How to Clean a Washing Machine and Prevent Odors

Your washing machine cleans load after load of clothes, towels, and bedding. But does the washer clean itself along the way? Not quite.

Soap, dirt, lint, hair, and fabric softener can build up inside the machine. Moisture can also get trapped around the door, gasket, or detergent tray. Over time, this buildup may lead to musty smells, mold, or clothes that do not seem as fresh as they should.

The good news is that routine washer care is often simple. Most washers should be checked each month and cleaned based on the steps in the owner’s manual. The right method will depend on whether you have a front-load or top-load washer and which model you own.

Why Does a Washing Machine Need to Be Cleaned?

It may seem odd to clean an appliance that spends so much time filled with soap and water. Still, a regular wash cycle is made to clean your clothes, not the washer itself.

Detergent, fabric softener, and soil can leave a thin film inside the drum and other parts of the machine. This is more likely when too much detergent is used or when the washer runs mostly cold-water cycles. Damp areas around a front-load washer’s door gasket can also become a good place for mold and mildew to grow.

A clean washer can help keep odors under control and help your laundry come out smelling fresh. It also gives you a chance to spot small concerns, such as a loose hose or damaged gasket, before they turn into a larger mess.

Signs It Is Time to Clean Your Washer

You do not have to wait for your washer to smell bad before giving it some care. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for a cleaning:

• A musty or sour smell inside the drum
• Clothes that still smell stale after a wash
• Soap or fabric softener buildup in the dispenser
• Mold or dark spots around the door gasket
• Black or brown flakes inside the drum
• A reminder for the Clean Washer, Self Clean, or Tub Clean cycle

Some smells point to more than a dirty washer. A burning or electrical smell is a reason to stop the machine and call for service. A strong sewer-like smell, standing water, or an odor that keeps coming back may also mean there is a drain or washer part that needs attention.

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

Many homes should check and clean the washer about once a month. If your washer has a cleaning reminder, follow that alert. You should also check the use-and-care guide for the schedule made for your model.

Your washer may need care more often if you do several loads each week, have hard water, use too much detergent, or often leave wet clothes sitting in the drum. Regular cleaning can also help if your family uses many cold-water cycles.

Between deep cleanings, a few small habits can make a big difference. Remove wet laundry as soon as the cycle ends. Wipe up water around the door or lid, and let the inside of the machine dry when it is safe to do so.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-load washers are known for saving water, but moisture can collect inside the rubber door gasket. Hair, lint, and small items can also hide in its folds.

Start with an empty washer. Check the owner’s manual to see which cleaner and cleaning cycle are approved for your model. Your washer may call this the Clean Washer, Self Clean, or Tub Clean cycle. Do not put clothes in the machine during this cycle.

Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the inside of the door and the rubber gasket. Gently check the gasket folds for lint or other items, but do not pull or stretch the rubber. If the detergent tray can be removed, clean it as shown in the manual and let it dry before putting it back.

Next, run the washer’s cleaning cycle with an empty drum. Use only the cleaner and amount approved by the washer maker. When the cycle is done, wipe away any water that remains. Leave the door open a little, if it is safe for your home, so the washer can dry.

If mold has grown deep into the gasket, or if the gasket is torn or leaking, cleaning may not solve the problem. The part may need to be checked or replaced.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

A top-load washer can also collect soap, dirt, and lint. Buildup may form around the upper edge of the tub, under the lid, or inside the dispensers.

Make sure the drum is empty. Wipe the underside of the lid, the rim of the tub, and any easy-to-reach dispensers with a soft cloth. If a dispenser can be removed, follow the manual so you do not break it.

Run the cleaning cycle listed in your owner’s guide. Some models need a washer-cleaning product, while others have different steps. Once the cycle is done, leave the lid open long enough for the inside to dry.

What About Vinegar, Baking Soda, or Bleach?

There are many cleaning tips online, but not every method is safe for every washing machine. Vinegar may harm some rubber parts when used often. Bleach may be allowed in certain washers but not others. Baking soda and vinegar should not be treated as a cleaner for every model.

The safest choice is to follow the directions from the company that made your washer. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaning product. The mixture can create harmful fumes. If you are not sure what to use, check the manual or contact the manufacturer before adding a cleaner.

Do Not Forget These Washer Parts

The drum is only one part of your washing machine. The door gasket and detergent tray may need regular care, especially if they stay damp. Some washers also have a drain-pump filter that catches lint, coins, and small items.

Check the owner’s manual before trying to clean a filter. Some filters are easy for the owner to reach. Others are inside the machine and should be handled by a trained technician. Opening the wrong panel could lead to a leak or damage.

It is also smart to look at the water hoses from time to time. Watch for cracks, bulges, rust, or drops of water near the connections. A damaged hose should be replaced before it bursts. If you find an active leak, turn off the water supply to the washer if you can do so safely, then call for help.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Washer Fresh

Good habits can slow down the buildup that causes many washer odors. Use the right type and amount of detergent for your machine. High-efficiency washers need detergent marked “HE.” Adding more soap than the label calls for will not make clothes cleaner. It can leave extra residue behind.

Try not to overload the drum, and move wet clothes to the dryer soon after the cycle ends. Let the drum and dispenser dry between loads when it is safe. For a front-load washer, wipe moisture from the gasket and leave the door slightly open.

These steps take only a few minutes, but they can help your washer stay fresh between cleaning cycles.

When Does a Smelly Washer Need Repair?

Routine cleaning can help with common odors and buildup. It will not fix a broken drain pump, damaged gasket, clogged internal hose, or other failed part.

It may be time to schedule professional washer repair if:

• Water stays in the drum after the cycle
• The washer leaks during or after use
• A bad smell returns soon after cleaning
• The gasket is torn, loose, or covered with deep mold
• The machine shows the same error code again
• You hear grinding, buzzing, or another new sound
• You notice a burning, electrical, or sewer-like smell

Do not keep running a washer that leaks or smells like it is burning. Turning it off can help prevent more damage while you arrange service.

Need Help With Your Washing Machine?

A little care can go a long way, but some washer problems need more than a cleaning cycle. If your washing machine still smells, leaks, will not drain, or is not cleaning clothes well, Advanced Appliance Service is ready to help.

Our team repairs washers and other major home appliances throughout the Charlotte and Fayetteville areas. Schedule appliance repair service online or give us a call. We will help find the problem and get your laundry routine back on track.