How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Your Washing Machine

Nothing kills the satisfaction of doing laundry like opening your washing machine and getting hit with a wave of musty, mildew smell. What’s worse is when your supposedly “clean” clothes stink too!

If your washer smells like mildew, you’re likely dealing with mold and bacteria buildup inside the drum, gaskets, or detergent compartments. While it might smell horrible, the good thing is that it’s not permanent. With the right cleaning approach, you can get rid of the smell, and with the proper habits, prevent it from coming back.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Why Washing Machines Develop Mildew Smells

Mildew and mold thrive in dark, damp environments, which makes washing machines an ideal breeding ground. After each wash, moisture remains inside the drum, door seal, detergent drawer, and internal hoses. If that moisture doesn’t dry out properly, mildew quickly develops.

Front-load washers are especially prone to mildew because their rubber door gaskets trap water and debris. High-efficiency washers, both front-load and top-load, also use less water, which can allow detergent, fabric softener, and body oils to build up over time.

That familiar musty smell signals mold and bacterial growth. Addressing it early prevents stronger odors and a more difficult cleanup later.

Clean the Door Seal and Gasket

For front-load washers, the rubber door seal is the most common source of mildew smells. Its folds collect water, lint, hair, and detergent residue, creating hidden pockets where mold grows.

Start by pulling back the rubber seal to expose all creases. Wear rubber gloves, as debris buildup can be unpleasant. You may find lint, coins, hair, or visible mold.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, or use a bleach solution made with one part bleach to four parts water. Dip a cloth or old toothbrush into the solution and scrub every surface of the seal, focusing on folds and corners. For stubborn mold, let the solution sit for a few minutes before washing.

Wipe the seal with a clean, damp cloth, then dry it thoroughly with a towel. If mold growth is severe and embedded, repeated cleanings or gasket replacement may be necessary.

Run a Cleaning Cycle With Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the most effective natural solutions for eliminating mildew odors. It kills mold, dissolves detergent residue, and neutralizes smells throughout the washer.

Top-load washers: Fill the drum with hot water on the highest setting. Add four cups of white vinegar. Let the washer agitate briefly, pause the cycle, and allow it to soak for 30-60 minutes. Then let the cycle complete.

Front-load washers: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum. Select the hottest, longest cycle available, often labeled “clean,” “sanitary,” or “tub clean.” Run the cycle with no laundry inside.

The vinegar circulates through internal components, breaking down buildup and killing odor-causing bacteria. Any vinegar smell will fade once the machine dries.

Use Baking Soda for Deeper Odor Removal

Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer and works well after a vinegar cycle.

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda directly into the empty drum. Run another hot water cycle on the longest setting. Baking soda helps scrub away remaining residue and neutralize lingering odors.

For tough mildew smells, you can use vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle. Add vinegar first, allow brief agitation, then add baking soda. The fizzing reaction is normal and helps loosen buildup. Let the full cycle complete.

Many households find that monthly vinegar and baking soda cleaning prevents odors entirely.

Use Bleach for Severe Mildew Problems

For heavy mold buildup or persistent odors, chlorine bleach provides strong disinfecting power. Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, as this produces dangerous fumes.

Add two cups of bleach to an empty washer and run the hottest, longest cycle available. After the cycle finishes, run an additional hot rinse cycle with plain water to remove bleach residue.

Bleach should be used sparingly. Frequent use can degrade rubber seals and internal components. Reserve bleach for severe cases and rely on vinegar for routine maintenance.

Clean the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser drawer often hides mildew, detergent residue, and fabric softener buildup.

Remove the drawer completely; most have a release tab. Soak it in hot water mixed with vinegar or dish soap for 15-30 minutes. Scrub all compartments with a toothbrush, paying close attention to corners.

While the drawer soaks, clean inside the dispenser housing with a cloth or a small brush. This area often contains hidden residue. Rinse the drawer thoroughly, dry it, and reinstall it once clean.

Cleaning the dispenser monthly greatly reduces odor problems.

Clean the Drain Filter

Many front-load washers and some high-efficiency top-load models include a drain filter that traps debris. When neglected, it can produce extremely strong odors.

The filter is usually located behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the washer. Place towels on the floor before opening it, as water will drain out. Remove the filter and clear out lint, hair, coins, and debris.

Rinse the filter under running water and scrub if necessary. Wipe inside the filter housing before reinstalling the filter securely.

Cleaning the drain filter every one to three months improves drainage and helps eliminate mildew smells.

How to Prevent Mildew Smells From Returning

Once your washer smells fresh again, prevention is key.

• Leave the washer door or lid open between loads to allow airflow and drying
• Wipe the door seal dry after each wash
• Use the correct amount of HE detergent (too much causes residue buildup)
• Limit fabric softener use, as it leaves residue that feeds mildew
• Remove wet clothes promptly after cycles finish
• Run a monthly cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washer cleaner

These simple habits make a huge difference in keeping odors away.

Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners

Commercial washing machine cleaners can be a convenient alternative to vinegar and baking soda. Popular options are designed to dissolve residue and eliminate odors in a single cycle.

Follow product instructions carefully. While effective, these cleaners are best used as part of regular maintenance rather than a substitute for good habits.

When to Call a Professional

If you clean your washing machine and the mildew odor persists, mold might be growing in internal hoses or drainage components that aren’t easy to access. If you’re still noticing a smell, it’s a good idea to call a professional appliance service to inspect, clean, or replace any affected parts.