There’s nothing worse than pulling freshly washed laundry out of the machine, only to be greeted by an unpleasant, musty smell. If you’ve noticed your washing machine starting to stink, you’re not alone—it’s a common problem that can leave your clothes smelling less than fresh.

Figuring out how to tackle these stubborn odors is essential for keeping your laundry clean and your home smelling great. In this article, we’ll walk you through simple, effective steps and practical tips to banish bad smells from your washing machine for good.

How Do You Get Bad Smell Out of a Washing Machine?

Discovering a foul odor coming from your washing machine can be unsettling—and pretty unpleasant. You expect clean, fresh laundry every cycle, not musty or sour-scented clothes. If your washer has started to smell bad, don’t worry. With a few simple steps and some easy regular care, you can banish those nasty smells and keep your laundry smelling as it should.

Why Does the Washing Machine Smell Bad?

Let’s start with the basics: Why does a machine designed to clean get so dirty and stinky? The most common culprits behind washing machine odors are:

• Mold and mildew, which flourish in damp places like inside the washer drum, rubber seals, and detergent drawers.
• Soap scum and detergent residue, which build up over time and trap lint and dirt.
• Bacteria feeding off leftover grime and moisture.
• Trapped clothing, especially small socks or washcloths, that go unnoticed and start to rot.
• Blocked filters or drains, which allow stagnant water and gunk to build up and smell.
• Leaving the door closed, preventing proper air drying and creating the perfect environment for odors.

The good news? No matter which kind of washer you own—front load or top load—a thorough cleaning and a few simple habits can banish bad smells for good.

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Step-by-Step: How to Remove Bad Odor from Your Washing Machine

Follow these easy steps to get rid of unpleasant smells and keep your washing machine fresh and clean.

1. Clean the Washing Machine Drum

Washing the inside of the drum is the fastest way to tackle odor where it starts.

For Front and Top Load Washers:

1. Run a Hot Water Cycle:
   Set your machine to the hottest, largest load setting.

2. Add a Cleaner:

3. Use 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.

4. For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the drum or detergent drawer.

5. Start the Cycle:
   Run the complete wash cycle with no laundry inside.

6. Pro Tip:
   You can also use a washing machine cleaner product if you prefer, following package instructions.

2. Pay Attention to the Rubber Gasket (Front Load Only)

Front load washers are especially prone to mold and mildew in the rubber door seal.

• Use a soft cloth with hot, soapy water to scrub the gasket, paying special attention to folds and crevices.
• For stubborn mold, use a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water, or an old toothbrush for tight spots.
• Wipe dry with a clean towel when finished.

3. Soak and Clean the Detergent Drawer

Detergent and fabric softener build up easily here and harbor bacteria:

1. Remove the entire dispenser drawer (check your manual if unsure).
2. Soak the drawer in hot, soapy water for 20-30 minutes.
3. Use a brush or sponge to scrub away any residue or mold.
4. Dry thoroughly and replace.

4. Scrub the Filter and Drain (if accessible)

Dirty filters and drains can trap smelly water and debris.

• Locate your machine’s filter (usually along the front bottom panel).
• Pull it out (have towels handy in case of water spills).
• Remove any debris, rinse under running water, and replace.

Note: Some machines may not have a user-accessible filter—always check the manual.

5. Air Out and Dry

Moisture is the enemy! After every wash:

• Leave the door (or lid) and detergent drawer slightly open, letting air circulate and dry.
• Wipe the drum, door, and gasket with a dry cloth after heavy or damp loads.
• Avoid leaving wet clothes sitting in the washer for long periods.

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Preventing Washing Machine Odors: Best Practices

A little routine care keeps smells from coming back. Try these tips:

Regular Cleaning Schedule

• Monthly:
  Run an empty wash cycle with hot water and vinegar or a washer cleaner.
• Weekly:
  Wipe the door, gasket, and dispenser drawer dry.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

• Too much detergent creates more suds, which means more residue for bacteria and mildew.
• Check your owner’s manual for recommended amounts, especially if using high-efficiency (HE) machines.

Choose HE Detergent for HE Washers

• Regular detergent can create excess suds and buildup.
• Always select detergent labeled “HE” for these machines.

Keep the Machine Dry

• Always leave the door or lid and detergent drawer cracked open between uses.
• Remove laundry promptly after the cycle finishes.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

• Wipe down knobs, buttons, and handles with a damp cloth once a week to tidy up dust or spills.

Check Drains and Hoses Periodically

• Inspect supply and drain hoses every few months for kinks, clogs, or leaks.
• Replace any foul-smelling or cracked hoses.

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Benefits of a Clean Washing Machine

Regular cleaning means much more than just a fresh-smelling laundry room. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• Fresher clothes:
  Your wash will actually get clean, free from any transferred odors.
• Longer machine lifespan:
  Removing grime prevents premature part wear and extends the life of your washer.
• Fewer breakdowns:
  Clean filters and drains reduce the risk of costly repairs.
• Healthier environment:
  Mold, mildew, and bacteria are kept at bay, protecting your family’s health.

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Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Even if you clean regularly, some issues may persist. Here’s how to handle the most stubborn problems:

• Persistent mildew:
  Repeat the vinegar/baking soda cleaning cycle; use a diluted bleach solution (see your manual for safe ratios).
• Hard-to-reach mold:
  Use old toothbrushes, bottle brushes, or pipe cleaners on seals and crevices.
• Inaccessible filters:
  If your machine’s filter is out of reach, a technician’s deep clean might be necessary.
• Sensitive allergies:
  Skip scented detergents and use unscented vinegar to help avoid irritants while combating mold.

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Practical Tips and Advice

• Mark your calendar to schedule regular machine cleaning.
• Store laundry detergent and bleach safely, tightly closed, and away from washer heat to prevent spills and evaporation.
• Check for small items like socks or underwear trapped around the drum after each load.
• Switch to liquid detergent if you notice excessive powder buildup.
• Ask your household to keep washer doors open after use—the more everyone participates, the fresher your washer will stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Yes, you can. Add about 1/2 cup of bleach to the detergent dispenser or directly in the drum, then run a hot water cycle. Always run an additional rinse cycle afterward to ensure all bleach is flushed out, and never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.

How often should I clean my washing machine to prevent bad smells?
A deep clean once a month is a great routine. Wipe the gasket and door weekly, and always leave the door and detergent drawer open between washes to air-dry.

Why does my front load washer smell worse than my top load?
Front loaders have airtight doors and rubber gaskets, which trap water and create moist conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Extra attention to cleaning the gasket and keeping the door open helps prevent these issues.

What if my machine still smells after cleaning?
Check for hidden problems like blocked filters, drains, or hoses. Also ensure there aren’t any lost items (like socks) or moldy spots hidden from view. If odors persist, it may be time to call a professional for a deeper inspection.

Can I use commercial washing machine cleaners instead of vinegar and baking soda?
Absolutely. Most commercial washers cleaners are designed to remove buildup and bacteria. Simply follow the product’s instructions for safe and effective use.

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In Summary

A smelly washing machine is both frustrating and avoidable. With just a few easy cleaning steps, smart habits, and regular attention, you can say goodbye to sour odors and hello to a truly fresh laundry experience. Remember: Keep things dry, clean residue regularly, and leave the door open whenever possible. Your nose—and your clothes—will thank you!