How to Remove Mildew Odors from a Washing Machine

Download Article

Freshen up the machine that cleans your clothes

Co-authored by Ashley Matuska and Eric McClure

Last Updated: September 8, 2023 Fact Checked

Download Article

Cleaning the Gasket and Drum

|

Preventing Moldy Odors

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

Unfortunately, washing machines can develop moldy odors since they have multiple parts that remain damp after a washing cycle. Luckily, this is an extremely easy problem to fix and you probably already own everything you’ll need to do this at home. In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of mildew odors in your washer (and how to prevent them in the future).

Things You Should Know

Wipe down the rubber gasket inside of the door with warm, soapy water.
Clean the soap dispenser with soapy water to remove any detergent residue.
Run an empty cycle with the hottest water temp available to clean the drum out.
Add a few cups of distilled white vinegar and run an empty cycle if the odor still persists.

Get Product Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to use or repair your home appliance? I’ve read the manuals so you don’t have to. Select your product, brand, and model, then ask away!

*

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning the Gasket and Drum

Download Article

1
Scrub the gasket around the door with soapy water. This is the rubber strip on the door and inside that provides a tight seal when the door shuts. Soak a rag in dish soap and water. Wring the excess water out, and open the door of the machine. Thoroughly scrub down the rubber seal that runs around the ring of the machine.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can also use a commercial mold or mildew cleaner or a 50/50 mix of bleach and water. Just be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask if you do!
- The gasket seals the machine and keeps water from leaking out. Unfortunately, that means it tends to absorb a lot of water and moisture. Over time, this can lead to all kinds of moldy, stuffy odors.
- Cleaning the gasket after each load can seriously go a long way towards keeping odors out of your machine.
2
Wash out the soap dispensers out with soapy water. If the dispensers come out, remove them to make this easier. Scrub down the soapy residue. Then, rinse the dispenser out thoroughly to wash away all the soap scum and bubbles.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Soap residue and small amounts of old stagnant water can make your dispensers smell a little funky. Over time, this can contribute to that moldy, mildewy aroma you’re smelling.
- Use a spray bottle or pipe cleaner to get into the nooks and crannies of the dispenser if you can’t remove it.
Advertisement
If your washing machine has a “cleaning cycle” setting, run that. Otherwise, run an empty cycle on the highest temperature for the longest period of time possible. If you can set custom water levels, fill the machine entirely. This should wash away any residual odors and unpleasant aromas.
4
Add distilled white vinegar to your wash to purge strong odors. If your machine still smells after an empty wash cycle, run another cycle but add 2-3 cups of (1/2-3/4 L) of distilled white vinegar to the drum. This will put an end to any musky scents.
- If you’re worried specifically about germs or bacteria, you can also add a few spoonfuls of chlorinated bleach to the machine. Just make sure you run another empty cycle after to wash away any remaining bleach. And never mix vinegar and bleach together! They create harmful vapors when combined, so go with one or the other.
- You probably don’t have actual mold in your machine if you use it regularly, but if you do, the vinegar will kill it.
- Do this entire process every 1-2m moths to prevent any odors from building up.
5
Call your manufacturer or a repair company if the problem persists. Cleaning the gasket, wiping the dispenser, and running a vinegar cycle should remove the moldy odor 100%. If it still stinks, something is wrong with your machine. If you’re under warranty, contact the company that made or sold you the machine. Otherwise, call a repair company.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You can try cleaning out the filter—there may be something smelly stuck in there. Alternatively, you might try clearing the machine drain.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Preventing Moldy Odors

Download Article

1
Use a high-quality liquid detergent designed for your machine. Most High Efficiency (HE) machines require HE detergent, so check the packaging to see if it’s designed for your machine. Skip the powder stuff, since it tends to leave more residue and odors behind after wash cycles.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

Go to source}
- Using non-HE detergent will cause too many suds to form if you have an HE washing machine. These suds will leave behind a residue that can start to smell.
2
Use dryer sheets instead of liquid fabric softener. Fabric softener works by coating the clothes in a very thin liquid that soaks into the fabric. Some of that fabric softener can end up sticking to the sides off the drum, which can lead to some unpleasant odors.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Dryer sheets aren’t really good for your clothes, either. You really don’t need to use either product, but if you’re forced to, dryer sheets are better if you want to avoid odors in the washing machine.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
3
Air out the washing machine between loads. Keep the door open for an hour or two after you use the washing machine and transfer your clothes to the dryer. This will help your drum dry out and avoid any moisture from contributing to that damp, mildew smell in the future.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

Go to source}
- If you have small children, keep them away from washing machine while you’re airing it out. Kids tend to like jumping into empty washing machines and can get stuck.
4
Remove wet clothes immediately after the cycle finishes. Right after a cycle ends, take the wet clothes out. Leaving the wet clothes in the drum can cause that damp mildew odor to develop.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Set your washer to beep when a cycle is complete, so you don't forget to take the clothes out.
- If you can't dry your clothes right away, take them out and put them in a hamper or lay them flat until the dryer is available.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do I need to clean my self-cleaning washer?

Ashley Matuska
Professional Cleaner
Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University.

Ashley Matuska

Professional Cleaner

Expert Answer

Yes—the washer cleans mud, soil, and dirt from your clothes. These tend to accumulate in your washing machine, which can lead to bacteria and mold growth. Also, moisture from the washer can lead to mold and mildew.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

How do I keep mold from growing in my front-load washer?

Ashley Matuska
Professional Cleaner
Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University.

Ashley Matuska

Professional Cleaner

Expert Answer

Regularly wipe the mold and mildew from the rubber gasket on the washer. Also, don't leave wet clothes in the washer once they're finished washing, avoid using high-suds detergent, and leave the door of the washing machine open when you're not using it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

Is there a difference between baking powder and bicarbonate soda?

Community Answer

Baking powder contains baking soda, but also contains cream of tartar, and sometimes cornstarch.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 19

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Another way to remove odor from towels is to use baking soda and no detergent in the hottest wash.

Thanks
Helpful 37 Not Helpful 23
You can also add vinegar during the rinse or in a Downy Ball (do not use fabric softener at the same time).

Thanks
Helpful 31 Not Helpful 30
Wash the soap dispenser at least once a month, including the spot that it sits in.

Thanks
Helpful 29 Not Helpful 28