If you notice your recently washed laundry is smelling a bit funky, it may not be because your clothes, towels, and sheets are still dirty—and throwing your laundry back into the washer may not help. Your washing machine could actually be the culprit. What is the cause of the odor, and what can you do to prevent a smelly washing machine? Keep reading to learn the answers and discover ways to avoid this issue in the future.
What Causes Bad Odors in a Washing Machine
You may be wondering, “Why does my washing machine smell bad?” After all, isn’t the washing machine cleaning itself every time you use it? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Regular washing machine maintenance and cleaning is important to keep it functioning properly. Let’s explain the reasons why a stinky washing machine can lead to smelly clothing.
You’re Letting Wet Laundry Sit.
If your laundry has a musty odor or sewage smell, it may be because you are leaving your just-washed clothes in the washing machine too long. Wet clothes can start to develop odors and mildew quickly. When the cycle is finished, you should move them over to the dryer immediately. This will keep your washing machine and laundry from developing a strange odor.
You’re Using the Wrong Type of Detergent.
You may not be using the appropriate detergent for your washing machine. If you have a high efficiency (HE) washing machine but you are still using a regular detergent that is not specially formulated for a HE machine, you could be creating conditions in your washing machine that could cause odors.
There are Drainage or Plumbing Issues.
Sometimes the drainage pipes that carry water in and out of your washing machine can be the culprit, creating a strange stench that transfers to your clothing. The pipes that carry fresh water to your machine could become backed up with hard water minerals over time. Likewise, the pipes carrying dirty water away from your machine may become clogged with dirt, oils, and gunk. When the washing machine isn’t in use, these pipes can release odors into your washing machine that can cause your machine and laundry to stink. Also if your washing machine isn’t completely level, it may mean water isn’t draining properly.
Parts of Your Washing Machine May Be Dirty.
Another reason why your laundry may have an unfamiliar stench is because there are parts of your washing machine that are known for harboring dirt, mold, and mildew creating the odor, namely the filter, door gasket, or buildup on the detergent and fabric softener trays.
You’re Not Cleaning the Washing Machine Often Enough.
When was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? If it has been a while or you have never cleaned it, you can count on the fact that the reason your laundry has a strange odor is because your washing machine isn’t clean. Many newer washing machine models come with a self-cleaning feature that you should put to use at least once a month or see below for DIY cleaning instructions.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
It’s recommended to clean your washing machine at least once a month, or more often if it gets a lot of use. A top-loading washing machine requires a slightly different method than a front-loading washing machine, so make sure to follow the appropriate instructions for the model you have at home.
How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine
Items You’ll Need
- Cleaning gloves
- Microfiber cloth
- Bucket
- Dishwashing liquid
- Vinegar
- Old toothbrush
- Bleach (optional)
Washing machine cleaning pouches (like Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner; optional)
1. Unplug washing machine.
To avoid risk of shock or electrocution, unplug your washer before cleaning it.
2. Clean the filter.
To find out where the lint filter is on your machine, refer to your owner’s manual. On a top-loading machine, the filter is typically located inside the central agitator or along the top rim of the drum. (Not all washing machines have an accessible filter; check the manual of your model.) Wearing gloves, remove the filter and wipe away lint and debris trapped in the filter with a damp microfiber cloth, then wipe down the compartment that housed the filter. Fill a bucket with water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and a cup of vinegar. Soak the filter for about 10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off remaining buildup. Rinse the filter and let dry. Once it’s dry, place it back into its compartment.
3. Clean detergent and fabric softener trays.
On most models, these trays are removable. If yours are removable, take them out and soak them in the bucket with the solution of water, soap, and vinegar. If yours are not removable, wipe them down with a microfiber cloth dipped in the solution. Use an old toothbrush to scrub stubborn spots away. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
4. Wipe around door.
Lift open the door of the washer. If there is detergent residue, dust, or other dirt around the crevices of the door, wipe this area down using a microfiber cloth dipped into the vinegar mixture or the toothbrush for tough-to-reach areas. Rinse clean with a wet cloth. Repeat as necessary and allow the area to air dry.
5. Clean the machine’s exterior.
Wipe down the washer’s exterior using a damp cloth and the vinegar-water solution.
6. Run self-clean cycle.
If your model has a self-clean cycle (it may be called “Self-Clean,” “Pure Cycle,” “Tub Clean,” “Drum Clean,” or something similar), refer to the manual for details. The manufacturer may recommend using a specific type of detergent, bleach, a washing machine cleaner like Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner, or nothing at all during this cycle. Plug your washer back in and turn on this cycle and let it complete.
7. If there’s no self-clean cycle, use this alternative method.
Plug washing machine back in. Pour a cup of bleach directly into the washer drum and run a normal wash cycle with hot water. Ensure that there is no clothing in the drum.
8. Let drum air dry.
Once the cycle is complete, leave the door of the washing machine open so that the interior can air dry for about 12 to 24 hours. If your machine beeps or makes a noise while the door is open for a period of time, unplug it. Once the interior is completely dry, you can plug it back in and resume use.
How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine
Items You’ll Need
- Cleaning gloves
- Microfiber cloths
- Dishwashing liquid
- Vinegar
- Old toothbrush
- Bucket
- Bleach
- Washing machine cleaning pouches (like Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner ; optional)
1. Unplug washing machine.
To avoid risk of shock or electrocution, unplug your washer before cleaning it.
2. Clean the filter.
Depending on your model, the filter may be located on the outside of the washer on the front side near the bottom. (Not all washing machines have an accessible filter; check the manual of your model.) Place a low bowl underneath the filter compartment to catch any water. Wearing gloves, remove the filter and wipe away lint and debris trapped in the filter with a damp microfiber cloth, then wipe down the compartment that housed the filter. Fill a bucket with water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and a cup of vinegar. Soak the filter for about 10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off remaining buildup. Rinse the filter and let dry. Once it’s dry, place it back into its compartment.
3. Clean detergent and fabric softener trays.
On most models, these trays are removable. If yours are removable, take them out and soak them in the bucket with the solution of water, soap, and vinegar. If yours are not removable, wipe them down with a microfiber cloth dipped in the solution. Use an old toothbrush to scrub stubborn spots away. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
4. Wipe down gasket around the door.
In a front load washer, the rubber gasket surrounding the door commonly traps moisture which leads to mold and mildew growth. Peel back the rubber gasket and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth dipped in a mixture of water and a small amount of bleach. Repeat the cleaning process until all gunk is gone. Follow up with rinsing the area with a clean, wet towel. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth and keep the door open to allow the gasket to air dry completely.
5. Clean the machine’s exterior.
Wipe down the washer’s exterior using a damp cloth and the vinegar-water solution.
6. Run self-clean cycle.
If your model has have a self-clean cycle (it may be called “Self-Clean,” “Pure Cycle,” “Tub Clean,” “Drum Clean,” or something similar), refer to the manual for details. The manufacturer may recommend using a specific type of detergent, bleach, a washing machine cleaner like Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner, or nothing at all during this cycle. Plug your washer back in and turn on this cycle and let it complete.
7. If there’s no self-clean cycle, use this alternative method.
Plug washing machine back in. Pour a ½ cup of bleach into the bleach dispenser and run a normal wash cycle with hot water. Ensure that there is no clothing in the drum. Avoid using vinegar as an alternative to bleach in a front-load machine since this can damage the gasket over time.
8. Let drum air dry.
Once the cycle is complete, leave the door of the washing machine open so that the interior can air dry for about 12 to 24 hours. If your machine beeps or makes a noise while the door is open for a period of time, unplug it. Once the interior is completely dry, you can plug it back in and resume use.
How to Prevent Washing Machine Odors
If you want to keep odors at bay in the future, here are some things you should do to keep your washing machine fresh and functioning properly.
Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly.
The best way to keep odors out of your machine and off your clothing is by running your self-cleaning function at least once a month. If you don’t have this feature, be sure to use the method above to manually clean your washing machine.
Wash the Detergent Trays.
Residue from detergent and fabric softener can get trapped in the dispenser trays. If these are removable, take the trays out each month before you clean the washing machine and handwash these parts. Otherwise, try to clean and wipe them down with warm soapy water before you start the self-cleaning function on your washing machine or handwashing it.
Minimize Mold and Mildew Growth.
Much of the odor you smell in your washing machine is from the buildup of mold and mildew from moisture that collects within it. One way to keep moisture at bay is to remove laundry promptly and allow the door to remain open after a cycle is complete. This will let the washer drum and other parts of the machine dry before the next use. Also wipe down the door gasket after each use.
Avoid Using Cold Wash Cycles Exclusively.
You also may be encouraging mold and mildew growth by only washing your laundry with cold water. It is a better idea to use the hot cycle in your machine occasionally to sanitize the interior drum and help dissolve the buildup of laundry products or oils that cold water cannot.
Use the Right Detergent and Amount.
Just because you see a great deal on washing powder doesn’t mean you should buy it for your HE washer. HE machines are designed to be more efficient and use less water so it’s important to opt for a HE detergent that creates less suds. Using a regular detergent in your HE washing machine will produce a lot of suds and can lead to a buildup of soap scum which can cause bacteria growth and lingering odors. It’s perfectly fine, however, to use a HE formulated detergent in a non-HE washer. Instead of powder, buy liquid detergent which will leave less residue behind. You want to also following the manufacturer’s instructions on how much detergent and fabric softener to add. The “more is better” rule does not apply. Using too much of these products can take a toll on your machine and even damage clothing over the long term.
Reduce the Humidity in Your Laundry Room.
Besides eliminating moisture in your washing machine, it is also a good practice to keep the laundry room as cool and dry as possible. Try to ensure that cool air is circulating in this area of the house by always leaving the door to this area open, installing an exhaust fan, or opening the window if there is one. If air is still stagnant in this area, consider adding a portable fan to cool the area when possible.
Ensure Your Washing Machine is Level.
If the floor in your laundry room is uneven, this could be causing your machine to drain improperly and keeping moisture in your machine. Many machines come with adjustable feet that can help you ensure that your machine is equally balanced so water drains completely. Using a wrench, you can adjust one or all the feet on the dryer so that it is level.
Call a Professional.
If you’re doing all the right things and you still have a stench emanating from your washer, it’s a good idea to enlist a pro. You may need to call a plumber or a technician who specializes in fixing your type of washing machine to discover the heart of the odor. A pungent smell may be caused by a clog or issues with the drain pipes, hose, drum or other internal mechanisms that are outside your jurisdiction to diagnose. If you own a gas washing machine, you may have to call out a specialist from the gas company to ensure there isn’t a gas leak that’s causing the strange odor.
If All Else Fails, Replace Your Washing Machine.
If your model is over 10 years old, no amount of cleaning may be able to eliminate the lingering smells. If none of these odor-reducing methods work for you anymore, it may be time to consider investing in a new washing machine.
