How to Remove Smell in Washing Machine

Let’s be real: a washing machine that smells funky is like a coffee maker that serves sour espresso—completely defeats its own purpose. The usual culprits behind those mysterious, musty odors are trapped moisture, detergent gunk, mold, and mildew building up where you least want them: inside the drum, rubber gaskets, or detergent drawers. The culprit usually thrives in warm, damp environments—hello, laundry room humidity!

Whether you’re rocking a front-loader that loves to trap moisture in its rubber seals or a top-loader that struggles with residue buildup, that unpleasant smell is a call for action before your clothes start catching the scent themselves.

Kicking odors to the curb doesn’t require a science degree or fancy gadgets. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense method to freshen up your washer:

• Empty the Drum: No laundry stowaways allowed! Remove all clothes and any detachable washing machine parts before you get started.
• Add White Vinegar: Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Vinegar is like the Swiss Army knife of household cleaning—natural, effective, and it kills odors like a boss [source].
• Run a Hot Wash Cycle: Set your machine to the hottest setting and let it churn through that vinegar magic. The heat helps kill bacteria and break down the grime that’s been partying inside your washer drum.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: After the cycle finishes, grab a microfiber cloth and go to town on the drum, door, and especially the rubber gasket. The gasket is a notorious hiding spot for mold and mildew, especially in front-load machines [source].
• Scrub Removable Parts: Detach the detergent drawer and agitator if possible, soak them in warm soapy water, and use a toothbrush for any stuck-on residue.
• Baking Soda Boost (Optional but Recommended): Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum and run another hot cycle. If you’re feeling fancy, mix a quarter cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of water and pour it into the detergent dispenser before cycling. This step neutralizes odors and gives the machine a fresh vibe [source].
• Don’t Forget the Drain and Dispenser: Sometimes the smell hides in the drain pipe or detergent dispenser. Pour two cups of vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle. Then, carefully pour hot or boiling water down the drain trap to flush out lingering funk [source].
• Dry It Out: After all that cleaning, wipe everything dry and leave the door or lid open to air the machine out between washes. That’s the secret sauce to keeping mildew at bay [source].

Front-Load Machines: If your machine is a front-loader, the rubber gasket around the door is the nemesis of freshness. It traps water and dirt, creating a mold playground. Use a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water to mist the gasket, scrub gently, and dry thoroughly. Repeat monthly to keep the bad smells away [source].

Top-Load Machines: You’re less likely to have a gasket disaster, but residue buildup in the agitator or detergent dispenser can still cause odors. Remove and clean these parts regularly. For agitator removal, check out our detailed guide on how to remove the Roper washing machine agitator for pro tips.

If vinegar and baking soda are like your first responders, then bleach is your SWAT team for serious mold issues. Add one cup of bleach to the detergent dispenser and run a hot cycle—but never mix bleach and vinegar as they form nasty toxic gases [source].

Prefer going green? Sodium percarbonate, an oxygen bleach alternative, offers powerful cleaning without nasty chemicals. It releases oxygen to break up tough stains and sanitize the drum effectively.

• Leave the Door/Lid Open: After every wash, don’t slam that door shut like it’s a bank vault. Let the moist air escape and keep mildew from setting in.
• Remove Wet Clothes Quickly: Don’t let damp laundry lounge inside the drum for hours. Mold loves that kind of invitation.
• Clean Monthly: Make it a habit to run a vinegar cycle once a month—or more frequently if you’re doing lots of laundry—to keep buildup in check.
• Use Detergent Sparingly: More soap isn’t always better. Excess detergent can cause residue that stinks up your machine.
• Don’t Neglect the Detergent Drawer: It’s a magnet for soap scum and mildew. Remove it regularly and soak it like a mini laundry day for your washer’s parts.

If odors persist despite your best efforts, or if you notice visible mold, leaking, or odd noises, it might be time to summon the experts. Persistent smells can be a symptom of drainage issues or failing parts. Don’t ignore it—prompt professional care can save your machine from an early retirement.

For those who prefer ready-to-go solutions, consider trying effective washer sanitizers and cleaners. Here are some popular picks available online:

• Best Washing Machine Cleaner (India)
• Best Washing Machine Cleaner (Global, including USA)

These products complement natural cleaning routines and tackle stubborn buildup quickly, keeping your washer smelling fresh and functioning like a champ.