Your washing machine is constantly filled with dirty clothes, detergent, dirty water, and then often closed immediately afterwards, so the tumbler never fully dries.
That means after a while, you’re essentially putting dirty clothes in a smelly, mildewy compartment and expecting them to come out clean.
If you’ve noticed your washing machine smells musty, this article will help guide you on how to eliminate your washing machine smell.
5 Common Causes of Washing Machine Smells
- Soap Scum and Residue: Viscous liquid detergents and fabric softeners can accumulate inside the washing machine drum, particularly when combined with hard water, creating a sticky film that easily traps bacteria and dirt.
- Mold and Mildew: Standing moisture that’s trapped easily becomes contaminated, which is a major reason why your washing machine smells like mildew or cat pee.
- Poor Ventilation: Without proper air flow, moisture won’t dry, which leads to odors.
- Dirty Filters and Drains: If your washing machine drain smells like sewage, check to make sure it’s not clogged and your filters are clean.
- Sitting Wet Laundry: Stagnant water becomes fetid, especially in wet clothes that are left for too long in the tumbler compartment.
How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Smells
With these simple steps, you can banish the odors in your laundry room and keep your machine smelling fresh.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Routinely cleaning the detergent drawer, gasket, and filter under the machine will help to eliminate moisture and improve air flow.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Two cups of white vinegar in the detergent compartment during a hot cycle, and a cup of baking soda in the tumbler during another hot cycle, can be an effective washing machine cleaner. It will eliminate bacteria and odors.
Commercial Cleaners
If odors still remain, there are several brands of washing machine cleaning tablets that come with easy-to-follow instructions on the package.
Clean the Drain Filter
Located at the bottom of the machine, the drain filter can become clogged with lint and dirt. Cleaning it regularly will reduce any standing water that can cause mold and mildew.
Preventing Washing Machine Odors
Follow these tips to always have an odor-free and clean washing machine:
- Leaving the door open after each use allows the tumbler to ventilate and dry properly
- Use the right laundry detergent, like the liquid ones, which leave less residue than powdered cleaners
- Routinely wiping down the tumbler surface will facilitate drying and eliminate moisture buildup
- Do a full monthly clean, including vinegar and baking soda cycles
- Make sure not to leave wet clothes sitting in the tumbler too long
Front-Load vs. Top-Load Machines
Understanding the differences between a front-load and a top-load model is key to selecting the perfect appliance for your home and laundry habits.
Front Load Washers
Due to their air-tight seals, front-loading washers are generally more likely to accumulate odors. Wiping down the rubber seal on the front door and leaving the door open after each use can help to eliminate moisture build-up. Many front-loaders also offer dedicated deep clean cycles to remove residue buildup.
Top Load Washers
Top-loading machines are less likely to accumulate odors, though it’s still important to make sure the tub is wiped and dry after each use and the lid is left up.
The agitator and dispenser area in top-loaders can also be a trouble area that should be cleaned regularly to prevent odors from developing.
When to Call a Professional
Here’s when it’s time to call in the pros or a washing machine cleaning service:
- A Burning Smell: This could indicate an electrical or overheating issue and is cause for immediate concern.
- Sewer Smell: If your washing machine smells like sewage, it could be a clogged drain or faulty trap and likely will require a plumber.
- Persistent Odor: If your machine continues to smell after multiple cleanings, it could be a more serious malfunction that likely requires a service call.
- Drainage Problems: A machine that is not draining properly can cause multiple problems. Contact your repairman.
Expert Insights
According to an article on the Tide website, you should thoroughly clean your washing machine once a month to keep odors from occurring inside the drum and keep clothes smelling great. Special attention should be paid to the rubber door seal, the filter, and the water supply hose for any signs of buildup [1].
FAQs
These are some of the most commonly asked questions customers want addressed when their washing machine smells bad.How Do I Get Rid of the Horrible Smell in My Washing Machine?
If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs or hydrogen sulfide gas, try putting ¼ cup of baking soda in the drum, 2 cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser, and then running a hot cycle.
How Do You Clean a Smelly Washing Machine Drain?
To clean your washing machine drain, mix ⅓ cup of baking soda with ⅓ cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture into the drain pile, let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
How Do I Freshen the Inside of My Washing Machine?
To freshen the inside of your washing machine, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tumbler, then run 1 cycle at the hottest setting.
Where Is the Washing Machine P-Trap Located?
The P-trap of a washing machine is a U-shaped pipe at the base of the drain line that sits between 6” and 18” off the floor, usually within the wall or a crawlspace.
Conclusion
Any experienced older person will tell you, life is about maintenance. This is especially true when it comes to washing machines.
Yet with washers, while regular maintenance is easy, occasional maintenance can become a problem.
We’ve outlined some effective and easy-to-do strategies that, if done regularly, will make your clothes cleaner, your washer last longer, and make washing machine smells a thing of the past.