How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
Washing machine odour — particularly in front-load machines — is caused by mildew (mould) growing inside the machine. The front-load door gasket, the detergent drawer, and the drum itself are the primary locations. The conditions are ideal for mould: warm, damp, and regularly supplied with detergent residue as a food source.
Front-Load Washing Machines
Step 1: Clean the Door Gasket (The Primary Source)
- Pull back the rubber door gasket to expose the inner fold — this area traps water, lint, and detergent residue and is almost always where the mildew smell originates
- Wipe the gasket thoroughly with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar
- Use a toothbrush or cotton swabs to scrub the fold of the gasket
- For black mould: apply a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per 1 cup water) and allow 5 minutes before wiping
- Wipe dry
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
- Remove the detergent drawer completely (there is usually a tab to press for removal)
- Rinse under hot water and scrub with a toothbrush — detergent residue and mildew build up in the compartments
- Allow to dry before reinstalling
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum (not the detergent drawer) and run the hottest cycle available — typically a "drum clean" or "tub clean" cycle
- After the cycle, run a second cycle with 1/2 cup of baking soda in the drum
- Affresh washing machine tablets (available at Home Hardware, Canadian Tire) are specifically formulated for washer cleaning — use monthly
Preventing Mildew in Front-Loaders
- Leave the door open after every wash — this is the single most effective prevention. A closed door traps moisture and creates mildew conditions within hours.
- Remove laundry promptly — wet laundry left in the drum also breeds mildew
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent only — regular detergent in an HE machine creates excess suds that leave more residue
- Use less detergent than recommended — most people overdose
Top-Load Washing Machines
- Fill the drum with hot water (use the largest load setting)
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar, agitate briefly, and allow to soak 1 hour
- Run the full cycle
- Run a second cycle with 1/2 cup of baking soda
- Wipe the drum, lid, and any gaskets with a dry cloth
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