How to Clean a Washing Machine and Prevent Musty Odors

A washing machine works continuously to keep your clothes fresh, but over time, laundry detergent residue, fabric softener film, hard water minerals, and trapped moisture build up inside the drum, dispenser drawer, and rubber door seal. When left uncleaned, this damp environment creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, resulting in a persistent musty smell on your freshly washed clothes.

To keep your machine running efficiently and smelling clean, follow this comprehensive guide to safely clean your front-load or top-load washing machine.

What Is the Safest Way to Clean a Washing Machine?

The safest way to clean a washing machine is to identify your machine type (front-load vs. top-load), empty the drum completely, clean removable dispenser drawers and rubber gaskets by hand, run an approved washer-cleaning cycle or hot-water cycle with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner, and thoroughly dry all accessible surfaces.

Important Safety Distinction: Routine cleaning addresses surface residue, detergent buildup, and light odors. It does not repair active water leaks, mechanical drainage clogs, or faulty water pumps.

Why a Clean-Looking Washer Can Still Smell

Even if the stainless-steel drum looks sparkling, hidden areas inside the washer can trap organic material and moisture:

• Soap Scum & Fabric Softener: Liquid fabric softeners and excess detergent leave a sticky film on the outer tub walls that traps dirt and lint.
• Trapped Moisture in Seals: The rubber door gasket on front-load washers has deep folds that collect standing water, lint, and hair.
• Dispenser Drawer Residue: Damp compartments for detergent and softener harbor mold spores if not dried regularly.

If your washing machine emits a strong sewer-like odor, leaks water onto the floor, or leaves standing water in the drum after a cycle, the issue is likely a blocked drain line or plumbing fault rather than simple surface residue. In such cases, consult an appliance technician or plumber. If you are troubleshooting lingering smells across other areas of your home, refer to our guide on how to find the source of household odors.

Check Your Washer Type Before Choosing a Method

Cleaning techniques and vulnerabilities vary depending on whether you own a front-loading washer, a traditional top-loader, or a high-efficiency (HE) top-loader:

Washer Type	Primary Odor Hotspots	Safe Cleaning Focus	What to Avoid
Front-Loading Washer	Rubber door gasket folds, detergent dispenser drawer, drain pump filter.	Wipe gasket folds gently; hand-wash drawer; run a maintenance cycle with an approved washer cleaner tablet (e.g., Affresh®).	Do not remove or pull aggressively on the rubber door seal. Avoid abrasive metal scouring pads.
Top-Loading Washer (With Agitator)	Under the agitator rim, tub rim, bleach dispenser.	Clean around the agitator base; wipe top rim; run a hot-water maintenance cycle.	Do not attempt to unscrew or remove the central agitator or open cabinet panels.
High-Efficiency (HE) Top-Loader	Under the wash plate, dispenser drawer, rim crevices.	Clean dispenser compartments; run a deep-clean maintenance cycle using minimal cleaner dose.	Avoid over-foaming by using non-HE detergents or excessive amounts of liquid cleaners.

Always consult your specific appliance owner’s manual before using vinegar, bleach, or commercial cleaning products, as some manufacturers restrict certain chemicals to protect internal coatings and seals.

Front-Loading Washers and Door Gaskets

The rubber door gasket on front-loaders requires delicate care. Pull back the rubber folds gently to inspect for trapped coins, hair, or visible mold. Wipe the folds clean using a microfiber cloth dampened with a mild soap solution or an approved washer cleaner. Never remove the rubber seal yourself or operate the machine if the gasket is cracked or torn.

Top-Loaders, Dispensers, and Agitator Areas

For top-loading machines, focus on accessible areas like the rim under the lid and the detergent cups. Wipe around the base of the central agitator using a soft cloth. Never attempt to dismantle internal agitator parts or open the machine’s outer casing without professional guidance.

Clean the Washer Step by Step

Gather your supplies before starting:

• Microfiber cloths (separate clean cloths for wiping and drying)
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Manufacturer-approved washer cleaner (or liquid chlorine bleach, only if approved by your manual)
• Mild dish soap and warm water

[ Washing Machine Cleaning Steps ]

1. Empty Drum & Remove Drawer ──> 2. Wipe Gasket, Door & Control Panel

│

▼

4. Dry Surfaces & Ventilate <── 3. Run Maintenance Cycle (Hot Water)

1. Empty the Drum and Clean the Detergent Drawer

Ensure no clothing remains in the drum. Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer (most models have a small release tab). Submerge the drawer in warm, soapy water and scrub away built-up detergent and softener residue with a soft brush. If the drawer is dishwasher-safe per your manual, you may place it on the top rack. Rinse thoroughly and dry before reinstalling.

2. Wipe the Gasket, Door, and Accessible Exterior

Wipe the inside of the door and glass window. For front-loaders, carefully clean behind the rubber gasket folds. Wipe the exterior control panel with a barely damp microfiber cloth—never spray liquid cleaners directly onto electronic buttons or screens.

3. Run the Correct Maintenance Cycle

Select your washer’s "Clean Washer" or "Tub Clean" cycle. If your machine lacks this setting, select the hottest water setting and the longest heavy-duty wash cycle. Add the manufacturer-approved cleaning tablet or liquid dose directly to the drum or dispenser as instructed by the product label.

CRITICAL CHEMICAL SAFETY WARNING: NEVER mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaning product. Combining these chemicals creates toxic chloramine or chlorine gas, which can cause severe respiratory harm.

4. Dry Accessible Areas and Manage Ventilation

Once the cycle finishes, wipe down the inside of the drum, the door interior, and the gasket folds with a dry microfiber towel. Leave the washer door or lid slightly ajar to allow air circulation and dry out residual moisture, provided it is safe from children and pets.

Build a Washer-Care Routine

Adopting small habits after every load extends the freshness of your washing machine:

• Post-Laundry Wipe Down: Quickly wipe water from the rubber gasket folds after finishing your weekly laundry.
• Remove Wet Clothes Promptly: Leaving damp clothes in the drum for hours creates instant mildew smells.
• Use HE Detergent Correctly: Overusing detergent creates excess suds that leave a film inside the drum. Use only the recommended amount of High-Efficiency (HE) detergent.
• Monthly Maintenance Wash: According to manufacturer guidance from brands like Whirlpool, running a monthly maintenance cycle with a dedicated washer cleaner prevents grease and scale buildup before smells develop.

For more seasonal maintenance ideas around your home, check out our Massachusetts fall cleaning checklist.

Troubleshoot Odors That Return

If musty smells persist after completing a cleaning cycle, use this symptom guide to determine your next step:

Symptom / Observation	Likely Underlying Cause	Action Plan
Musty smell returns within days	Damp lint trapped in the drain pump filter or uncleaned gasket folds.	Check and clean the user-serviceable drain pump filter (usually located behind a small panel at the bottom front of front-loaders).
Sour smell during fill cycle	Detergent buildup inside the internal supply lines or dispenser housing.	Clean the dispenser drawer housing slot using a narrow bottle brush and warm water.
Sewer gas smell from drum	Dry P-trap, clogged drain hose, or improper drain pipe venting.	Stop cleaning. Contact a licensed plumber to inspect the home drain line and trap.
Grinding noise or water not draining	Mechanical pump failure, worn belt, or foreign object stuck in the pump.	Stop operating. Contact a certified appliance repair technician.

Keep the Laundry Area Easier to Maintain

Keeping your laundry room organized and dust-free prevents lint and dirt from settling on and around your washer. Regular floor sweeping, dusting supply shelves, and wiping down appliance exteriors keep the entire utility space fresh.

Please note that while Vania’s Cleaning Services offers comprehensive home care, our standard residential scope focuses on general household surface cleaning, floor care, and dusting. We do not provide appliance repair, internal washing machine decontamination, or plumbing servicing.

If you live in Gardner or surrounding Massachusetts communities and would like help keeping your laundry room and living areas spotless, contact Vania’s Cleaning Services today to learn about our recurring maid service!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean my washing machine with vinegar?

Only if your specific washing machine manual permits it. While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaner, its acetic acid can degrade rubber seals, gaskets, and internal hoses in certain front-load and HE models over time. Many manufacturers recommend dedicated washing machine cleaner tablets instead.

How often should I clean a washing machine?

For average household use, clean your washing machine once a month or after every 30 wash cycles. If you wash heavy sports gear, pet bedding, or work clothes frequently, you may need to run a cleaning cycle every two to three weeks.

Why does my washer smell after a cleaning cycle?

A washer may still smell if debris remains trapped in unwashed areas like the dispenser drawer housing, rubber gasket folds, or the lower drain pump filter. It can also indicate a clogged home drain pipe or P-trap issue that requires plumbing evaluation.

Can I mix bleach and washing machine cleaner?

No. Never mix chlorine bleach with commercial washing machine cleaners, vinegar, or ammonia. Mixing these chemicals produces dangerous toxic gases. Always run separate cycles and rinse thoroughly between different products if instructed by your manual.

Should I leave the washer door open?

Yes, leaving the door or lid slightly ajar after a wash cycle allows airflow to dry out remaining moisture inside the drum and gasket. However, always ensure the laundry room is secure to prevent pets or young children from climbing inside.