washing Machine Odors.” https://www.consumerreports.org/washing-machines/diy-ways-to-get-rid-of-washing-machine-odors-a5033152325/
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.