Introduction
If your freshly cleaned clothes come out smelling musty or sour, your washing machine may be to blame. Over time, mold and mildew can build up inside washers—especially high-efficiency (HE) front-loaders—causing a nasty odor. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get rid of mold smell from your washing machine, step-by-step, without calling a technician.
We’ll cover natural cleaners, commercial options, and preventive tips to keep your laundry smelling fresh every time.
Why Washing Machines Smell Like Mold
Several factors contribute to mold growth inside washers:
- Moisture trapped in rubber door gaskets or detergent drawers
- Residual detergent and fabric softener buildup
- Washing in cold water without periodic hot cycles
- Closing the door after each use (trapping humidity)
Mold thrives in warm, damp, dark environments—exactly what a washer provides.
Tools & Supplies Needed
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloths
- Optional: Commercial washer cleaner (e.g., Affresh, Tide, OxiClean)
- Gloves (recommended)
Step 1: Clean the Gasket (Front-Load Only)
- Open the washer door and locate the rubber gasket.
- Pull it gently to inspect hidden folds.
- Wipe out any visible grime or mold with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub stubborn spots.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
Tip: Wear gloves—this area can harbor slime and bacteria.
Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Set washer to the hottest, longest cycle.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
- Start the cycle and pause it for 30 minutes midway (if possible).
- Resume cycle.
- Once done, sprinkle 1/3 cup baking soda into the drum.
- Run another hot rinse cycle.
This combo neutralizes odors, kills bacteria, and dissolves residues.
Step 3: Scrub Detergent Drawer and Filters
- Pull out detergent drawer completely.
- Soak in hot water and scrub buildup with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse and dry before reinserting.
- Check user manual for filter location (often bottom front panel).
- Remove, clean, and dry the filter.
Step 4: Wipe Interior and Exterior
Use a microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar to wipe:
- Inside of the drum
- Door interior
- Control panel (gently)
This removes lingering smells and adds a shine.
Optional: Use Commercial Washer Cleaners
If smells persist, use a washer cleaning tablet (like Affresh) once a month:
- Drop into the empty drum
- Run hot cycle per package instructions
Avoid bleach unless your machine’s manual recommends it—it can damage rubber seals over time.
Preventing Mold Smell in the Future
✅ Always leave the door ajar after each cycle
✅ Use HE detergent sparingly (too much causes buildup)
✅ Run a cleaning cycle monthly with vinegar or a commercial tablet
✅ Wipe the gasket dry after use
✅ Remove wet clothes promptly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
A: Only if the manual allows. Vinegar is safer for rubber components.
Q2: How often should I clean my washer?
A: Once per month for optimal freshness.
Q3: Do top-load washers get mold too?
A: Yes, but less frequently. Still clean gasket and drum periodically.
Q4: Why does my clean laundry smell bad after washing?
A: Likely due to mold buildup inside the washer.
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