How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

by Rigoberto Santaella - June 4, 2025

The washing machine is one of the most used appliances in our homes, and keeping it in good condition is crucial for our clothes to come out clean and fresh. However, bad odors can become a common problem if they aren’t properly maintained. In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean a smelly washing machine with a few simple tricks, so your clothes always smell clean and fresh.

And remember, if you need help cleaning your home, you can contact Yorleny’s Cleaning Services. We guarantee a top-quality professional cleaning service that will make your home sparkling clean.

Why Your Washing Machine Smells (And How to Fix It)

If your washing machine stinks, it’s likely due to a buildup of bacteria, mold, or detergent residue. Many people ask, “why does my washer stink?”—the answer often lies in poor maintenance and moisture retention.

To eliminate these unpleasant smells, it’s not enough to just use laundry detergent or cold water cycles. You need to regularly disinfect your washer to eliminate the root cause of the odor. Otherwise, germs and mildew will continue to grow inside the drum and seals, causing a persistent odor that transfers to your clothes.

Common Causes: Mold, Mildew, and Detergent Buildup

When it comes to how to clean a smelly washing machine, it is important to understand that washing machine smells usually stem from a combination of detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and trapped moisture, all of which create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria. These microorganisms are the main culprits when your washing machine smells bad.

Why Florida’s Humidity Makes It Worse

In humid climates like Florida, the problem becomes even worse. The moisture encourages bacterial and mold growth, so it’s especially important to know how to clean a smelly washing machine if you live in a damp environment. Regular ventilation and deep cleaning are key to preventing these issues.

What You’ll Need to Clean a Smelly Washer

Tools and Products: Vinegar, Baking Soda, Cleaning Tablets

To learn how to clean a smelly washing machine effectively, you’ll need some basic supplies. A soft brush, sponge, and microfiber cloth will help you scrub key areas like the door gasket and detergent drawer.

Baking soda and vinegar can help improve or mask unpleasant odors, but they don’t solve the root problem, as they don’t eliminate the bacteria that cause them. For this reason, we can assume that eliminating unpleasant odors from your washing machine with vinegar or baking soda will only be a temporary solution. It’s preferable to use cleaning tablets, such as Affresh, Calgon, and other brands that you can find in appliance stores or online. These are designed specifically to eliminate the bacteria, mold, and limescale buildup that are responsible for making your washing machine stinks.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

How to clean a smelly washing machine isn’t difficult. Just follow these steps, always taking care to handle the product with gloves and use it in an empty washing machine, that is, without any clothing inside:

• Put a small amount of the product on a cloth or sponge.
• Clean the detergent compartment of your washing machine, rinse it, and replace it.
• Put a squirt of the product on the rubber seal and, using a scouring pad, spread it well, including the underside of this part of the appliance. Let the liquid sit for 5 minutes.
• Pour the remaining liquid from the container into the detergent compartment.
• Turn on the empty washing machine without any clothing inside. Choose a long program and a temperature of 60°C. Do not select a prewash or add detergent. When the wash is finished, wipe off any residue left on the door seals with a cloth or sponge.

How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Smells: 5 Easy Tips

It’s essential to use high-efficiency (HE) detergents and follow the recommended dosage. Using too much soap can cause buildup that traps moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This is one of the top reasons how to clean a smelly washing machine becomes necessary. Make sure to regularly wipe down the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer to prevent that.

Use washing machine-safe detergents

It’s essential to use appropriate detergents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using too much detergent in washes. Excessive foam can stain clothes and leave residues that cause allergies. Furthermore, these residues can form mold, which, if not properly cleaned from the drum, the door seal, and the dispenser drawer, will likely end up causing unpleasant odors.

Avoid leaving clothes in the washing machine for long periods

It’s not advisable to leave clothes in the washing machine for long periods, either before or after washing. Leaving dirty clothes in the drum can increase the growth of bacteria, and once washed, leaving them damp for a long time encourages the growth of mold and unpleasant odors. One important step in how to clean a smelly washing machine is to remove clothes as soon as possible after the wash cycle ends.

Use hot water wash programs occasionally.

Hot water cycles help eliminate bacteria and grime that cold washes leave behind. Running a 60ºC wash at least once a month is a great method for how to clean a smelly washing machine and prevent buildup.

Use a disinfectant product.

Disinfectants like bleach or citric acid go a long way in eliminating the root cause of bad smells. They’re especially effective when you’re unsure how to clean smelly washing machine seals and internal parts. Apply them monthly for best results.

Ventilate the washing machine drum

After each wash, it’s important to ventilate the washing machine drum. One of the key steps in how to clean a smelly washing machine is leaving the door open to allow air to circulate and let the drum dry completely. It’s also helpful to ventilate other compartments, such as the drawer where the detergent or fabric softener is stored. Drying the inside of the drum with an absorbent cloth helps remove excess water and prevent unpleasant odors.

Natural Ways to Deodorize Your Washing Machine

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda Safely

As we mentioned before, vinegar and baking soda are temporary solutions to remove bad odors from your washing machine. These products don’t attack the root of the problem; they don’t kill the bacteria that cause these odors; they only act as a deodorizer. In the long run, you’ll still be wondering, “Why does my washer smell if you clean it all the time?”

If you’re looking for how to clean a smelly washing machine using natural products, consider disinfectants. Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can work, but you should be careful to use the appropriate amount and concentration. In this case, it’s recommended to consult your product’s manual.

Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent

If you are wondering how to get the smell out of the washing machine using more natural methods, we can give you some tips. You can use essential oils to revitalize your washing machine and fight musty smells. Popular choices include peppermint (for its energizing scent), eucalyptus (for its antibacterial and decongestant qualities), lemon (for its zesty freshness), and lavender (for its relaxing and antimicrobial qualities). You can add these oils to your wash cycle or even use them in dryer balls to leave your clothes smelling fresh.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Monthly Cleaning Routines

It’s important to know how to clean a smelly washing machine, especially in humid climates like Florida, where lime, mold, and bacteria thrive. Ideally, you should do this every month; however, if the odor persists, you’ll need to repeat the cleaning to get rid of it.

Signs Your Washer Needs Immediate Attention

If your washing machine has unpleasant odors, clothes that don’t smell good after washing, stains on clothes that don’t come out, and mold on the door seal or in the detergent drawer, these are all signs that you need to take action and learn how to clean a smelly washing machine effectively.

When to Hire a Professional Washer Cleaning Service in Florida

Stubborn Odors That DIY Methods Can’t Solve

While learning how to clean a smelly washing machine at home can solve most mild to moderate odor issues, some smells may linger no matter how many home remedies or cleaning tablets you try. These persistent odors could be caused by mold buildup deep inside the drum or internal plumbing issues — problems that regular cleaning can’t reach. In these cases, a certified appliance repair technician or a professional washer cleaning service may be your best option.

Why Yorleny’s Cleaning Service is a Smart Local Choice

Although Yorleny’s Cleaning Services doesn’t currently offer appliance cleaning, including washing machines, we are still your go-to partner for maintaining a clean and fresh home. With our professional deep cleaning services for kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, we help reduce overall household odors and bacteria, complementing your efforts to keep your appliances clean and your home healthy.

If you’ve already tackled how to clean a smelly washing machine but want to elevate the cleanliness of the rest of your home, trust our local Florida team to deliver top-notch results with every visit. Contact us today to have a clean and pristine home.

FAQ: Washing Machine Cleaning and Odor Removal

Why does my washer smell musty?

A buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew brought on by trapped moisture and detergent residue is frequently the origin of a musty odor coming from your washing machine. Leaving the door locked, not using hot water washes frequently, and improperly cleaning the machine can all make this worse.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda in every cycle?

Yes, you can assist in getting rid of unpleasant smells from your washing machine by adding vinegar and baking soda to each cycle. For best cleaning and deodorizing results, it is normally advised to use them in different cycles.

What’s the safest way to clean a front-load washer?

Using a commercial washing machine cleanser or a solution of white vinegar and baking soda is the safest and most efficient way to clean a front-load washer. Steer clear of chlorine bleach since it can harm the machine’s parts.