You open the lid expecting the scent of fresh linen, but instead, you get slapped with the smell of a swamp. Nothing ruins laundry day faster than a stinky washing machine. It seems counterintuitive that a machine designed to clean things can get so dirty, but it happens to the best of us.
Thankfully, you don’t have to burn the appliance and start over. Removing the odors is usually a simple process you can tackle with items already in your pantry.
Key Takeaways
- Washing machine smells usually stem from bacteria, mold, and mildew feeding on trapped soap scum, lint, and dead skin cells.
- Different smells indicate different problems; a rotten egg scent suggests bacteria, while a sewage smell points to plumbing issues like a dry P-trap.
- You can remove odors effectively using household staples like bleach, white vinegar, and baking soda, or by using commercial washer tablets.
- Prevent future odors by leaving the door ajar between loads, wiping down the rubber gasket regularly, and cleaning the drain filter.
Identify the Type of Smell
Before you start scrubbing, you need to identify what you are up against. Most washing machine smells fall into two distinct categories: the rotten egg scent and the sewage stench.
Rotten Egg Smell
If your laundry room smells like sulfur, bacteria is likely the culprit. Your washer is a dark, damp environment that collects dirt, lint, soap scum, and dead skin. This creates a perfect buffet for bacteria.
These microorganisms thrive in hard-to-reach places like the rubber door gasket, the lint trap, and the drum itself. In front-loading machines, small items like baby socks can get trapped behind the seal and start to rot, contributing to the funk.
Note: Natural gas contains an additive that smells like rotten eggs to alert you of leaks. If the smell is strong and persistent in the room (not just inside the drum), play it safe and call your gas company immediately.
Sewage Smell
A sewage smell usually indicates a plumbing issue rather than a dirty drum. This typically stems from an improperly installed P-trap, a dried-out trap, or a clogged vent pipe preventing sewer gasses from escaping your home.
Understand Why the Washer Smells
It boils down to trapped moisture and residue. During a wash cycle, soiled water and suds splash above the water line or get stuck in the rubber seals. Since this area doesn’t get flushed thoroughly, a “bio-film” of soap scum and debris forms.
This residue feeds mold and bacteria. Adding scented fabric softener won’t fix the problem; it just puts a floral mask over a rotting problem. To actually remove the odor, you must kill the bacteria and physically remove the source of food.
Sanitize the Washer With Bleach
Bleach kills mold and bacteria on contact. While it is excellent for sanitizing, it is not a degreaser, so it might not remove thick layers of soap scum. Use this method when you need to disinfect the machine and knock out a heavy mildew odor.
Safety Warning: Never mix bleach with other cleaners, especially vinegar or ammonia. This creates toxic gas. Ensure the room is well-ventilated before you begin.
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before starting:
- Chlorine bleach
- Measuring cup
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
- Hot water
1. Add the Bleach
Pour 1 cup of bleach directly into the bleach dispenser. If your machine is a top-loader without a dispenser, pour it directly into the drum.
2. Run a Hot Cycle
Ensure the washing machine is completely empty. Run a “Sanitize” cycle, a “Tub Clean” cycle, or the longest regular wash cycle available with the hottest water setting.
3. Wipe the Interior
Once the cycle finishes, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior. Focus on the areas usually above the water line, the door glass, and the rubber door seal.
4. Clean the Dispensers
Pull out the detergent and fabric softener drawers. Wash them in the sink with warm, soapy water to remove sticky buildup. Dry them thoroughly before reinserting them.
Dissolve Buildup With Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerhouse cleaner for breaking down mineral deposits and soap scum. While it isn’t as potent a disinfectant as bleach, it is much better at dissolving the grime that bacteria feed on. This is a great maintenance method to use monthly.
What You’ll Need
You will need the following items:
- White vinegar
- Measuring cup
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
Top Load Washers
Follow these steps for standard top-loading machines:
1. Fill the Washer
Select the hottest water setting and the largest load size. Start the cycle and let the drum fill with water.
2. Add Vinegar and Pause
Once the machine is full and starts to agitate, open the lid or hit pause. Pour in 4 cups of white vinegar. Close the lid and let it agitate for about one minute to mix.
3. Soak the Drum
Pause the machine again and let the vinegar solution sit in the drum for at least one hour. This gives the acid time to break down the grime.
4. Finish the Cycle
After the hour is up, restart the machine and let it complete the full wash and spin cycle.
5. Wipe and Dry
Use a cloth dipped in a vinegar-water solution to wipe down the agitator, the rim of the drum, and the inside of the lid.
Front Load Washers
Front-loaders require a slightly different approach:
1. Start a Hot Cycle
Select the “Tub Clean” or heavy-duty hot water cycle. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
2. Run the Wash
Let the machine run through the complete cycle. The vinegar will work its way through the internal plumbing and the drum.
3. Clean the Gasket
This is the most critical step for front-loaders. Gently pull back the rubber door seal. Use a cloth soaked in vinegar to wipe out any sludge, hair, or mildew trapped in the fold.
Scrub With Baking Soda
If you want a deeper clean, you can combine the vinegar method with baking soda. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away stuck-on grime and absorbs odors.
1. Add Baking Soda
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum (for both front and top loaders).
2. Add Vinegar
Pour 1 quart (4 cups) of vinegar into the drum (for top loaders) or the detergent dispenser (for front loaders).
3. Run a Hot Cycle
Run a full hot water cycle. The fizzing reaction helps loosen dirt, while the high heat flushes it away.
Use Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners
If you prefer a pre-measured solution, commercial tablets are convenient and effective. They are chemically formulated to break down residue without damaging rubber hoses or voiding warranties. While they handle odors well, they don’t always sanitize as heavily as bleach.
Consider these top-rated options:
- Affresh Tablets
- Affresh Washing Machine Wipes
- Tide Washing Machine Cleaner with Oxi
- Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner
- Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner and Cleaning Wipes
1. Insert the Tablet
Place one tablet directly into the empty washer drum. Do not put it in the dispenser drawer unless the package specifically instructs you to.
2. Run a Hot Cycle
Select a “Clean Washer” cycle or a normal hot water cycle. The heat is necessary to dissolve the tablet fully.
3. Wipe Residue
Once finished, wipe away any leftover residue on the gasket or door glass with a commercial wipe or a damp cloth.
Prevent Future Odors
Maintenance is easier than deep cleaning. Incorporate these habits into your laundry routine:
- Clean your machine monthly using one of the methods above.
- Leave the washer door or lid open after every load to let the drum dry out completely.
- Use “High Efficiency” (HE) detergent for front loaders and avoid using too much soap.
- Clean the drain pump filter (usually located behind a small door at the bottom of front loaders) every few months.
- Remove wet clothes immediately; never let them sit overnight.
- Run a hot water wash for your towels or whites periodically to flush the system.
Troubleshoot Sewage Smells
If your machine is clean but the room smells like a sewer, check these three areas:
The Drain Hose
Pull the washer away from the wall and smell the drain hose. If the odor is coming from there, bacteria might be growing inside the corrugated tubing. You may need to replace the hose or use a long brush to clean it out.
The P-Trap
Pour a gallon of water down the washing machine drain pipe. If the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe) has dried out from lack of use, the water will seal it again and block sewer gas from entering the room.
The Vent Pipe
Your plumbing needs a vent pipe (usually on the roof) to allow air into the system. If this is clogged with leaves or a bird’s nest, the water won’t drain smoothly, and smells can back up. If you aren’t comfortable climbing on the roof, call a pro.
When to Call a Plumber
If you have verified the machine is clean, filled the P-trap, and still smell sewage, it’s time to call a plumber. You may have a blockage deep in the line or a vent issue that requires professional tools to clear.
FAQs
How Often Should You Clean Washing Machines?
You should clean your washing machine once a month to prevent buildup. If you do heavy loads of dirty work clothes or use the machine daily, you might need to clean it every two weeks.
How Do Professionals Clean Washing Machines?
Professionals typically remove the door seal to deep clean underneath it, steam clean the drum to kill bacteria, and manually clean the pump filter. They may also flush the drain lines to ensure there are no blockages.
How Do I Know If My Washing Machine Drain Is Clogged?
Signs of a clog include water pooling in the drum after a cycle finishes, the machine stopping mid-cycle, or water backing up out of the standpipe during the drain phase.
Is Bleach or Vinegar Better to Clean a Washing Machine?
It depends on the goal. Bleach is superior for killing mold and bacteria (sanitizing), while vinegar is better at dissolving mineral deposits and soap scum (descaling).
Where Do You Put Vinegar In a Washing Machine?
For front loaders, pour vinegar into the liquid detergent dispenser. For top loaders, you can pour it directly into the drum once it fills with water.
Can I Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda In a Washing Machine?
Yes, but they work best when used in specific steps rather than mixed instantly. The fizzing action helps loosen dirt, but once mixed, they neutralize each other. Use baking soda in the drum and vinegar in the dispenser for the best results.
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Mildew?
A mildew smell typically means moisture is getting trapped in the machine between loads. This is common in front-loaders where the door seal is watertight. Leaving the door ajar after every wash usually solves this.
Eliminate the Stink
A smelly washer is annoying, but it is rarely permanent. Whether you choose the bleach method to kill bacteria or the vinegar method to dissolve soap scum, a little maintenance goes a long way. By keeping the door open and cleaning the filter regularly, you can keep your laundry smelling like, well, laundry.
