If you use a front loading washing machine, you may notice an annoying musty odor on all towels and clothes after washing. This is caused by some parts of the front loading washing machine that are still wet after use. There are several products you can use to clean your washing machine, but it's a good idea to wipe down all the components as well. There are also a few tips you can use to prevent a musty smell from building up in your washing machine.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the Washing Machine
Step 1. Clean the rubber layer
This rubber coating is located on the door and the inside of the washing machine so that it can be closed tightly.
- Use a rag or towel to wipe the rubber layer.
- You can use hot soapy water or some mild mildew spray as long as you are careful when using it as it can irritate the skin.
- You can also wipe down a 1:1 mixture of water and bleach with a rag.
- Be sure to wipe down the entire surface along with the bottom layer of the rubber.
- There may be dust or sticky liquid adhering to the washer's rubber coating. This is the main source of musty odors in front load washing machines.
- If the sticky liquid under the rubber layer sticks together and is difficult to clean with a rag, try using an old toothbrush to brush hard-to-reach areas.
- If you find socks or clothes stuck in the washing machine, be sure to take them out.
Step 2. Clean the soap holder
This soap holder may be detachable from the washing machine, so it can be cleaned more easily.
- Soap residue and a little standing water can make the soap dish smell bad.
- Remove the soap holder, and clean it thoroughly with hot soapy water.
- If the soap holder is not removable, you can wipe it with soapy water.
- Use a spray bottle or bottle cleaner to get to the hidden parts of the soap dish.
Step 3. Turn on the washing machine
Turn on the washing machine on the longest setting and the hottest water temperature.
- Some washing machines have a tub wash option.
- Pour one of the following cleaners directly into the washing machine drum: 1 cup bleach, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup enzymatic laundry soap or commercial cleaner.
- Some well-known brands of washing machine cleaners are Affresh or Smelly Washer.
- The Tide brand of cleaning products also provides a selection of washing machine cleaners that are available on the laundry soap product shelves at convenience stores.
- Run the washing machine until one wash cycle is complete. If the musty smell hasn't gone away, try turning it on again.
- If after turning on the washing machine 2 times the musty smell still doesn't go away, try another cleaning agent. For example, if you used baking soda in the first wash cycle, try bleach in the second cycle.
Step 4. Call a washing machine repair service
Your washing machine warranty may warrant fixing problems like these. Check the user manual.
- If the musty smell still doesn't go away, there may be a blockage in the drain or washing machine filter. There may also be mildew growing behind the washing machine tub.
- A qualified repairman is able to investigate the problem causing the musty odor and provide advice on how to resolve it.
- If you understand the intricacies of a washing machine, try to clear the clogged drain and filter yourself. You can find this component in the small drawer at the bottom of the front loading washing machine.
- Be sure to prepare a bucket to collect standing water.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Musty Smell in Front Loading Washing Machine
Step 1. Use the right laundry soap
Most high efficiency (HE) washing machines require high efficiency laundry soap as well.
- Using non-HE laundry soap will produce too much suds. This foam will leave a smelly residue.
- Do not use too much laundry soap. This will also leave soap residue in the washing machine.
- Powdered laundry soap is often better than liquid laundry soap, as it tends to produce less suds.
Step 2. Avoid fabric softener
Use a dryer sheet instead.
- Much like liquid laundry soap, fabric softener can also leave residue in the washing machine.
- The remaining liquid softener will give off an unpleasant odor over time.
- Buy a dryer sheet instead of fabric softener. Dryer sheets are fairly inexpensive and are readily available on the laundry soap shelf at most convenience stores.
Step 3. Allow air to circulate in the washer when not in use
The airflow will reduce the musty smell as it allows the washer to dry completely.
- Leave the washing machine door slightly open when not in use.
- This allows fresh air to enter the front-loading washer, and helps to dry any remaining moisture after washing.
- Do not leave the washing machine door open if there are children or pets in the house, as they can enter and become trapped in it accidentally.
Step 4. Immediately remove wet clothes
Remove wet clothes as soon as the wash cycle is complete.
- Turn on the washing machine alarm at the end of the wash cycle, so you don't forget to take your clothes out of it.
- Remove and dry clothes until you can use the dryer if you can't dry them right away.
- This will reduce the moisture that has accumulated in the washer after use.
Step 5. Wipe the washer's rubber coating to dry regularly
Use a dry towel to wipe it down.
- Ideally, the rubber lining, the underside, and the inside of the washing machine tub should always be wiped dry after each use.
- However, this step may be quite inconvenient. So, make sure to at least wipe it regularly.
- You can also regularly wipe the rubber coating with hot, soapy water and allow it to dry completely. That way, this layer will always be clean and free of mold growth.
Step 6. Clean the washing machine once a month
Use hot water or a washing machine cleaning cycle.
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the dish soap, pour hot water, and start the cleaning cycle.
- You can also use a commercial washing machine cleaner like Smelly Washer. However, in addition to the same level of efficiency, white vinegar is also cheaper.
- When you're done, clean the inside of the tub, the rubber lining, the soap holder, and the inside of the washing machine door using a mixture of hot water and vinegar with a towel.
- Wipe the inside of the washing machine again with only hot water.
- Turn on the washing machine again with only hot water.
- Leave the door of your washing machine open until the inside is completely dry.
Tips
- Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in the washing machine tub after each wash. This baking soda will mix in the next time you use the washing machine and absorb the smell.
- Another way to remove odors from towels is to run the washing machine with baking soda without laundry soap on the highest setting.
- Wash the dishwashing detergent at least once a month, including the drawers.
- You can also add vinegar or Downy Ball (don't use fabric softener at the same time) when rinsing.
- Use vinegar to remove odors and kill mold. You can use vinegar in the wash or rinse cycle. Adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to each rinse also acts as a natural fabric softener.
- The soap holder can be completely removed from the washing machine, the parts can also be removed by turning it upside down.
