We’ve all been there. You open your washing machine, expecting that fresh laundry smell, and instead get a musty, damp odor. Gross, right? A smelly washer isn’t just unpleasant—it can make even freshly washed clothes stink no matter how much detergent you use.
The good news is that fixing it is simpler than you might think. Whether you have a front-load, top-load, or even a stubborn washer drain, these tips will help you get rid of odors and keep your machine fresh. And if cleaning isn’t your thing, our house cleaning services in Green Bay, WI can take care of it for you.
What Causes the Smell in Your Washing Machine?
Most washing machine odors come from detergent, fabric softener buildup, and leftover moisture. Front-load washers are especially prone to mold and mildew on the rubber door gasket. Top-load washers can smell if water sits in the tub or drain too long. Knowing where the smell comes from makes it easier to fix.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Smelly Washer
You don’t need a lot of fancy products to get your washer back to fresh. Here’s a simple list:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Clean rag or microfiber cloth
- Optional: mild dish soap for stubborn grime
Having these on hand will make the process smoother, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
How to Remove Odors in a Front-Load Washer
Step 1 — Clean the Door Seal
Mold and detergent residue love the rubber gasket around your washer door. Pull it back and wipe it thoroughly with vinegar or a mild soap-and-water solution; don’t forget the folds and crevices.
Step 2 — Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Pull out the detergent tray and soak it in hot water. You may need to scrub the detergent tray clean, especially where the liquid detergent could build up.
Step 3 — Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar
Add two cups of white vinegar to the drum, then run the hottest cycle. The vinegar helps to break down soap scum and will kill most of the bacteria that cause the smell.
Step 4 — Run a Second Cycle with Baking Soda
Pour a half cup of baking soda directly in the drum and run a second hot cycle. The baking soda will help neutralize the scent.
Step 5 — Wipe and Air Out the Washer
After the cycles are finished, wipe out the drum and leave the door wide open to air dry. This simple step will help avoid any future mildew presence.
How to Clean a Smelly Top-Load Washer
Step 1
Fill with Hot Water and Add Vinegar Move your washer to the hottest and largest load setting. Pour four cups of vinegar in and let it fill.
Step 2
Let It Soak and Scrub Interior Parts Use a brush or rag to scrub the drum, agitator, and any crevices where residue might have nestled below the surface.
Step 3
Drain, Then Run a Cycle with Baking Soda Drain the vinegar solution and pour in 1 measuring cup of baking soda and run a hot, large load cycle to remove odors.
Step 4
Clean the Agitator and Lid Wipe down the agitator, underside of the lid, and the lid itself as they may have little residues.
Step 5
Leave the Lid Open to Dry The lid left open allows the interior to dry and freshen up a little bit.
How to Get the Smell Out of Your Washing Machine Drain
In certain circumstances, the odor does not originate from the drum but from the drain. If retrievable, remove the drain filter and drain hose of the washing machine. Pouring hot water and a little vinegar through the filter and hose will eliminate trapped dirt. If the dirt does not release easily, a soft brush can assist in loosening the dirt. This quick cleanup should help get rid of that washing machine smell.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?
To keep your washer smelling fresh, a good rule of thumb is:
- Wipe seals and leave doors or lids open after every wash
- Deep clean with vinegar or baking soda once a month
- Check the drain and detergent dispenser every few months
Regular maintenance is way easier than dealing with a full-blown smelly washing machine.
Tips to Keep Your Washer Fresh
- Use the right amount of detergent and fabric softener
- Don’t let wet clothes sit in the washer for hours
- Leave the door or lid open between washes
- Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar or baking soda occasionally
Small habits like these save a lot of frustration. Our home deep cleaning services in Green Bay, WI can even take care of washer maintenance if you want a completely hands-off approach.
Small efforts like these save a lot of frustration. For a completely hands-off solution, our home deep cleaning services in Green Bay, WI include washer maintenance so you never have to deal with stinky laundry again.
When to Call a Professional for Washer Cleaning
If your washer still smells after all these steps, it might be time to call in the pros. They can clean hoses, deep crevices, and stubborn mold that’s hard to reach. Our Green Bay, WI team can make sure your washer stays fresh without the hassle.
A smelly washing machine doesn’t have to be a problem for the long haul. A bit of time, some vinegar, and baking soda, and you can make your washer smell clean again and keep the odors from coming back. If the smell just won’t quit, or you’d rather not deal with the hassle, our house cleaning services in Green Bay, WI are ready to step in. This covers everything from our bathroom and shower cleaning services to our home deep cleaning services.
Say goodbye to laundry day odors! Contact us today for a sparkling clean, fresh-smelling washing machine.
