How to Get Rid of Smells in a Washing Machine
Remove bad odours from your washing machine using household cleaners and a simple maintenance routine.
Quick answer
Run a hot empty cycle with 500 ml of white vinegar, then scrub the door seal and detergent drawer with vinegar and a cloth. Leave the door open after every wash.
A smelly washing machine transfers odours to your clothes. The cause is usually a build-up of detergent, fabric softener, and mould in warm, damp corners. You can fix this with basic household items and a regular routine.
What you’ll need
- white vinegar
- bicarbonate of soda
- microfibre cloth
- old toothbrush
- warm water
Step by step
- 1
Clean the door seal
Pull back the rubber gasket to expose hidden grime, hair, and water. Wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Scrub the crevices with an old toothbrush. Dry the seal with a clean cloth.
- 2
Wash the detergent drawer
Press the release tab and remove the drawer completely. Scrub away old detergent residue under warm running water. Use the toothbrush to clean the narrow compartments. Dry the drawer before sliding it back in.
- 3
Run a hot service wash with vinegar
Pour 500 ml of white vinegar directly into the empty drum. Run the hottest cycle with no clothes and no detergent. The heat and acidity break down grease, soap scum, and bacteria.
- 4
Add bicarbonate of soda
Once the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle 200 g of bicarbonate of soda into the drum. Run another hot empty cycle. This neutralises any lingering smells and shifts remaining deposits.
- 5
Check the filter
Place a towel beneath the small access panel at the front of the machine. Unscrew the filter slowly to let trapped water drain out. Remove lint, coins, or debris. Rinse the filter under the tap and refit it firmly.
- 6
Dry and ventilate
Wipe the drum and seal with a dry cloth. Leave the door and detergent drawer slightly ajar so air circulates. Repeat this full routine once a month.
Common mistakes
- Using too much fabric softener, which coats the drum and traps bacteria
- Closing the door immediately after a wash, trapping warm moisture
- Ignoring the filter for months, letting stagnant water and debris fester
- Using only cold washes, which lets bacteria and mould thrive inside the drum
Frequently asked
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Run a maintenance wash once a month. Wipe the seal and clean the drawer weekly if you wash frequently.
Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
Yes, but use it sparingly. Run an empty hot cycle with 500 ml of thin bleach once every few months. Never mix bleach with vinegar in the same cycle.
Why does my machine still smell after cleaning?
The drain hose may be blocked or fitted too low, letting dirty water flow back into the drum. A plumber or appliance engineer can check the hose and pump.
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