Have you ever opened your washing machine expecting that fresh laundry smell only to notice a musty or unpleasant odor instead?
Even though washing machines are constantly filled with water and detergent, they don’t automatically stay clean. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, hair, dirt, and trapped moisture can collect inside the drum, rubber seals, detergent drawer, and other areas.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a complicated cleaning routine. These 8 easy washing machine cleaning hacks can help you tackle common sources of odor and keep your washer feeling much fresher.
1. Clean the Washing Machine Drum
Start with the most obvious area: the drum.
Remove all clothes and check that the washer is completely empty. Look around the drum for hair, lint, residue, or other visible debris and remove anything you find.
If your machine has a dedicated Drum Clean, Tub Clean, or Self Clean cycle, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using it.
Different washing machines require different cleaning products and procedures, so check your owner’s manual before adding anything to the drum.
A regular maintenance cycle can help prevent residue from becoming a much bigger cleaning job later.
2. Wipe Inside the Rubber Door Seal
If you own a front-loading washer, the rubber gasket around the door deserves special attention.
Moisture, lint, hair, and detergent residue can become trapped inside its folds.
Gently pull back the rubber seal and inspect the hidden areas. Remove loose debris, then wipe the gasket with a soft microfiber cloth and a cleaning method approved by the manufacturer.
Make sure you clean around the entire seal rather than only the visible front edge.
Once you’re finished, dry the area thoroughly.
3. Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent dispenser can become surprisingly dirty.
Soap and fabric softener residue may gradually build up inside the drawer and surrounding compartment.
If your washer has a removable dispenser, take it out according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean it using the recommended method, paying particular attention to corners and narrow channels.
A small soft brush can make it easier to reach tight spaces.
Allow the dispenser to dry before reinstalling it.
4. Check and Clean the Washer Filter
Some washing machines have an accessible drain-pump or debris filter that requires periodic cleaning.
Depending on the washer, the filter may collect:
- Lint
- Hair
- Coins
- Small objects
- Fabric fibers
- Other debris
Check your owner’s manual to determine whether your washer has a user-serviceable filter and how to access it safely.
Be prepared for some water to drain when opening certain filter compartments. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully rather than simply unscrewing a filter without preparation.
Keeping this area maintained may also help your machine drain properly.
5. Run the Recommended Cleaning Cycle
Once you’ve addressed the obvious buildup, give the machine itself a proper maintenance cycle.
Many modern washers have a specific cleaning program designed to clean the empty machine.
Use the temperature, cycle, and cleaning product recommended by your washer manufacturer.
It’s tempting to experiment with combinations of vinegar, bleach, baking soda, or other household products, but that’s not always appropriate for every machine. Never mix household cleaning chemicals, and don’t assume a viral cleaning recipe is compatible with your washer.
Following the appliance manufacturer’s instructions is the safest approach.
6. Clean the Door and Exterior
Don’t forget the parts you touch every laundry day.
Use an appropriate soft cloth to wipe the:
- Washer door
- Glass
- Handle
- Buttons
- Control panel
- Top surface
- Exterior sides
Pay particular attention to detergent drips and fingerprints.
Avoid spraying excessive liquid directly onto electronic controls. Apply an appropriate cleaner to your cloth when recommended instead.
A quick exterior wipe makes the entire laundry area feel noticeably cleaner.
7. Let the Washer Dry Between Loads
One of the simplest odor-prevention habits doesn’t involve cleaning products at all.
After you’ve finished doing laundry, allow the washer interior to dry according to the manufacturer’s guidance. For many front-load machines, leaving the door slightly ajar when the washer isn’t being used can improve airflow.
If appropriate for your model, leaving the detergent drawer slightly open can also help trapped moisture evaporate.
However, consider household safety. An open appliance door may not be appropriate where small children or pets can access it.
8. Keep Up With Simple Maintenance
The easiest washing machine to deep clean is one that hasn’t been allowed to become extremely dirty.
Build a few simple habits into your laundry routine:
- Remove wet laundry promptly.
- Wipe obvious detergent spills.
- Check the door gasket for trapped debris.
- Avoid routinely using more detergent than recommended.
- Allow appropriate ventilation between loads.
- Clean the dispenser periodically.
- Check the filter when applicable.
- Run the manufacturer’s maintenance cycle as recommended.
A few minutes of prevention can save you from dealing with stubborn odors later.
Why Does a Washing Machine Start Smelling?
Musty washer odors usually don’t appear overnight.
Moisture can remain inside parts of the machine after a cycle. Combine that with detergent residue, fabric softener, body oils, dirt, hair, and lint, and you can create conditions where unpleasant smells develop.
Front-load machines can be particularly prone to moisture remaining around the door gasket if they aren’t allowed to dry adequately.
Using excessive detergent can also contribute to residue. More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothes, so follow the dosing instructions for your detergent and washing machine.
Should You Use Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Vinegar and baking soda appear in countless online washing-machine cleaning tips, but they’re not automatically appropriate for every appliance.
Certain manufacturers may discourage particular products because they can affect components or materials.
The better approach is simple: check the care instructions for your specific washer and use an approved washing-machine cleaner or recommended cleaning procedure.
And never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or experiment with combinations of cleaning chemicals.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
There’s no perfect schedule that applies to every household.
A heavily used washer may require attention more frequently than one used only a few times per week. Your water quality, detergent, washing habits, and machine design can also affect buildup.
Check your manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and pay attention to warning signs such as persistent odors, visible residue, or a dirty dispenser or gasket.
Small maintenance tasks can be done whenever you notice buildup rather than waiting for a full deep-cleaning day.
Extra Tips for Keeping Laundry Fresh
A clean washer is only part of the equation.
Remove finished laundry promptly instead of allowing damp clothing to sit inside the drum for hours. Make sure washed items dry thoroughly before they’re stored, and keep your laundry baskets and hampers reasonably clean too.
If clothes continue to smell unpleasant even after you’ve cleaned the machine, investigate other possible causes rather than simply adding more detergent or fragrance.
Final Thoughts
A smelly washing machine doesn’t necessarily mean you need expensive cleaning products or a new appliance.
Start with the places where moisture and residue commonly hide: the drum, rubber seal, detergent drawer, filter, and other manufacturer-designated maintenance areas.
Then make prevention part of your normal routine. Use the correct amount of detergent, remove wet clothes promptly, keep the washer appropriately ventilated, and run its cleaning cycle as recommended.
These 8 simple cleaning hacks can make maintaining a fresher washing machine much easier—and help keep your entire laundry room feeling cleaner.