Ever opened your washing machine only to be greeted by a sour, musty smell? You’re not alone. Even the machine that cleans your clothes can develop odors if left unchecked.
A musty washing machine isn’t just unpleasant—it can affect the freshness of your laundry and invite unwanted mold and mildew. That’s why knowing how to clean your washer properly is so important.
In this article, you’ll discover practical, easy-to-follow steps and smart tips to banish musty smells and keep your machine sparkling clean.
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How to Clean a Musty Washing Machine
A musty-smelling washing machine is more common than you might think. Over time, residue from detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and even mold can build up inside your machine. These accumulations can create an unpleasant smell that transfers to your clothes. The good news is that banishing these odors and preventing them from coming back is absolutely achievable – and easier than you might expect.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about why your washing machine smells musty and, more importantly, how to clean it thoroughly. Let’s dive right in!
Why Does Your Washing Machine Smell Musty?
Washing machines are designed to clean, but they aren’t self-cleaning. Moisture, warmth, and darkness—the perfect combination for mold and bacteria—are almost always present in your washer. Some common causes of musty smells include:
- Residual Moisture: Not leaving the door or lid open after each use allows moisture to linger inside.
- Soap Scum Buildup: Detergent, fabric softener, and lint can build up over time, especially in hard-to-see places like the dispenser, drum, and rubber seal.
- Dirty Drum & Seals: Dirt, hair, pet fur, and even small clothing items can hide in the drum, door seals, or gasket.
- Stagnant Water: Clogs, blockages, or slow drainage mean water can sit inside, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning a Musty Washing Machine
Restoring freshness and cleaning your washing machine thoroughly can be done in several straightforward steps. While each type of washing machine has its quirks, these core steps apply to both front-loaders and top-loaders.
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, collect these common household items:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths or old towels
- An old toothbrush or soft brush
- Rubber gloves
Optional but helpful:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Commercial washing machine cleaning tablets
2. Clean the Door Seal and Gasket
Especially Important for Front-Load Washers
The rubber door seal (gasket) in front-load washers often traps water, lint, hair, and detergent residue. To clean it:
- Inspect Thoroughly: Pull back the seal gently to look for trapped debris or mold spots.
- Wipe and Scrub: Dip a cloth or toothbrush in a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Scrub away visible grime, mildew, and mold.
- Disinfect: Wipe the area with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, or use diluted hydrogen peroxide for stubborn mold. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before wiping clean.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a dry cloth to absorb all moisture when finished.
3. Clean the Detergent Dispenser and Drawer
Detergent and fabric softener can gunk up drawers and dispensers.
- Remove Drawer (if possible): Pop out the drawer or dispenser tray.
- Soak: Submerge in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub and Rinse: Use a brush to dislodge residue, lingering mildew, or softener scum.
- Dry: Pat dry with a towel before reinserting.
4. Clean the Drum
It’s time to tackle the heart of the washing machine.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda Method:
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser.
- Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle (ideally, the longest setting).
- Wipe inside with a cloth afterward to remove loosened debris.
- For Extra Stubborn Odors:
Use a commercial washing machine cleaner, following package instructions.
5. Clean the Filter and Drain
Many washing machines have a lint filter or drain trap that can harbor gunk or even tiny socks. Failure to clean these can cause stagnant, smelly water.
- Locate the Filter: Check your owner’s manual if unsure.
- Remove and Rinse: Place a towel or tray underneath, open the trap, and pull out any lint or foreign objects.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Clear away any stubborn residue and allow to dry before reinserting.
6. Wipe Down and Finish
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth and a bit of dish soap.
- Final Dry: Leave the door or lid open for at least an hour to ensure all moisture evaporates.
Special Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine Fresh
Once your washing machine is sparkling again, it’s worth developing a few habits to stop musty smells from returning.
- Always Leave the Door/Lid Open: Let air circulate to help the inside dry out.
- Use the Right Detergent: High-efficiency (HE) machines need HE detergent to minimize suds and leftover residue.
- Go Easy on Fabric Softener: Too much softener leaves a sticky film—use sparingly.
- Run Regular ‘Maintenance’ Cycles: Once a month, run an empty hot wash with vinegar or a washing machine cleaning tablet.
- Clean the Seal and Dispenser Frequently: Wipe these down every week if you use your washer regularly.
- Remove Wet Laundry Quickly: Damp clothes left sitting in the drum encourage odor.
Troubleshooting: When Smells Linger
A persistent musty odor can be frustrating. Let’s address what you can try if smells don’t go away after cleaning.
1. Double-Check Hidden Areas
- The back of the drum, inside hoses, and under agitators can collect grime.
2. Examine Water Supply and Drainage
- If water lingers in the drum or doesn’t drain fully, check for clogs.
- Lingering water provides the perfect place for bacteria to thrive.
3. Look for Mold in the Surroundings
- Mold can sometimes grow behind or underneath your washer, especially if it’s in a humid room like a basement.
Benefits of a Clean Washing Machine
Giving your machine a bit of attention goes a long way. Here’s why it’s worth it:
- Fresher Laundry: No more sour smells clinging to clean clothes.
- Longer Appliance Life: Mold and buildup can damage parts over time. Cleaning preserves your washer.
- Better Efficiency: Your washer can work harder (and use less energy) when it isn’t clogged by residue.
- Healthier Home: Mold and bacteria can trigger allergies and breathing issues. Cleaning helps keep your laundry area hygienic.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Stubborn Mold
- Try repeating the vinegar or hydrogen peroxide cleaning process.
- Don’t mix vinegar and bleach—mixing can create dangerous fumes.
- Some areas may need several treatments if the buildup is bad.
Hard-to-Reach Areas
- Use an old toothbrush, pipe cleaner, or cotton swab for nooks and crannies.
- Don’t forget to wipe under gaskets, around edges, and in corners.
Persistent Odor
- Try leaving a bowl of baking soda inside the drum between washes to absorb odors.
- Inspect drain hoses for buildup or residue migration.
Proactive Maintenance: Keep Musty Smells Away
Consider these habits for a perpetually fresh washing machine:
- Monthly Maintenance Cleaning: Schedule an empty hot wash with vinegar every 4 weeks.
- Clean Up Spills Right Away: Don’t let detergent or softener residue accumulate.
- Dry the Drum and Door: After each use, quickly wipe excess water.
- Rotate Loads: Occasionally do small loads with just towels or cleaning cloths to help “scrub” the drum.
Summary
A musty washing machine is a common nuisance, but one that’s easily fixed with the right steps. Regular cleaning, a few household staples like vinegar and baking soda, and vigilant drying habits can banish odors and keep your clothes smelling truly clean. Routine maintenance and attention to small details make all the difference for both your laundry and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I clean my washing machine to prevent musty smells?
You should do a deep cleaning at least once a month if you use your washer frequently. Wipe down seals and dispensers weekly and always leave the door or lid open after each wash.
What causes a washing machine to smell moldy or musty?
The main culprits are leftover moisture, detergent or fabric softener buildup, mildew trapped in the seal, and stagnant water in the drum or hoses.
Will bleach remove musty odors from my washing machine?
Yes, bleach can kill mold and bacteria, but it should be used carefully. Vinegar or commercial cleaners are effective alternatives. Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents like vinegar.
Can I use natural cleaners instead of commercial washing machine cleaners?
Absolutely! White vinegar and baking soda are natural and effective for cleaning and deodorizing the drum, seal, and dispensers.
What’s the best way to keep musty smells from coming back?
Always let your washer dry out between uses, clean the door seal and dispenser regularly, remove clothes promptly, and do monthly maintenance washes with vinegar or a cleaning tablet.