How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Washing Machine Safely and Thoroughly
How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Washing Machine Safely and Thoroughly
Your washing machine smells like mildew. Maybe you notice a musty smell when you open the door, or your clothes come out smelling damp. Mildew smell in a washing machine is caused by mold growing in the damp environment inside the machine. Here’s how to get mildew smell out of your washing machine.
Mildew smell in a washing machine is caused by mold and bacteria growing in the damp environment inside the drum, rubber seal, and dispenser. Mold thrives in warm, humid environments and feeds on detergent residue and fabric softener buildup. The key to removing mildew smell is killing the mold (vinegar or affresh), removing the buildup (baking soda), and preventing it from coming back (leaving the door open).
To get mildew smell out of your washing machine, run an empty hot cycle with affresh or 2 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, clean the rubber seal and dispenser, wipe the drum, and leave the door open between loads. Don’t use bleach, don’t close the door between loads, and don’t use too much detergent.
Step-by-Step: Removing Mildew Smell
Step 1: Run an Empty Hot Cycle with affresh
Place one tablet of affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in the washer drum. Set the machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle. Start the machine. The tablet dissolves and kills mold, removes residue, and eliminates odors.
Step 2: Clean the Rubber Seal
After the cycle, wipe the rubber seal around the door with a cloth soaked in warm water and vinegar. Check the folds of the seal for mold. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any visible mold. This is where most mildew hides.
Step 3: Clean the Dispenser Drawer
Remove the detergent dispenser drawer. Soak it in warm water with Dawn Ultra Dish Soap for 15 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup. Rinse and replace.
Step 4: Wipe the Drum
Wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth soaked in warm water and vinegar. Remove any residue or mold.
Step 5: Clean the Filter
Locate the filter (usually at the bottom front of the machine). Place a towel underneath. Remove the filter cap. Clean with an old toothbrush. Replace.
Step 6: Run a Second Cycle if Needed
If the mildew smell persists, run a second empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.
Step 7: Leave the Door Open
Leave the washer door or lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry. This is the most important step for preventing mildew.
Alternative Method: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Step 1: Add Vinegar
Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser or directly to the drum.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda
Add half a cup of baking soda to the drum.
Step 3: Run an Empty Hot Cycle
Set the machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle. Start and let it run.
Step 4: Wipe and Clean
After the cycle, wipe the seal, dispenser, and drum as described above.
How to Prevent Mildew Smell
Leave the Door Open
Leave the washer door or lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry. This is the single most important step.
Clean Monthly
Clean the machine monthly with affresh or vinegar and baking soda to prevent mold buildup.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Using too much detergent leaves residue that feeds mold. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle per load.
Don’t Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softener leaves a waxy residue that feeds mold. Use vinegar instead.
Wipe the Seal After Each Load
Wipe the rubber seal after each load with a dry cloth to remove moisture.
Use HE Detergent in HE Washers
Use HE detergent in HE washers. Regular detergent produces too many suds, which leave residue.
Use the Right Products
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
What Not to Do
Don’t use bleach. Bleach can damage rubber seals and gaskets. Use affresh or vinegar instead.
Don’t close the door between loads. Closing the door traps moisture and causes mold. Leave the door open.
Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold. Use the recommended amount.
Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves residue that feeds mold. Use vinegar instead.
Don’t skip monthly cleaning. Monthly cleaning prevents mold buildup. Use affresh monthly.
Don’t ignore the rubber seal. The rubber seal is where most mold hides. Clean it regularly.
FAQ
How do you get mildew smell out of a washing machine? Run an empty hot cycle with one affresh tablet, clean the rubber seal and dispenser, wipe the drum, and leave the door open between loads. Repeat if needed.
Why does your washing machine smell like mildew? Washing machines smell like mildew because of mold growing in the damp environment inside the drum, rubber seal, and dispenser. Causes include leaving the door closed, using too much detergent, and using fabric softener.
Does vinegar remove mildew smell from a washing machine? Yes. White vinegar kills mold and removes odors. Add 2 cups to the dispenser or drum and run an empty hot cycle with half a cup of baking soda.
How often should you clean your washing machine to prevent mildew? Clean your washing machine monthly with affresh or vinegar and baking soda. Wipe the rubber seal after each load and leave the door open between loads.
What is the best product for mildew smell in a washing machine? affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the best product. It kills mold, removes residue, and eliminates odors in one hot cycle. Use one tablet monthly.
References
- Tide. “Washer Cleaning Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Mildew in Washing Machine Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Washer Odor Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- affresh. “Cleaning Guide.” affresh.com.
