Does your Washer Smell like Mildew? Follow these 4 tips to Beat the Stink!

It’s that time of year again when the weather is starting to warm up and we all start to spend more time outside. With that, comes the dreaded mildew smell coming from our washers. Here are four tips to help beat the stink!
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1. Scrub out the washer tub

​​​​​​​There are a variety of places where bad smells can come from your washer. You can start by cleaning the main part of the machine: the washer tub. Scrubbing your tub is a great way to deep-clean your washing machine and ensure there’s no soap scum left behind. To get the most out of this method, pour a quart of white vinegar into your washing machine’s detergent dispenser.  Set the washer to run on its longest cycle with the hottest water.  Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directing the drum of the washing machine and run it on the same settings.

2. Clean the gasket

​​​​​​​The problem is that water and detergent can stay in the detergent dispenser and the gasket that seals the door. This happens more with front-loaders than top-loaders because gravity pulls the water down in top-loaders. But in front loaders, the water and detergent left over attract bacteria which can lead to stinky mildew. Apply vinegar to a paper towel and wipe down your gasket to remove any buildup that might be causing bad smells.

3. Sanitize your washing machine with bleach

​​​​​​​If you have tried the first two tips and the smell is still there, you will need to try something more extreme. You can sanitize your washer with bleach or do a vinegar-soak cycle. Both of these procedures are similar, but we recommend starting with vinegar because it is less toxic. If afterward you’re still tempted to try bleach, be sure to allow enough time between cycles for the machine to dry out completely. Then set the empty machine on a normal wash cycle with hot water and then add a half cup bleach to the detergent compartment.

4. Maintain a smell-free machine

​​​​​​​In the long run, here are a few tips to help keep your washing machine smelling good. Don’t use too much detergent. Believe it or not, adding more detergent to your loads can lead to a smelly washing machine. Leave the washer door open between cycles. It’s a good habit of leaving your machine door open between cycles by allowing your dump to dry out completely. Give everything a regular wipe down. Get in the habit of wiping down the entire inside of your machine every few months with vinegar and paper towels.