Musty Smell in Washing Machine? Here’s How to Fix It!

If you’re dealing with a musty smell in your washing machine and your laundry isn’t coming out as fresh as it should, you’re not alone! This is a common problem, but the good news is that it has a simple solution. With a few easy maintenance tips, you can eliminate bad odors and keep your washer clean and your clothes smelling great. Read on for easy tips on how to get rid of the bad smell in your washing machine.

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It Happens to the Best of Us

Life is busy and it’s hard to be on top of everything. Plus there is so much to do and learn when you are taking care of a home. Appliance maintenance is one of those unknown areas for me. I am still new to the whole homeowner thing and I have so much to learn. As a renter for the first 10-15 years of my adult life, appliance problems were my landlord’s job. I have some knowledge gaps when it comes to home maintenance, but I am working on filling them!

This is also my first time owning or having a front-loading washing machine, and I’ll admit, I did not know that there are required specific maintenance tasks for this type of machine.

The Dreaded Musty Smell in Washer

We bought our new front loader washer when we moved in last year, and it has steadily gotten smellier and smellier. And our clothes started to not smell so fresh, right out of the wash. I attributed that entirely to two things: overloading the machine and leaving the clothes in the washer after washing. While both of those factors contribute to a musty smell in the washing machine, there is more to the story.

I also did not know that for our particular front-loading washer, there is a filter and hose located behind a small door that needs to be emptied regularly. If this applies to your machine, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often your machine needs to be drained to keep the machine smelling fresh.

And maybe this one is embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know you were supposed to keep the door open after washing to allow the washing machine tub and gasket to dry!

I asked my husband if he knew this and he did, but he had never mentioned it to me! I always assumed he left the door open on accident and closed it anytime I saw it left open!

Finding Solutions for How to Remove the Bad Smell from Washing Machine

Now that I’m aware of the issue, I’m taking steps to eliminate the odor that has built up in my machine. I’m researching the best ways to tackle the problem, testing new washing machine cleaning products, and even trying a different detergent. But before diving into solutions, I wanted to cover the basics of washing machine maintenance based on what I’ve learned so far.

Why Do Clothes Smell After Washing?

There are a few key reasons your clothes might not smell as fresh as you’d like after doing laundry:

1. Bacteria and Mold Build-Up in the Washer
   • Front-loading washers are notorious for trapping moisture, which creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria. The rubber door gasket, detergent dispenser, and drum are all places where mold can grow if not cleaned regularly.
   • Residual detergent, fabric softener, and debris create the perfect environment for mildew to thrive.
2. A Clogged Drain Pump Filter
   • Many washing machines have a drain pump filter that collects lint, hair, and debris. If this isn’t cleaned regularly, it can start to smell bad.
3. Leaving Clothes in the Washer Too Long
   • Letting wet laundry sit for even a few hours can lead to mildew, which locks in that unpleasant damp smell.
4. Overloading the Machine
   • Stuffing the washer full prevents proper rinsing, leaving behind detergent and grime.
5. Using Too Much Detergent
   • Excess detergent doesn’t always rinse out completely, trapping dirt and bacteria in your fabrics.
6. Hard Water Build-Up
   • Minerals from hard water can accumulate in your machine, leading to unpleasant smells that transfer to your clothes.
7. Not Leaving the Washer Door Open (for front-loading machines)
   • Keeping the washer door closed traps moisture inside, allowing mold and mildew to grow in the drum and rubber gasket.

How to Get Rid of Musty Smell in Washing Machine: Solutions That Work

Thankfully, eliminating the musty smell in your washer (and keeping clothes smelling fresh) is easier than you might think. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

I am also slowly cleaning up the products we use in our home, so some of these solutions focus on natural, eco-friendly approaches.

1. Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar and Baking Soda

A deep clean with vinegar and baking soda can break down mold, bacteria, and detergent residue:

• Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a hot wash cycle.
• After the cycle, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot wash cycle.
• Wipe down the drum, gasket, and door after the cycle is complete.

2. Use a Washing Machine Cleaner

For a more powerful clean, use a washing machine cleaning tablet or liquid cleaner. Look for biodegradable, septic-safe options that break down detergent buildup and kill bacteria.

I am trying these from Molly’s Suds, because I like their clean ingredients.

3. Clean the Rubber Gasket

The rubber door gasket is one of the worst places for mold growth. To clean it:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or use a gentle multi-purpose cleaner.
• Spray the gasket, scrub with a toothbrush, and wipe away any residue with a cloth. If you have significant mold build up, you can use a mold cleaner and stain remover to get back to a clean baseline.
• Repeat weekly or biweekly to prevent mold from returning.

4. Drain and Clean the Drain Pump Filter

If your washer has a drain pump filter, it should be cleaned every 1-3 months:

For our machine that looks like:

• Locate the small door at the bottom front of your washer.
• Place a bowl underneath and slowly unscrew the drain hose to let the water drain out.
• Remove any debris from the filter and rinse it thoroughly before reinserting it.

Review your machine’s manufacturer’s manual to see what specific maintenance is required of your machine.

5. Keep the Washer Door Open

One of the easiest ways to prevent musty smells is to leave the washer door open after each load. This allows air to circulate and helps the drum dry completely.

6. Switch to a Natural Laundry Detergent

Many conventional detergents contain fillers that can build up in your machine. Instead, opt for plant-based detergents or detergent sheets, which dissolve completely and leave less residue. I just started using 7th Generation’s detergent sheets in the lavender scent and I am so impressed. It’s quick and no mess, just toss one in the tub of the machine and you’re done. My clothes felt and smelled clean, and were left a subtle lavender scent, that so far has not caused any skin issues or headaches, both of which I am prone too.

7. Wipe Down the Detergent Dispenser

Detergent and fabric softener can accumulate in the dispenser drawer, leading to mold growth. Remove the drawer and wash it with hot, soapy water every 1-2 months.

8. Avoid Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners create a waxy buildup inside your machine. Instead, try adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabrics naturally and eliminate odors.

9. Wash Smaller Loads

Overloading the machine prevents proper rinsing and allows detergent and grime to build up inside. Stick to recommended load sizes for better results.

How to Remove Bad Smell from Washing Machine: Long-Term Maintenance

Once you’ve eliminated the smell, keep your washing machine fresh with regular maintenance:

• Wash Smaller Loads: Overloading the machine prevents proper rinsing and allows detergent and grime to build up inside. Stick to recommended load sizes for better results
• Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda or a use washer cleaning tablet once a month.
• Wipe down the gasket and drum with a microfiber cloth weekly.
• Check and clean the drain pump filter every 1-3 months (if applicable for your machine)
• Leave the washer door open after each load.
• Use a natural detergent to reduce residue buildup.

Other Tips

• Set a Reminder to Remove Clothes Promptly: One of the reasons our washing machine started to smell was my habit of forgetting laundry in the washer. In our previous home, the laundry room was right off the kitchen, so I never had this issue. But in our new house, the washer was in an external cellar for six months before moving to the basement—both locations where I can’t hear or see it from the main living areas. Out of sight, out of mind! Unfortunately, this led to me frequently leaving damp clothes sitting in the washer for too long. Setting a timer or phone reminder has helped me break this habit and keep odors at bay.
• Schedule a Monthly Deep Clean: To keep your washing machine smelling fresh, mark a specific day on your calendar each month for a deep clean. Wipe down the drum, door gasket, and detergent drawer, and run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine tablet or a vinegar and baking soda solution. Regular maintenance prevents buildup and keeps your washer in top condition!

Removing the Musty Smell in Washing Machine For Good

A musty smell in a washing machine is frustrating, but it’s an easy fix with the right cleaning routine. Whether you’re dealing with mold in the gasket, detergent buildup, or a clogged drain filter, these steps will help you eliminate odors and keep your home and laundry fresh.

Want more cleaning and maintenance tips? Check out my deep cleaning checklist, perfect for getting a fresh start for the new year, or anytime.

Have you struggled with a musty washing machine? Let me know in the comments what worked for you!