How to Stop Odor in Laundry Room

Cleaning your washing machine regularly is the best way to keep your laundry room smelling fresh.

Fungus typically causes odors in your laundry room. Fungus grows as a result of using laundry detergent and fabric softeners, according to the Jolly Mom website. The humid condition in your laundry room also exacerbates the mildew growth. This often causes a musty or mildew type odor. It is important to clean your washing machine regularly to ensure the health of your family and to have a fresh smelling laundry room.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions

Monthly Cleaning

1. Pour two cups of white distilled vinegar into your washing machine to clean and deodorize it effectively.

2. Turn the machine on and let it run through a full cycle with hot water. Do not add any clothing or detergent to the machine. Do this once a month to keep your washer and laundry room odor free.

3. Raise the lid of the washer and let it dry out for a few hours.

Deep Cleaning Your Washer

1. Fill your washer with hot water and pour in 2 gallons of white distilled vinegar.

2. Turn the washing machine on and let it agitate for 7 to 10 minutes.

3. Turn the washing machine to the off position and leave the vinegar and water solution in the washer overnight, as suggested by the Reader's Digest website.

4. Let your washing machine run through a full cycle the next morning. This will effectively deep clean your machine. Do this monthly.

Tips & Warnings

• Always raise the lid after washing your clothes to allow it to dry out. This will prevent growth of mold and mildew.

References

• Jolly Mom: Get Rid of Washing Machine Odor
• Readers Digest: Vinegar