There is no need to worry if your washing machine smells like mildew. Usually, after laundry, some residues or detergents might get stuck in the crevices of the washing machine, and then they begin to convert into mold.
Cleaning regularly can save your washer from mildew. Proper care is needed, especially if you have a front-load washing machine. Its airtight design can trap moisture, which leads to fungus or mold buildup.
So keep reading this content to learn the genuine reason behind mildew-type washer smells, and stay to get a very important bonus tip to protect your washer from any kind of mold.
Why Your Washer Smells Like Mildew?
There are a few reasons behind mildew-type smells from your washer, such as residue or moisture inside the washing machine. These two sources (Residue or moisture) are very common that creates an environment in which bacteria can easily arise within a short time.
As your washer removes dirt and grime from your clothes, any residue may be stuck inside the Tub, detergent drawer, and other crevices. On the other hand, after laundry, it’s possible that your washer does not dry properly, and some moisture stays inside. Moisture and residue can quickly generate fungus, mildew, or mold.
Compared to top-load washers, front-load washers are more prone to that issue because their airtight design can trap water around the door gasket, detergent drawer tray, and other crevices.
Here are also some other reasons that can lead your washer towards mildew-like smells such as
- The first reason behind this is your washer’s dirty tub. Sometimes, after laundry, you often forget to clean the tub well, and then it remains dirty or grimy. A dirty washer’s tub can easily create fungus or mold, so the washer leaves mildew smells.
- Non-HE detergent can also create mildew smells in your washer if you are using it in your high-efficiency washer because it exceeds suds and does not rinse perfectly from inside the washer, which leads to odor problems.
- Using too much detergent is not healthy for your washer because it can freeze inside the washer, which can lead to mildew smell or odor issues.
- Wet clothes are also a big reason for mildew smells. If you leave wet clothes or too many dirty clothes in your washer for a long time, this can also generate bad odors, mildew, or mold.
How do you remove mildew smells from your washer or laundry?
Removing mildew smells from the washer is very easy and accessible for you at home. If you have a top-load washer or front-load washer, follow the instructions below how as it is by following the will need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mild soap or detergent
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- Small brush
Remove Mildew Smell from Top Load Washer
Follow the below instructions and clean your top load washer from mildew smell:
Pour vinegar into the drum directly.
First, empty the washer of all clothes. Now add 4 cups of vinegar directly to the drum of the washer and run the wash cycle on the hottest and longest setting to combat all types of bacteria and mold.
Pause the wash cycle (optional)
Now, if your top load offers the pausing option, you must pause for 1 hour to observe the vinegar well in the drum. But if your washer does not provide to pause, then you can avoid this and continue your next step
Sprinkle the baking soda
After that, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the drum and run the second wash cycle again on the hottest and longest setting.
Clean the drum and open the Lid
To clean the washer’s drum and lid, add a few drops of dishwashing soap to the warm water.
Dip the soft cloth in warm soapy water and wipe down the drum and lid inside correctly.
After that, use a clean and dry cloth to remove any moist from the washer inside
Clean the dispenser
Now remove the detergent dispenser from the washer and soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Clean the residue or grime with a small brush and rinse it. After that, dry it properly before placing it in the washer.
Leave the lid open
After the process, you have to open the lid so that the washer can dry inside perfectly.
Remember: Vinegar helps kill bacteria, mold, and bad smells while cleaning away soap and mineral buildup. Baking soda absorbs odors, gently cleans, and helps keep your washer fresh.
Remove Mildew Smell from Front Load Washer:
The big reason, a front-load washer creates mildew smells is its door boots around the front of the tub. This door boots are a big rubber seal around the front area of the washer tub that traps the residue and water drops and then converts these into a mildew smell.
So, cleaning your washer door boots is very important to get rid of the mildew smell. Keep reading the instructions below to clean the front load washer and door boots.
- Empty the washer from all clothes first.
- Pour the 2 cups of vinegar and run the wash cycle on a long, hot circle to remove the mold and bacteria.
- After that, pour the ¼ cup of baking soda directly into the tub and again run the wash cycle entirely on hot water
- Add some drops of dishwash soap to warm water. Take a microfiber cloth and soak it in this soapy water as well, and wipe down the door boots (pull back the seal rubber that is around the front of the tub to clean the residue with that warm, soapy water)
- Use a clean and soft cloth to dry that rubber seal
- Remove the detergent tray and soak it in that soapy, warm water for a few minutes. Clean the residue and detergent from it, then rinse it and replace it after drying it properly
- Remove the drain filter tray, soak it in warm, soapy water, and clean the residues with a small brush. Rinse it and dry it perfectly, then place it back
- Now, after all that, run a clean wash cycle again to remove any vinegar or baking soda left from the washer
- Now, by the end of the method, you have just to leave the door open so that the seal rubber or washer inside may dry completely
How can you safe your washer from mildew smell?
To keep your washer safe from mildew smells, it’s important to maintain regular cleaning and prevent moisture buildup. After each load, open the washer door or lid to allow air to circulate and dry the drum, as trapped moisture is a common cause of mildew.
Use the right amount of detergent, as too much can leave a residue that promotes mold growth. Once a month, run a hot water cycle with white vinegar and baking soda to clean and deodorize the washer.
Additionally, clean the detergent drawer, door seal, and filter regularly to remove detergent buildup and debris, which can trap moisture. Finally, ensure your washer is level and draining to avoid standing water inside.
Bonus Tip: To protect your washer from mold
Always open the door or lid after each use to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Regularly clean the door seal, detergent drawer, and drum with vinegar and baking soda to remove any residue and mildew before it has a chance to grow.
Final Summary
In conclusion, preventing and removing mildew smells from your washer is simple with regular cleaning and proper care. Natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can effectively eliminate odors and mold. Remember to keep your washer dry, clean the detergent drawer and door seal, and follow the recommended cleaning steps to ensure your washer stays fresh and functional for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my LG top loader washing machine smell like mildew?
Mildew smells in your LG top loader are often caused by trapped moisture, detergent residue, or mold buildup in the drum, detergent drawer, or other crevices. To fix this, clean the washer with vinegar and baking soda, and ensure it’s scorched after each use by leaving the lid open. Regular cleaning and proper detergent use will help prevent odors
What is the best tablet washing machine cleaner for mold smell?
The best tablet washing machine cleaner for mold smell is designed to break down mold, mildew, and detergent residues. Tablets like Affresh or OxiClean are highly recommended. These cleaners dissolve in the drum during a wash cycle and help eliminate odors while cleaning the washer’s internal parts. They are convenient, easy to use, and effective for deep cleaning, especially for front-load washers prone to mold buildup.
Why is my washing machine smelling musty?
A musty smell in your washing machine is typically caused by trapped moisture, detergent buildup, mold, and mildew growth. This can happen when the washer isn’t drying properly, leaving water in the drum, door seal, or detergent drawer. Regular cleaning and leaving the door open after each use can help prevent and eliminate these odors.