How to Clean Your Washing Machine and Remove Bad Smella
Learning how to clean your washing machine and remove bad smells can help eliminate mold, mildew, soap residue, and unpleasant odors. If your laundry smells musty after washing, your machine may need a deep clean. Over time, washing machines collect detergent scum, fabric softener residue, body oils, hard water minerals, and trapped moisture. Together, these create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Fortunately, learning how to clean your washing machine and remove bad smells is simple and inexpensive. The process takes less than an hour of hands-on effort. This guide explains how to clean both front-load and top-load washing machines, remove stubborn odors, and keep your laundry smelling fresh. Why Does Your Washing Machine Smell Bad? Before starting the cleaning process, it helps to understand why a machine designed to clean clothes can become dirty. Modern washing machines, especially high-efficiency (HE) models, use much less water than older appliances. This is great for the environment and your utility bills. However, detergent residue and grime may not rinse away completely. Here are the main causes of washing machine odors: Excess Detergent Usage: Using too much liquid detergent or fabric softener can leave sticky residue inside the drum and drain pipes. Cold-Water Washes: Washing exclusively at low temperatures, such as 30°C/86°F or below, may allow bacteria and greasy residue to build up. Trapped Moisture: Closing the washing machine door or lid immediately after a cycle traps moisture inside. This creates an ideal environment for mildew. A Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Lint, coins, and hair can trap stagnant water inside the filter compartment. Over time, this may cause a sewage-like smell. Essential Supplies You Will Need You usually do not need harsh or expensive chemical cleaners to freshen your washing machine. Many effective cleaning supplies are already in your kitchen. Natural Household Ingredients White Vinegar (4 Cups): A mild acid that helps break down hard water limescale and neutralize sour odors. Baking Soda (1 Cup): A mild abrasive and deodorizer that helps remove grime and stubborn smells. Microfiber Cloths and an Old Toothbrush: Useful for scrubbing tight corners, rubber gaskets, and detergent drawers. Warm Dish Soap: Ideal for cleaning removable plastic parts. Alternative Option: Chlorine Bleach Severe mold growth may require a stronger solution. In this case, you can use 1–2 cups of liquid chlorine bleach instead of vinegar. ⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Never mix vinegar and bleach. Combining them creates toxic chlorine gas, which is extremely dangerous. Choose either the vinegar and baking soda method or the bleach method. Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine Front-loading washing machines often develop moldy rubber gaskets and dirty detergent drawers. The following steps will help you clean the machine thoroughly. Step 1: Clean the Rubber Door Gasket The rubber seal around the door is a common place for mold and foul odors to develop. Pull back the folds of the rubber seal and inspect the hidden crevices. Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, or use mild dish soap. Spray the solution generously, then scrub away black mold spots, slimy residue, and trapped debris with a microfiber cloth or old toothbrush. Wipe the entire gasket completely dry with a clean towel. Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser Drawer Detergent and fabric softener can quickly build up inside the drawer. Over time, this residue turns into thick, stagnant slime. Pull the dispenser drawer out until it reaches the stop. Press the release tab, usually located in the center compartment, and remove the drawer completely. Soak it in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes. Use a small brush or toothbrush to remove the buildup, paying special attention to the small siphon caps. Wipe the inside of the drawer cavity with a damp cloth. Once clean, dry the drawer completely and slide it back into place. Step 3: Run a Hot Deep-Cleaning Cycle The next step is to clean the internal drum and water pipes. Make sure the washing machine is completely empty. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda into the bottom of the drum. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the liquid detergent compartment, or pour it directly into the drum if your model allows it. Select the “Clean Washer” or “Tub Clean” cycle. If your machine does not have either setting, choose the longest cycle with the hottest water temperature available. Let the entire cycle run without interruption. Step 4: Clean the Drain Pump Filter A sewer-like smell after cleaning may indicate a clogged drain pump filter. Locate the small access door at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and towel underneath to catch standing water. If your machine has an emergency drain hose, carefully unclip it and drain the water into the tray. Unscrew the filter cap counterclockwise and remove the filter. Rinse away lint, coins, and other debris under warm running water. Replace the filter and tighten it securely. Close the access door when finished. Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine Top-loading machines have large tubs that benefit from a deep soaking method. This helps loosen soap scum and mineral deposits. Step 1: Fill the Tub with Hot Water Remove all clothing from the washing tub. Set the machine to the highest load size and hottest water temperature. Allow the tub to fill completely. Pause the cycle before the agitation begins. Step 2: Add the Cleaning Solution Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the hot water. Close the lid and let the machine agitate for 1–2 minutes so the solution mixes evenly. Pause the machine again. Open the lid and carefully add 1 cup of baking soda. The mixture will fizz and help loosen scum and grease. Step 3: Let It Soak Leave the lid open and allow the hot solution to sit for 45–60 minutes. While the machine is soaking, use a cloth or old toothbrush to scrub the agitator, detergent dispensers, and the area beneath the upper rim of the tub. Step 4: Complete the Wash Cycle Close