I still remember the first time I opened my washing machine and was hit with a horrible, musty smell. It was like a mix of stale water, mildew, and dirty socks. And the worst part? My freshly washed clothes smelled just as bad.
I thought, Isn’t a washing machine supposed to clean things? How can it smell this awful? Turns out, washing machines need cleaning too. (Yep, I was just as shocked as you probably are.)
If your washing machine stinks like mold or mildew, don’t worry. I’ve been there, and I’ve found the best ways to clean it—step by step. Let’s get that washer smelling fresh again!
Step 1: Find Out What’s Causing the Smell
Before we start scrubbing, let’s figure out why your washing machine smells bad.
🔹 Mold & mildew buildup – Washing machines stay damp, and if water gets trapped, mold grows fast.
🔹 Detergent & fabric softener residue – Too much detergent leaves a sticky film inside the machine.
🔹 Dirty drain pump & filter – Lint, hair, and even lost socks can clog up the drain area.
🔹 Stagnant water – If you always shut the door right after washing, moisture gets trapped.
Now that we know the problem, let’s fix it!
Step 2: Deep Clean the Washer Drum (The Fastest Way to Get Rid of Odors!)
The drum is where all the magic (or in this case, the stink) happens. If it smells bad, your clothes will too.
How to Clean It:
1️⃣ Set your washer to the hottest and longest cycle.
2️⃣ Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum—this kills mold and bacteria.
3️⃣ Start the cycle and let the vinegar do its job.
💡 Why vinegar? It’s a natural deodorizer and disinfectant—perfect for breaking down gunk inside the drum!
Step 3: Clean the Soap Dispenser (It’s Probably Gross!)
I was shocked the first time I pulled out my detergent drawer—it was covered in slimy, black mold. 🤢 This is one of the biggest sources of washing machine odors.
How to Clean It:
1️⃣ Remove the detergent drawer (it should slide right out).
2️⃣ Soak it in hot water with vinegar for 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Scrub inside the dispenser compartment with an old toothbrush.
4️⃣ Rinse everything and put it back.
💡 Pro Tip: If your detergent drawer has a lot of mold, stop using fabric softener—it creates the perfect sticky environment for mold to grow!
Step 4: Scrub the Rubber Gasket (If You Have a Front-Loader)
If you have a front-loading washer, the rubber door seal (also called the gasket) is probably hiding a nasty, moldy surprise.
How to Clean It:
1️⃣ Open the door and pull back the rubber seal.
2️⃣ Use paper towels to wipe away any visible mold or slime.
3️⃣ Scrub with baking soda + vinegar or a disinfectant spray.
4️⃣ Leave the door open to air dry completely.
💡 Pro Tip: This area is a mold magnet because water gets trapped inside the folds. Try to wipe it dry after each wash.
Step 5: Clean the Drain Pump Filter (If Your Washer Still Smells)
If your washer still has a funky smell, there’s one last place to check—the drain pump filter. This is where lint, hair, and even small objects (hello, missing socks!) get trapped.
How to Clean the Drain Pump Filter:
1️⃣ Locate the filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front of the washer).
2️⃣ Place a towel under it—some water will spill out!
3️⃣ Unscrew the cap and remove any gunk, lint, or objects.
4️⃣ Wash the filter under warm, soapy water and put it back.
💡 Pro Tip: Clean this filter every 2-3 months to keep your washer draining properly and smelling fresh!
Step 6: Run a Second Hot Cycle (With Baking Soda This Time!)
Now that we’ve scrubbed everything, let’s do one last deep clean.
1️⃣ Set the washer to another hot cycle.
2️⃣ Add ½ cup of baking soda to the drum.
3️⃣ Start the cycle and let it freshen up the machine.
💡 Why baking soda? It absorbs odors and removes any leftover residue from the vinegar wash.
Step 7: Keep Your Washer Smelling Fresh (So It Never Stinks Again!)
Now that your washing machine smells brand new, let’s keep it that way!
✔️ Leave the door open after every wash – This lets moisture escape and prevents mold.
✔️ Use less detergent! Too much soap = more residue buildup.
✔️ Switch to white vinegar instead of fabric softener – It softens clothes without the sticky buildup.
✔️ Wipe down the rubber gasket once a week.
✔️ Clean the drain pump filter every few months.
💡 Bonus Tip: Once a month, run an empty hot wash with vinegar to keep your machine clean and odor-free!
I know how frustrating it is when your washing machine smells awful—especially when it makes your clean clothes stink too. But now, you know exactly how to fix it!
✔️ Deep clean the drum with vinegar.
✔️ Scrub the detergent drawer and rubber seal.
✔️ Check the drain pump filter for hidden gunk.
✔️ Run a baking soda rinse to freshen things up.
✔️ Use these simple habits to keep your washer smelling fresh forever!
Now go enjoy clean, fresh-smelling laundry again! 🚀✨
