How to Eliminate the Mildew Smell in a Washing Machine

Great-Grandma never had this problem!

Rate: (9 Ratings)

When you start to notice that mildewy smell emanating from your washing machine, realize that it's time for some maintenance!

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

bleach
your washing machine
cleaning rags
gloves

Step1

Purchase a cheap gallon of bleach. The brand does not matter - they are all the same.

Step2

Don the rubber gloves and some old clothes, just in case.

Step3

Pour the whole gallon of bleach into your washing machine, and set it for the longest cycle. As the tub fills with HOT water, use the rags to wipe down the well for fabric softener (if applicable) and around the upper edges of the tub and into any crevices you find. (Hint: This is also a good time to wipe the dust and dirt from the lid and around the knobs.)

Step4

Throw the rags into the washer, and turn it off once it is full. Allow it to sit for an hour, then turn back on to run the cycle. You should have a fresh-smelling machine that looks nice, too!

Tips & Warnings

It is a good idea to do this periodically, to keep mildew away.
When your machine is not in use, leave the lid up to allow it to air out.
Handle bleach with care!

Comments

danielzrib said

Flag This Comment

on 6/10/2008 Thanks for the tip, repairmeister!

repairmeister said

Flag This Comment

on 6/9/2008 This will kill mold and bacteria but won't clear away the sludge that can collect on the outer surface of the inner tub. There is a product called Affresh, which is available in online retailers like RepairClinic.com that will do a better job than bleach.

JRIngrisano said

Flag This Comment

on 4/3/2008 Great advice. I can tell you live in the tropics, where everything molds up fast. I can also use this to keep my washer clear of mildew in sunny Wisconsin. Thanks.

View All