Quick Answer
To clean a washing machine and eliminate musty odors, run a hot water cycle using an appliance cleaner tablet or white vinegar and baking soda, then thoroughly wipe down the rubber gasket, detergent drawer, and drum. Always leave the washer door ajar after every cycle to prevent future moisture and odor buildup.
Why Washing Machines Start to Smell
Modern washing machines are designed to be energy-efficient, using less water and cooler cycles. While this is great for utility bills, it creates an unintended side effect: a buildup of residue. Over time, a mix of laundry detergent, fabric softener residue, body oils, lint, and hard water minerals coats the hidden parts of the drum and pipes. When trapped moisture meets this organic residue in a dark, warm environment, mold and mildew thrive, producing that unmistakable sour, musty smell.
Front-Load vs Top-Load Washing Machines
How to Clean a Front-Load Washer
Front-load washers are notorious for trapping moisture because their airtight rubber door seals lock water inside.
- Empty the Drum: Ensure the machine is completely empty.
- Add Cleaner: Place a washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the drum (or pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser).
- Run a Hot Cycle: Select the “Tub Clean” cycle or your machine’s hottest, longest normal cycle with an extra rinse.
- Wipe Down: Once finished, wipe out the interior drum and thoroughly dry the rubber door seal.
How to Clean a Top-Load Washer
Top-load washers are less prone to sealing water in, but hidden mold can still grow beneath the agitator or around the inner rim.
- Fill with Hot Water: Set your machine to its largest load size and hottest water temperature.
- Add Cleaning Agents: Add 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the water, or use a specialized washer cleaner tablet. Let the machine agitate for a minute to mix.
- Pause and Soak: Pause the cycle and let the water and solution sit inside the drum for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Complete the Cycle: Resume the cycle and let it drain and spin completely. Wipe down the lid and outer rim.
Areas Most People Forget
Door Gasket
On front-loaders, gently peel back the rubber folds of the door seal. You will often find trapped hair, lint, pet fur, and dark mold spots. Wipe this area clean with a mild water-and-vinegar solution or a specialized mold-removal spray.
Detergent Drawer
Pull the soap and fabric softener dispenser drawer completely out of the machine (most models have a small release tab). Soak it in warm, soapy water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away slimy mold and hardened soap crusts.
Drum
The visible stainless steel or porcelain drum holds hidden residue behind the walls. Running regular hot maintenance cycles prevents film from hardening onto the inner basket.
Exterior Controls
Wipe down the control panel, power buttons, and outer housing where detergent drips and fingerprints accumulate over time.
What Products Should You Use?
Washer Cleaner Tablets
Commercial washing machine cleaning tablets are formulated to safely break down mineral scale, detergent residue, and mold spores without damaging internal rubber hoses.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Considerations
White vinegar is a fantastic, natural descaler and deodorizer. Baking soda can be added to a top-load drum or mixed into a paste to help scrub away stubborn soap scum.
What Not to Mix
Never mix bleach and vinegar together. Combining these two common cleaners creates a hazardous chlorine gas. If you use a bleach-based cleaner for mold, ensure the machine is thoroughly rinsed and aired out before using any vinegar or other products.
How to Keep Washer Odors From Coming Back
After Each Load
- Leave the Door Ajar: Keep the washing machine door or lid open a few inches after every wash to let air circulate and dry out the drum.
- Remove Wet Clothes Promptly: Do not let damp garments sit in the drum for hours.
Monthly Maintenance
- Run a monthly hot water cleaning cycle.
- Wipe down the rubber gasket and detergent drawer once a month to prevent buildup before it starts smelling.
When to Add It to a Deep Cleaning Visit
Maintaining your washing machine is an essential piece of overall household hygiene. For a spotless utility space, check out our guide on How to Clean a Laundry Room and Keep It Fresh.
When you want a truly thorough refresh, our Deep Cleaning service can handle heavy detailing across your home, while our Recurring Cleaning plans keep your living spaces consistently pristine. You can also explore our related appliance guides, such as our refrigerator cleaning tips, to keep all your household appliances running and smelling fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean a washing machine?
You should run a cleaning cycle and wipe down the gasket and detergent drawer at least once a month.
Why does my washer smell after cleaning?
If your washer still smells after a cleaning cycle, mold and residue may be severely trapped inside the rubber door gasket folds or deep within the detergent drawer housing. These areas require manual scrubbing.
Can I use vinegar in my washing machine?
Yes, white vinegar is safe and effective for breaking down mineral deposits and eliminating odors in both front-load and top-load washers.
Should I leave the washer door open?
Yes! Leaving the washer door or lid open when the machine is not in use is the most effective way to prevent moisture from trapping and causing musty odors.
Do cleaners clean washing machines?
Professional cleaning services typically focus on cleaning appliance exteriors, countertops, and surrounding utility rooms during standard visits, though deep appliance cleaning can often be requested as an add-on service.