How to Remove Musty Smell in Washing Machine

Why Does Your Washing Machine Smell Musty?

Let’s be real: a washing machine that leaves your clothes smelling like a damp basement is nobody’s ideal laundry buddy. That musty smell usually means mildew, mold, or detergent gunk decided to throw a party inside your machine. Front-loading washers especially love to trap moisture and residue in their rubber gaskets, detergent dispensers, and crevices. Without regular TLC, these become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that serve up those uninvited funky odors.

But hey, no judgment. Even washing machines need a good cleanup now and then to keep smelling fresh and performing at their peak. So, roll up your sleeves! Here’s how to kick that musty funk to the curb and keep your machine — and your laundry — happily fresh.

Step 1: Say Goodbye to Gasket Grime

If you rock a front-loader, start by taking a good look at the rubber gasket around the door. This soft rubber lining is fantastic for sealing in water — and unfortunately, excellent at harboring mold, mildew, and detergent scum. Gross, but fixable.

Mix a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water – vinegar is a natural mold killer, no chemicals needed.
Dip a cloth or an old toothbrush into the solution and scrub the gasket thoroughly, focusing on crevices and folds.
If you find stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water can add some extra scrubbing muscle.
Once clean, wipe down with a dry cloth to prevent moisture holding on longer than it should.

Don’t have a front loader? No worries! You can still inspect and clean any accessible seals, dispensers, and drum edges to root out that hidden funk.

Step 2: Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar

Now that the visible grime is out of the way, it’s time to let science do the heavy lifting inside the drum.

Pour two cups of distilled white vinegar directly into the empty drum — not the detergent drawer — to avoid dilution.
Run the hottest water cycle your machine can muster, with no clothes inside.
This combination dissolves detergent residue, kills bacteria, and flushes away odor-causing agents.^[1]

If vinegar isn’t your jam, a washing machine cleaner or diluted liquid chlorine bleach (check your manual first!) also gets the job done. Just add it directly to the drum and run a hot cycle.^[2]

Step 3: Deodorize Using Baking Soda

Vinegar handled the heavy scrubbing, but toss baking soda into the mix to neutralize stubborn smells and freshen things up.

After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly inside the drum.
Run another hot water cycle, still empty, to let baking soda do its deodorizing magic.
Pro tip: For a double whammy, add a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water to your detergent dispenser while putting two cups of white vinegar in the drum to run a thorough hot cycle.^[3]

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that’s gentle on your machine — and stubborn odors don’t stand a chance.

Step 4: Give That Detergent Drawer Some Love

Detergent dispensers are sneaky little culprits behind many musty smells because detergent and softener build up in them like plaque.

Remove the detergent drawer if your model allows it (your manual will tell you how).
Soak it in warm, soapy water to loosen residue.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub every nook and cranny.
Dry it completely before sliding it back home.
Don’t forget to wipe down the drawer slot inside the machine, where gunk loves to hide.

No drawer removal? A thorough wipe with vinegar and a brush can still work wonders.

Step 5: Wipe, Air Out, and Repeat

We’re almost there. The last step is all about moisture management and finishing touches.

After completing your cleaning cycles, wipe the drum, gasket, and door with a clean, dry cloth.
Leave the washing machine door or lid open when not in use to let it breathe — damp darkness is mildew’s best friend.
Keep an eye out for detergent overuse; less is more when it comes to preventing buildup and smells.
Do laundry promptly! Don’t let wet clothes sit in the washer for hours on end.
Consider repeating this cleaning routine monthly — consistent care keeps smells at bay and your machine humming happily.^[4]

Troubleshooting Persistent Odors

If after all this TLC, your washer still smells like it moonlights as a swamp—don’t despair. Sometimes, odors nestle into spots that need a little extra attention.

Inspect less obvious areas like the drain pump filter or hidden hoses — sediment and debris here can trap odor-causing gunk.
Check for mold in the washing machine seal — if you’re tackling that, our guide on removing mould in washing machine seals can be a lifesaver.
Consider using commercial washing machine cleaning tablets for a powerful clean if home remedies don’t cut it.^[2]

Sometimes, it’s about being a bit of a detective and cleaning defender all at once.

Preventing Musty Smells: Healthy Habits for Your Washing Machine

Wouldn’t it be nice if a single deep clean lasted forever? Unfortunately, the mildew menace loves to creep back if you let your guard down. Here’s how to keep your machine smelling like fresh laundry all day, every day:

Always leave the washer door or lid open after use to promote drying and airflow.
Use only the recommended amounts of detergent and fabric softener to avoid residue buildup.
Remove clothes promptly once the cycle ends — no damp laundry lounging around.
Schedule a monthly cleaning ritual using vinegar and baking soda or a trusted washing machine cleaner.
Regularly wipe down the gasket and detergent drawer to prevent mold formation.

Follow these tips, and you’ll keep that musty smell at bay for good. Your nose (and your wardrobe) will thank you.

Tools and Products That Make It Easier

Got a tough case of the funk? Sometimes a little help goes a long way. High-quality washing machine cleaners and mildew-fighting sprays can turbocharge your efforts.

While DIY ingredients like vinegar and baking soda are stellar, these products offer convenience and extra cleaning power when you need it.

Wrapping Up: Fresh Laundry, Happy Life

There you have it — a full arsenal to tackle and prevent musty odors in your washing machine. With a combination of vinegar, baking soda, scrubbing, and smart habits, you’ll maintain a crisp, fresh-smelling laundry routine. Plus, your trusted cleaning machine will thank you by sticking around longer and performing better.

Remember, every washing machine loves a little extra care, so keep that cleaning cycle on your calendar. For specific parts like seals, don’t forget to check our guide on how to remove mould in washing machine seal to keep everything squeaky clean.

Now go forth and wash, knowing your machine smells as fresh as your intentions!