A washing machine is supposed to leave your clothes clean and fresh. But what happens when you open the door and get hit by a musty, sour, or unpleasant smell? You are left wondering, “why does my washing machine smell?”.
It may seem strange, but the machine itself can be the source of the odor. Moisture, detergent residue, lint, dirt, and stagnant water can build up in places you cannot easily see.
The good news? You usually do not need to replace the machine. A proper cleaning routine and a few simple laundry habits can help get rid of the smell and keep it from coming back.
Why does your laundry machine smell?
Here are some of the most common reasons your laundry machine may smell:
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A closed drum can remain damp long after a wash cycle ends. This creates a good environment for mold and mildew to grow.
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Using too much detergent can leave behind a sticky residue in the drum, dispenser, and other parts of the machine.
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In front-load washers, the folds of the door seal can trap water, hair, lint, and detergent residue.
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Old detergent and fabric softener can collect in the drawer and develop a musty smell.
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Lint, hair, dirt, and small objects can get trapped in the filter, along with stagnant water.
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Forgetting a load for several hours can make the clothes smell and leave a lingering odor inside the drum.
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Closing the door immediately after a wash keeps moisture trapped inside.
How to clean a smelly washing machine
The best way to remove washing machine odor is to clean the parts that are most likely to collect dirt and moisture.
You can work through these steps one by one:
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Start with an empty machine
Remove all clothes from the drum. Check for forgotten socks, lint, hair, or anything else that may have been left behind.
Before cleaning, also check your machine's manual for any specific instructions about cleaning products or the tub-clean cycle.
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Clean the rubber gasket
If you have a front-load washer, pay special attention to the rubber seal around the door. Pull the folds back gently and check for trapped debris or standing water.
Wipe the gasket thoroughly with a clean cloth. Do not forget the bottom and inner folds. These areas can stay damp even when the visible part of the gasket looks clean.
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Wash the detergent drawer
Remove the detergent drawer if your machine allows it. Rinse it under warm water and remove any hardened detergent or fabric softener.
Before putting the drawer back, clean the compartment where it sits as well.
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Clean the drain filter
The drain filter catches lint, hair, dirt, and other debris. Over time, it can become one of the sources of an unpleasant smell.
Pro tip: Keep a towel or shallow container nearby because some machines may release water when the filter is opened.
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Run a cleaning cycle
Now it is time to clean the inside of the machine.
If your washer has a Tub Clean, Drum Clean, or Self-Clean cycle, use it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the manufacturer recommends a particular washing machine cleaner, use that product as directed.
One important rule: never mix cleaning chemicals. In particular, do not mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous fumes.
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Wipe and dry everything
Once the cleaning cycle is complete, wipe the inside of the door, drum, and rubber gasket with a clean, dry cloth.
Then leave the door or lid open for a while. Giving the machine time to air out helps remove leftover moisture instead of trapping it inside.
What if the washing machine still smells after cleaning?
Sometimes a washing machine continues to smell even after a thorough cleaning. If that happens, do not simply keep adding more cleaning products.
Check these areas first:
|
What you notice |
What could be causing it |
|
Musty or damp smell |
Moisture, mold, or mildew buildup |
|
Sour smell |
Residue, stagnant water, or wet laundry left inside |
|
Sewage-like smell |
Possible drainage or plumbing issue |
|
Smell returns quickly |
Hidden buildup, clogged filter, or drainage problem |
Mozi Wash for a cleaner laundry routine
Sometimes the answer to “how to clean a washing machine that smells bad” is not just in the machine, but also your laundry routine. The detergent you use can also affect how much residue is left behind in your washing machine.
Mozi Wash offers concentrated detergent designed to work in all washing machines, with the brand recommending a measured amount rather than overusing the product.
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Use the recommended amount: Avoid adding extra detergent in an attempt to get cleaner clothes.
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Choose your preferred formula: Mozi Wash offers scented options as well as Free and Clear, a fragrance-free formula.
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Keep the machine clean: Even with the right detergent, regular cleaning of the drum, gasket, drawer, and filter is still essential.
How often should you clean your laundry machine?
There is no single schedule that works for every washer. How often you need to clean it depends on the machine, how frequently you do laundry, and whether you regularly wash heavily soiled clothes.
A simple maintenance routine can look like this:
|
Cleaning task |
How often |
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Wipe the gasket and door |
Regularly |
|
Rinse the detergent drawer |
Every few weeks or as needed |
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Clean the drain filter |
As recommended by the manufacturer |
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Run the tub-clean cycle |
As recommended by the manufacturer |
|
Deep clean after noticeable odor |
As soon as needed |
Summing up
A smelly washing machine is usually a sign that moisture, residue, dirt, or stagnant water has built up somewhere inside the appliance. The solution is not complicated: clean the drum and other hidden areas, allow the machine to dry properly, and avoid leaving wet clothes inside for too long.
With a little regular maintenance and the right laundry habits, you can keep both your washing machine and your clothes smelling fresh.
FAQs about How to Get Rid of Smell in a Laundry Machine
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Can I use vinegar to clean a smelly washing machine?
Vinegar is sometimes used as a household cleaning method, but it is important to check your washing machine manufacturer's instructions before using it. Most importantly, never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals. A manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner is often the safer choice.
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Why does my washing machine smell even after cleaning?
The smell may be coming from a part you did not clean, such as the rubber gasket, detergent drawer, drain filter, or drainage system. Also check whether water is remaining inside the machine. If the odor returns quickly, consult the manufacturer's guidance or have the machine inspected.
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Why do my clothes smell bad after washing?
Your clothes may smell if they are left wet inside the machine for too long, or if the washer itself has mold, mildew, residue, or stagnant water buildup. Overloading the machine or using too much detergent can also contribute to poor cleaning and residue.
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Should I leave my washing machine door open after washing?
Yes, leaving the door or lid open after a cycle allows the drum to dry and improves ventilation. However, follow any safety instructions provided by your machine's manufacturer, particularly if children or pets can access the appliance.
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How often should I clean my washing machine?
The exact frequency depends on your machine and how often you use it. Regularly wiping the gasket, cleaning the detergent drawer, checking the drain filter, and running the machine's cleaning cycle can help prevent buildup and unpleasant odors.
