Washer smells like mildew – what should you do

You open the washer, expecting clean laundry — and instead, there it is: that stubborn, musty smell that just won’t go away. When your washer smells like mildew, it’s more than an annoying odor. Mold is a common uninvited guest, hiding out in over 80% of home washing machines according to recent research. At first, you might just notice your clothes don’t smell as fresh, but the real problem is bigger: mildew and mold can trigger allergies, make breathing problems worse, and linger long after the wash is done. So what can you do — before it gets worse for your home and your health? Let’s break down simple steps to beat that smell and get back to truly clean laundry.

Why does your washer smell like mildew

If you live in Atlanta, you know high humidity is a part of everyday life. That extra moisture makes it much easier for mold to settle in places you’d never expect — including your laundry room. Still, high humidity alone isn’t always to blame when your washer smells like mildew. Several other factors combine to create the perfect environment for that stubborn odor:

• Leftover moisture. After each wash, water can collect around the door seal, in the drum or in the detergent drawer — especially if the machine isn’t left open to dry. That dampness gives mildew the perfect place to grow.
• Soap and detergent residue. Using too much detergent or skipping regular cleaning can lead to sticky buildup inside your washer. Over time, that gunk traps dirt and creates an environment where a washing machine smells musty or just plain bad.
• Lint and fabric softener. Bits of lint and fabric softener build up in hard-to-reach areas. In top loaders, the overflow tube and under the agitator are frequent problem spots. When a top load washer smells like mildew, it’s usually because of hidden buildup.
• Clogged dryer vents. If your washing machine smells like mildew, sometimes the real issue isn’t just inside the washer. A blocked dryer vent can fill the laundry room with extra humidity, making it much easier for mold and mildew to take hold — even if you clean your machine regularly. If you haven’t checked your vent lately, see our step-by-step guide on how to clean a dryer vent properly to help prevent the problem.
• Extra suds. In areas with soft water, too much detergent creates layers of foam that cling to the drum and hoses. That soap film eventually turns into a breeding ground for bad smells — sometimes you might even notice your washing machine smells like sewage.
• Wet laundry left too long. Leaving damp clothes sitting in the washer, even for a few hours, is one of the fastest ways to make sure your washing machine smells bad the next time you open the lid.

No matter the cause, when your laundry doesn’t come out fresh, mildew could be hiding just out of sight, waiting for the next wash to make itself known.

What can you use to clean the smell

When your washing machine smells like mildew, masking the odor with fabric softener or extra detergent won’t solve the problem. The real fix is breaking down buildup and removing mold at its source. Here’s what actually works:

• Distilled white vinegar. Its mild acid helps dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, making it harder for mildew to stick around.
• Baking soda. This gentle abrasive scrubs away residue and helps neutralize bad smells — ideal if your washing machine smells musty after a cycle.
• Oxygen bleach. Safer for your machine’s rubber parts than chlorine bleach, but strong enough to break down the gunk that feeds mold.
• Chlorine bleach. Powerful against bacteria and mold. Use occasionally — especially if your washing machine smells like sewage — but not every wash, as it can wear down seals and hoses over time. Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, as this can create dangerous fumes.
• Commercial washing machine cleaners. Tablets or liquid packs reach deep inside parts you can’t scrub by hand, helping prevent buildup that leads to bad odors.

Use these solutions to clean the washer itself between loads — your laundry (and your nose) will notice the difference. If you’re wondering how to clean a washing machine that smells, you don’t need expensive products — these everyday solutions are all you need to get started.

Removing musty smell from washing machine: step-by-step guide

A deep-clean cycle takes less than an hour and, done right, erases that stubborn odor for months. Here’s how to get rid of that musty smell for good—just follow these five practical steps if your washer smells like mildew or your laundry never seems fully fresh.

Step 1: Prep the Washer

Remove any laundry and get your cleaning supplies ready. For safety, unplug the washer before you start.

Step 2: Clean the Drawer and Seal

Pull out the detergent drawer and let it soak in hot, soapy water with a splash of distilled white vinegar. While it soaks, wipe the door seal and rim with a 1:1 mix of vinegar and warm water. Get into every fold — especially if you’ve got a front-load washer, since it’s pretty common for these to smell like mildew if anything gets stuck around the gasket.

Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Pick one cleaning method and set your washer to its hottest, longest cycle.

• Vinegar and baking soda. Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the drum and add half a cup of baking soda to the dispenser.
• Oxygen bleach tablet. Just toss it in the drum.
• Chlorine bleach. Use one cup in the drum if the smell is really stubborn.

Let the machine run for a minute, then pause it and let the cleaner sit for about 30 minutes. Also, if you notice the empty drum shaking around more than usual, check out our guide on how to fix a shaking washing machine before your next load.

Step 4: Clean the Drain Filter

Open the service panel, unscrew the drain filter and rinse out any lint or gunk you find. It’s a small job, but a clogged filter is a big reason a top load washer keeps ending up with that mildew smell even after you clean everything else.

Step 5: Dry and Air Out

Grab a towel and wipe down the drum, the gasket, and the detergent drawer. When you’re done, leave the door and drawer open for a few hours — fresh air is the best way to keep new mold from starting up again. That’s usually all it takes to make sure your washing machine smells musty no more.

A good clean like this can bring back that fresh laundry scent. But if the smell comes back fast, there might be a deeper problem you can’t reach — at that point, it’s time to call in a pro.

Call Appliance Tech Pros for professional washer repair services

Tried every DIY trick, and the washer still smells like mildew after just a few loads? That usually means the issue runs deeper — clogged hoses, a worn-out pump or a torn door seal can keep moisture trapped no matter how often you clean. Appliance Tech Pros brings factory-approved parts, same-day diagnostics and repair experience with every major brand. We clear the hidden gunk you can’t reach and back our work with a written labor warranty, so the smell doesn’t come back. Skip the guesswork and book our washer and dryer repair services to get your laundry room fresh again — fast.

Conclusion

A musty washer isn’t just annoying — it can ruin clothes and even trigger allergies. Keep the gasket and detergent drawer clean, run a monthly hot-water cycle with the right cleaner, clear the dryer vent, and let the drum air-dry between loads. Follow the five steps in this guide, and your laundry should come out smelling like, well, laundry. And if that stubborn odor still creeps back, call Appliance Tech Pros — we’ll track down the real culprit and make sure your washer stays fresh for the long haul.