How to Stop Your Washing Machine From Smelling Like Mildew

Opening your washing machine should not release a damp, musty smell. If it does, you may also notice that freshly washed towels or clothes do not smell clean.

The most useful fix is to remove trapped dirt and moisture, clean the accessible parts, and run the machine’s recommended empty cleaning cycle. After that, change the habits that allow the smell to return, especially leaving wet clothes inside and using too much detergent.

When your washing machine smells like mildew, adding more fabric softener will not solve the problem. You need to find where the smell is coming from.

This guide explains what to check, how to clean a front loading or top-loading washer safely, and when the problem needs a technician. You will also learn which popular cleaning tricks to avoid and how to keep the machine fresh between washes.

Why Your Washing Machine Smells Like Mildew

A washing machine removes dirt from clothes, but some of that dirt can remain inside it. Detergent, fabric softener, lint and body oils may collect in places that do not dry properly.

Over time, this damp buildup can develop an unpleasant smell. The shiny drum you can see may look clean while the door seal, dispenser or other areas still hold residue.

Common places to check include:

• The folds of the rubber door seal on a front-loader.
• The detergent drawer and the space behind it.
• The underside of the lid and the tub rim on a top-loader.
• A removable lint filter or accessible drain pump filter.
• Wet laundry left inside after a cycle.
• Areas where water remains because the machine is not draining properly.

A musty smell does not tell you exactly which organism is present. It is a sign to investigate moisture and buildup, rather than proof of a particular type of mould.

Check whether the smell is actually coming from the washer

Remove any clothes and check the empty machine. Then check the laundry basket and the nearby floor drain.

If the room smells even when the washer is empty and dry, the source may be outside the machine. Cleaning the drum repeatedly will not fix a smelly household drain.

A sewage smell, burning smell or strong electrical smell also needs a different response from ordinary mustiness.

What You Need Before Cleaning

Gather these items before you begin:

• Rubber gloves.
• Soft cleaning cloths.
• A small, soft-bristled brush.
• Warm water.
• A shallow tray and old towels if you will clean a pump filter.
• A washing-machine cleaner approved for your appliance, if required.
• The washer’s care instructions.

Your model number is usually on a label around the door opening, beneath the lid or elsewhere on the appliance.

Check the manual for three things: which cleaning products are allowed, which cycle to use, and which parts you may remove yourself.

Do not assume that instructions for another brand apply to yours. Even washers from the same manufacturer can have different cleaning requirements.

Follow these safety rules

Turn off and unplug the machine before cleaning removable parts or opening a filter access panel. Reconnect it only when everything is correctly fitted and you are ready to run a cycle.

Allow hot water to cool before draining it.

Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, toilet cleaner or another cleaning product. Dangerous fumes can result. Use one approved cleaning treatment at a time, following its label and the washer’s instructions.

Keep the room ventilated. Wear the protection specified on the cleaner’s label, and keep children and pets away from cleaning products and the open appliance.

How to Remove the Mildew Smell Step by Step

1. Empty the machine and check for leftover water

Take out all clothing, including small items caught around the opening.

Look inside the drum. A noticeable pool of water after a completed cycle is a reason to check drainage before starting a deep clean.

If the machine can drain normally, use its drain programme as directed. Do not open the pump filter while the drum is full.

If it refuses to drain, displays a drainage error or repeatedly leaves water behind, deal with that problem first. A cleaning product cannot remove a physical blockage or repair a faulty pump.

Also remove any detergent pod or other laundry product left inside. The cleaning cycle should run without clothes.

2. Clean the rubber door seal on a front-loader

The rubber ring around the door is called the gasket. Its folds can hide lint, hair, small socks and dirty water.

Gently pull back the accessible folds without stretching the rubber. Remove loose items, then wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth using the cleaning method approved for your model.

Pay attention to the bottom of the seal, where moisture often collects.

For ordinary residue, a manufacturer-approved mild cleaning solution may be enough. Wipe away the residue with a clean damp cloth, then dry the area.

If visible mould remains, check the specific instructions for treating it. Some machines permit a diluted bleach solution; others have different restrictions. Do not guess the strength or leave a strong chemical soaking against the rubber.

Avoid metal brushes, sharp tools and rough scouring pads. Damaging the gasket can create a leak.

3. Wash the detergent drawer and its housing

A dispenser can look tidy from the front while holding sticky residue underneath.

If your drawer is removable, release it as shown in the manual. Do not force it past its stop.

Rinse removable sections with warm water. Use a soft brush to loosen deposits in corners and around the softener insert. Rinse again.

Next, inspect the opening where the drawer fits. Wipe accessible residue with a damp cloth, taking care not to flood the compartment.

Reassemble the inserts correctly. A missing or badly fitted insert can affect how the dispenser empties.

If the drawer is not designed to come out, clean only the accessible areas. Do not dismantle the machine to reach it.

4. Clean the accessible rim and lid on a top-loader

Top-loading machines also develop odours. Their problem areas may include the tub rim, lid underside and detergent or softener dispenser.

Wipe these surfaces with a soft cloth and an approved cleaning solution. Remove visible residue rather than simply spreading it around.

Some models have a removable dispenser on the centre agitator, the upright part inside the tub that moves the clothes. Remove it only if the instructions describe how.

Do not unscrew the agitator or lift out the drum as part of routine cleaning. Hidden deposits that require dismantling are a service job.

5. Check the filter your machine actually has

A lint filter catches fibres from clothes. A drain pump filter catches debris before it reaches the pump. They are different parts, and not every washer has both.

For a removable lint filter, follow the manual to take it out, remove trapped fibres, rinse it and reinstall it.

For an accessible front-loader pump filter:

1. Switch off, unplug and let the machine cool.
2. Put towels and a shallow tray beneath the access area.
3. Drain residual water through the emergency drain hose, if fitted.
4. Remove the filter according to the manual.
5. Clear lint, hair and loose objects, then rinse the filter.
6. Refit the filter and hose cap securely.

Check for leaks when you next run the machine.

Do not force a stuck filter or remove an appliance panel that is not intended for user access.

6. Run the correct empty cleaning cycle

Once you have removed accessible dirt, run the washer’s cleaning programme.

It may be called Tub Clean, Drum Clean, Clean Washer, Self Clean or something similar.

Follow the model’s instructions for whether to add cleaner. Some programmes are intended to run without additives during routine maintenance. Others specify a washer-cleaning product or an approved bleach procedure.

Also check where the product belongs. A tablet, powder and liquid may have different placement instructions.

Do not add normal laundry detergent unless the maintenance instructions specifically require it. Extra detergent can create more residue.

Allow the programme to finish. A short rinse is not a substitute for a full cleaning cycle.

7. Remove loosened residue and rinse if instructed

After the cycle ends and the machine is safe to touch, check for loosened dirt around the drum and seal. Wipe it away with a clean cloth.

Run an additional rinse if the appliance instructions or cleaner label require one.

If flakes remain, follow the manufacturer’s directions for further cleaning. Do not double the chemical dose in an attempt to finish faster.

8. Dry the machine properly

Dry the seal, door glass and other accessible wet surfaces.

Leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open enough for air to circulate, provided children and pets cannot access the appliance.

An open washer can be dangerous for a small child or animal. A control-panel child lock does not prevent them from climbing into an open drum.

If you cannot safely leave it open, dry the accessible parts carefully and arrange supervised drying time.

What If Your Washer Has No Cleaning Programme?

Do not automatically choose the hottest setting and pour in a household cleaner.

Check the manual for the recommended maintenance method. If it permits a washing-machine cleaner, choose one suitable for your machine type and follow the required cycle, dose and water-temperature instructions.

A cleaner that needs hot water may not work as intended in a cold-water-only machine.

For a semi-automatic or twin-tub washer, clean the wash tub, spin tub, removable lint filter and dispensers according to its instructions. Drain used water fully after washing.

Do not pour boiling water into the machine to create a homemade hot-cleaning cycle. The appliance may not be designed for that temperature.

The goal is to use a cleaning method that suits the machine you own, rather than copying a routine intended for a different design.

Should You Use Bleach, Vinegar or Baking Soda?

Bleach is an option only when the manufacturer permits it

Bleach may be part of an approved procedure for removing mould or odour. However, it is not suitable for every washer or every component.

Use only the specified type, amount and compartment. Do not assume that a detergent drawer’s maximum line is the correct dose for every cleaning task.

Avoid applying undiluted bleach directly to the gasket unless the manufacturer expressly instructs you to do so.

If you have already used another product, complete the required rinsing before considering any different treatment. Never combine chemicals inside the machine.

Vinegar is not a universal washer cleaner

Vinegar is popular in cleaning videos, but manufacturers do not all recommend it. Whirlpool, for example, warns that vinegar can damage washing-machine components over time.

That makes “pour in vinegar every week” poor general advice.

Use it only if your model’s care instructions allow it for the particular task. Never mix it with bleach.

Baking soda does not replace a proper clean

Baking soda may help with odours in some approved cleaning routines, but it cannot remove a trapped sock, clear a blocked filter or correct poor drainage.

Do not rely on a fizzy mixture of vinegar and baking soda as proof that the machine is being cleaned effectively.

The useful work is removing residue, using the correct maintenance cycle and allowing the machine to dry.

How to Stop the Smell From Returning

Measure detergent instead of pouring by eye

More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes.

Use the amount recommended for your load size, soil level and water conditions. Concentrated detergent may require much less than you expect.

For example, a small load of lightly worn shirts should not automatically receive the same dose as a full load of dirty work clothes.

If your machine requires high-efficiency detergent, choose a product labelled for that use. High-efficiency detergent is designed to produce less foam.

Reduce unnecessary fabric softener

Softener can leave residue in the dispenser and washer. If the machine repeatedly becomes slimy or musty, try leaving softener out while you assess the problem.

Adding more fragrance can make the smell harder to judge without removing its cause.

A clean washer does not need to smell strongly perfumed.

Remove laundry promptly

Move clothes out when the wash finishes. Do not use the drum as a storage basket for damp towels.

If power cuts sometimes interrupt washing in your home, check the machine when electricity returns. Confirm that the cycle completed and the water drained.

Do not force a locked front-loader open. Follow its instructions for restarting, draining or safely releasing the door.

Make cleaning part of your routine

Many manufacturers recommend a maintenance clean roughly monthly, although some use a cycle-count reminder or another schedule.

Follow your model’s guidance and clean visible deposits sooner.

This routine is easier than waiting until both the washer and the laundry smell.

When Cleaning Is Not Enough

If the smell returns almost immediately, look for a continuing source of moisture or dirty water.

An incorrectly installed drain hose can contribute to drainage problems or dirty water returning. Compare its position with the installation instructions rather than guessing a suitable height or insertion depth.

Seek help if you notice:

• Water repeatedly remaining in the drum.
• Drainage errors or unusual pump noises.
• Leaks around the door or filter.
• A damaged gasket.
• Persistent sewage odours.
• Odour that remains after the recommended cleaning procedure.

A plumber may be needed for a household drain problem. An appliance technician is the better choice for a pump, seal or internal washer fault.

Stop using the machine if it produces a burning smell or shows signs of overheating.

Before repeating a cleaning treatment, compare your routine with Samsung’s washing-machine cleaning guidance, which explains maintenance areas such as the dispenser and cleaning programme. Apply only the instructions suitable for your model.

If vinegar is your usual remedy, review Whirlpool’s advice on mildew smells and washer cleaners, including its warning about possible damage from vinegar.

Conclusion

To stop your washing machine from smelling like mildew, remove the buildup that holds moisture, clean the accessible parts and complete the correct empty maintenance cycle.

Start with the seal or tub rim, dispenser and permitted filter. Then keep the machine dry between washes and measure detergent carefully. If standing water or persistent odours remain, investigate drainage instead of adding more cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I wash clothes while the machine still smells musty?

The smell may transfer to your laundry, so cleaning the machine first is the more useful choice. Avoid washing a large load while you are still troubleshooting.

If there is standing water, a drainage fault, a leak or a burning smell, address that problem before using the washer again.

2. Why do my towels smell even after I have cleaned the washer?

The towels may already contain lingering odour, or they may be drying too slowly. Rewash them according to their care labels, avoid overloading and dry them fully.

Check whether other freshly washed items also smell. If only the towels do, focus on their washing and drying routine rather than repeatedly treating the machine.

Suggested sentence: For fabrics that smell musty after storage, read our guide to removing a musty smell from clothes without rewashing;  removing a musty smell from clothes without rewashing

3. Does a black mark on the rubber seal mean I must replace it?

Not automatically. A mark may remain after cleaning, and colour alone does not show whether the rubber needs replacement.

Check for tears, distortion, leaks and persistent growth or odour. If the approved cleaning method does not resolve the problem, have the gasket assessed. Avoid repeated harsh scrubbing that could damage otherwise usable rubber.

4. Can dishwasher tablets clean a washing machine?

Do not use them unless your washer manufacturer specifically allows them. Dishwasher products are formulated for a different appliance and cleaning process.

Choose a washing-machine cleaner compatible with your model. A tablet dissolving successfully does not prove that its ingredients are suitable for the washer’s seals and other parts.

5. Is it normal to find water when I open the pump filter?

Some residual water can remain in the pump area, which is why filter-cleaning instructions include draining it into a tray.

That is different from finding a visible pool in the drum after a completed wash. Repeated standing water in the drum needs a drainage check. Always let water cool before opening the filter area.

6. Do cold washes cause mildew?

Cold washing alone does not mean your machine will develop mildew. However, repeated cold cycles can contribute to residue buildup in some circumstances.

Continue following clothing care labels, and use the washer’s separate maintenance routine. Do not wash delicate clothing at a higher temperature simply to clean the appliance.

7. What should I do if the power goes off during a cleaning cycle?

When electricity returns, check whether the machine resumes automatically or requires a restart. Follow its instructions and complete the cleaning and rinsing process before adding laundry.

Do not add a second dose of cleaner because the first cycle stopped. There may still be cleaning product inside the machine.

8. Can hard water make the problem worse?

Hard water contains dissolved minerals that can leave deposits. These deposits can exist alongside detergent residue, although a musty smell alone does not prove that hard water is responsible.

If you see mineral scale, use only a descaling method approved for your washer. Do not combine a descaler with bleach or another cleaning product.

9. Should I clean a second-hand washing machine before using it?

Yes. Check the seal, drawer and accessible filters, then complete the recommended maintenance cycle before washing clothes.

Also inspect visible hoses and look for leaks during the first run. Cleaning addresses residue from previous use; it does not confirm that the machine is mechanically sound.

10. How can I tell whether the cleaning worked?

Check the machine after it has dried, rather than judging it while a scented cleaner is still strong.

Look for remaining residue and confirm that water drains normally. Then wash a small, ordinary load and dry it promptly. If the musty smell returns immediately, reassess hidden buildup or drainage instead of covering it with fragrance.