How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

How-To

Is your laundry coming out of the washer smelling less than fresh? You're not alone. A stinky washing machine is a common household issue that can turn even the most advanced appliance into a source of frustration. If you've been wondering how to clean a smelly washing machine, you're in the right place. Whether you’re dealing with a front loader, a top loader, or just a persistent musty odor that won’t go away, this comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to remove bad smell from your washing machine—and keep it from coming back.

Read on to learn how to clean a stinky washing machine, clean the drain, and discover tips to prevent odors from building up again. Let's get your laundry smelling fresh and clean, just like it should.

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my washing machine smell bad even though I clean it?”, you’re not alone. The truth is, washing machines are the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, soap scum, and bacteria - especially in warm, humid environments.

Here are the most common reasons your washer smells:

  • Trapped Moisture: After a wash, leftover water in the drum, detergent drawer, or rubber gasket creates the perfect damp environment for bacteria and mildew to thrive.

  • Built-up Detergent and Fabric Softener: Over time, detergent and softener residues accumulate inside your washer. These residues trap dirt and bacteria, causing odors.

  • Dirty Gaskets and Seals: In front-load washers, the rubber gasket around the door is notorious for collecting grime, lint, hair, and moisture.

  • Clogged Drains or Filters: When your washer can’t drain properly, stagnant water sits in the machine, creating a musty or sewer-like smell.

  • Washing in Cold Water Only: Cold cycles are great for energy efficiency but less effective at killing bacteria. Regular hot washes help break down buildup.

Understanding the root of the problem is the first step. Now let’s dive into how to fix it.

How to Clean a Smelly Washer

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Front Loader

Front-load washers are especially prone to musty smells due to their design. The gasket and door seal are common places for mold and detergent buildup. If you're wondering how to clean a smelly washer that’s a front loader, follow this step-by-step method:

Step 1: Clean the Door Gasket

  • Open the washer door and gently pull back the rubber seal.

  • Use a damp cloth or sponge with hot water and white vinegar or baking soda to scrub the inside of the gasket.

  • Remove any visible mold, hair, lint, and detergent residue.

  • Dry the area thoroughly.

Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle

  • Mix 2 cups of white vinegar and ¼ cup of baking soda.

  • Add the vinegar to the detergent drawer and the baking soda directly into the drum.

  • Run the washer on the hottest and longest cycle available.

  • For deep cleaning, use a washer cleaner like Affresh or a homemade solution of vinegar and baking soda monthly.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

  • Remove the drawer (refer to your manual if unsure how).

  • Soak it in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.

  • Use a toothbrush to scrub away any buildup.

  • Dry it thoroughly and reinstall.

Step 4: Wipe Down Interior and Exterior

  • After the cycle finishes, wipe the drum and inside of the door with a dry cloth.

  • Don’t forget the outside of your machine too!

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Top Loader

If you have a top-loading washer, the process is a little different. If you’re asking how to clean a smelly washing machine top loader, this section is for you.

Step 1: Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle

  • Fill the drum with hot water.

  • Add 4 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda directly into the water.

  • Let the solution sit for an hour to break down grime and kill bacteria.

  • After an hour, run the washer on a full cycle to rinse.

Step 2: Scrub the Drum and Lid

  • Use a sponge or cloth soaked in vinegar water to wipe down the inside of the drum and the underside of the lid.

  • Pay attention to crevices, agitators, and detergent dispensers.

Step 3: Clean the Fabric Softener and Bleach Dispensers

  • Remove and soak them in hot, soapy water.

  • Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup.

  • Dry and reinsert them.

Step 4: Clean the Rim and Edges

  • Top loaders often collect grime around the rim.

  • Use a cloth with vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the edges and outside of the machine.

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine Drain

If you’ve cleaned the inside of your washer but still notice odors, the culprit could be your washer drain or drain filter. Here’s how to get rid of the smell in a washing machine by targeting the drain.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Unplug the machine: Safety first!

  2. Locate the drain filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front of the washer).

  3. Place a towel and a shallow tray or bowl underneath the filter to catch water.

  4. Open the filter cap slowly and let the water drain.

  5. Remove the filter and clean it with warm soapy water. Use a soft brush to remove lint and debris.

  6. Check the drain hose for clogs. Run warm water through it or use a flexible brush if needed.

  7. Replace the filter and close the panel.

  8. Plug the washer back in and run a rinse cycle to check for any remaining smell.

Cleaning the drain regularly helps prevent standing water, which can cause that foul, musty smell.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

To keep your washer smelling fresh and functioning properly, aim to give it a thorough clean once a month. If you use it frequently, have hard water, or wash a lot of athletic gear or towels, you might need to clean it more often.

  • Light Use: Clean every 6–8 weeks

  • Heavy Use or Pets/Kids: Clean every 3–4 weeks

Even if your washer doesn’t smell now, regular maintenance helps prevent future problems.

How to Prevent Washing Machine Smells

Now that you’ve learned how to clean a stinky washer, here’s how to keep it fresh all the time. These simple habits can prevent bacteria and mold from taking hold again:

Remove wet clothes promptly
 Don’t let damp laundry sit in the drum. It promotes mildew growth.

Leave the door open after every wash
 Air circulation dries the drum and prevents moisture buildup.

Wipe the gasket and drum weekly
 Use a dry cloth to wipe down the inside, especially around the gasket on front loaders.

Clean the detergent drawer biweekly
 Residue here leads to mold and musty smells.

Run a monthly hot wash cycle with vinegar or a machine cleaner
 This breaks down soap scum and kills odor-causing bacteria.

Make sure your washer drains properly
If you notice standing water, inspect and clean the drain hose or filter.

Keep your laundry room dry and ventilated
 Moist environments encourage mold, especially near washers.

Avoid overloading your washer
 Overstuffed loads don’t rinse well, leading to soap scum and stink.

Install a washing machine cleaner reminder
 Whether it’s an app alert or sticky note, reminders help you stay on top of washer care.

Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent, like Kind Laundry, sparingly
Too much detergent = more residue = more smell.

Why Choose Kind Laundry Sheets 

If you're looking for ways to keep your washing machine from smelling, one of the simplest yet most overlooked solutions is choosing the right detergent—and using the correct amount. In fact, one of the most common causes of a smelly washing machine is excess detergent buildup, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers. That leftover detergent doesn’t just rinse away—it sticks around, creating a residue that traps dirt, bacteria, and mildew. Over time, this buildup can lead to that familiar musty odor you're trying to eliminate.

So, how do you get rid of smell in your washing machine and avoid overusing detergent in the first place?

Enter Kind Laundry’s high-efficiency detergent sheets—a powerful, eco-friendly solution that’s pre-measured, ultra-convenient, and specifically designed for both top-load and front-load HE washing machines.

Why HE Detergent Matters for Washing Machine Health

HE machines use less water than traditional washers, which means using traditional or excessive detergent can lead to serious problems. Too many suds = poor rinsing, buildup in the drum and gasket, and ultimately, a stinky machine. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a smelly washer, the problem may not be your washer—it might be your detergent habits.

HE detergents like Kind Laundry are formulated to work with low-water machines. They produce fewer suds but deliver powerful cleaning. And because they rinse out more thoroughly, they leave behind less gunk to feed mildew or clog drains.

Why Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets Are the Ideal Solution

If you're searching for a no-mess, no-waste HE detergent, Kind Laundry Sheets are a standout choice—and they make it nearly impossible to use too much.

Here’s why:

  • Pre-Measured for Simplicity: Each sheet contains the perfect amount of detergent for a standard load of laundry. No measuring cups, spills, or guesswork—just toss it in and go. This alone helps prevent the most common issue causing odor: detergent overuse.

  • Perfect for HE Washers: These detergent sheets are low-sudsing and fast-dissolving, which makes them ideal for front-load or top-load high-efficiency machines. They rinse clean without leaving behind a sticky film that leads to odors.

  • Powerful, Plant-Based Ingredients: Kind Laundry uses a non-toxic, biodegradable formula free from harsh chemicals like parabens, phosphates, or synthetic fragrances. That means no harmful residues inside your washer—and no irritation for your skin either.

  • Space-Saving and Travel-Friendly: No bulky jugs or heavy boxes. These ultra-light sheets come in compact, recyclable packaging, making laundry easier whether you’re at home, traveling, or heading to the laundromat.

  • Eco-Conscious Cleaning: Not only are Kind Laundry sheets gentle on your washer, but they’re also gentle on the planet. Zero plastic. Zero waste. Zero compromise on clean.

Keep Your Washer and Clothes Fresh—Every Time

If you're trying to figure out how to clean a smelly washing machine and prevent that smell from returning, switching to Kind Laundry’s HE detergent sheets is one of the easiest fixes. Not only will you avoid detergent buildup, but you’ll also enjoy cleaner laundry, a fresher-smelling washer, and peace of mind knowing you're using a safer, smarter product.

So next time you do laundry, skip the goopy liquids and oversized containers. Grab a Kind Laundry detergent sheet, toss it in, and experience how easy and effective a cleaner, fresher laundry routine can be.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of dealing with a washer that smells like mildew or worse, now you know exactly how to clean a smelly washing machine, top to bottom. From gaskets to drains, every part of your washer needs occasional TLC. And remember, the best way to handle a stinky washing machine is to prevent the smell in the first place.

Still noticing a bad odor after cleaning? It might be time to call a professional to inspect your drain lines or check for hidden mold.

For more helpful home tips and cleaning hacks, be sure to bookmark our blog. Your laundry (and your nose) will thank you!

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Our popular travel pack allows you to test our Kind Laundry for a few spin cycles before committing to a larger box.

Our popular travel pack allows you to test our Kind Laundry for a few spin cycles before committing to a larger box.