How Do I Get Rid of the Smell in My Washing Machine? | Easy Cleaning Tips

wengfai94
Apr 14
3 min read

How Do I Get Rid of the Smell in My Washing Machine? | Easy Cleaning Tips

A smelly washing machine is more common than you'd think—and nothing’s worse than pulling out what should be clean laundry, only to find it still smells funky. If you’re asking yourself, “How do I get rid of the smell in my washing machine?”—you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why your washer smells, how to clean it properly, and tips to keep it fresh for good.

🧼 Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Bad?

Before you can fix the smell, it's good to know what causes it. Here are the most common culprits:

Mold and mildew: Moist environments are a breeding ground for mold, especially in front-loading machines with rubber gaskets.
Soap scum and residue: Excess detergent and fabric softener can build up over time, creating the perfect environment for bacteria.
Clogged or dirty filters and drains: These collect lint, grime, and even small objects that can cause odor.
Leaving the door closed: Trapped moisture inside the machine leads to a musty smell.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of the Smell in Your Washing Machine

Follow these steps to clean your machine and get rid of that odor for good.

1. Run a Hot Wash with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly to the drum.
Run a hot wash cycle (without laundry).
Once done, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda inside and run another hot rinse cycle.

This combo helps kill bacteria, break down grime, and neutralize odors.

2. Clean the Rubber Gasket (Front-Load Washers)

Use a cloth soaked in vinegar or a mildew cleaner.
Wipe inside the gasket folds where mold and hair often collect.
Scrub thoroughly and dry completely.

3. Clean the Detergent Drawer

Remove the detergent tray (check your manual for instructions).
Soak it in hot, soapy water.
Scrub off any buildup and rinse clean before putting it back.

4. Check and Clean the Filter

Look near the bottom of your washer for a small panel—it often hides the drain pump filter.
Lay a towel down and open it slowly (water may leak).
Remove any lint, debris, or buildup and rinse the filter clean.

5. Wipe the Drum and Leave the Door Open

After cleaning, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth.
Leave the washer door open to let it dry and air out.

💡 How to Prevent Your Washing Machine from Smelling in the Future

Prevention is the best cure. Here’s how to keep your washer smelling fresh:

Use the right detergent: High-efficiency (HE) washers need HE detergent to avoid excess suds.
Use less detergent: Too much can cause residue and mold growth.
Leave the door open after every wash to let air circulate.
Wipe the gasket regularly to keep mold at bay.
Run a monthly cleaning cycle using a washer cleaner or vinegar and baking soda.

🛑 What NOT to Do When Cleaning a Smelly Washing Machine

Don’t use bleach and vinegar together—they can create toxic fumes.
Don’t ignore the smell. It usually gets worse (and harder to clean) over time.
Don’t overuse fabric softeners—they can coat the drum and contribute to buildup.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of the smell in your washing machine is easy with the right approach. Regular cleaning, good habits, and a little preventative care can keep your washer (and your laundry) smelling fresh and clean.

If you’ve tried everything and the smell persists, it might be time to call a professional or check for a deeper mechanical issue.