Washer Making Clothes Smell Musty? The $2 Cleaning Hack You’re Skipping

The Problem: That Mysterious Musty Smell

You’ve just pulled your freshly washed laundry from the machine, expecting that clean, fresh scent. Instead, you’re hit with a musty, mildew-like odor that seems to have transferred to your clothes. Even worse, that smell tends to intensify once your clothes are dry or when you work up a sweat wearing them. If you’re nodding in agreement, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue affects countless households, leaving many people rewashing loads or dousing their laundry in extra scented products to mask the smell.

But here’s the truth: those musty odors aren’t coming from your clothes—they’re coming from your washing machine itself. The very appliance designed to clean your items has become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. The good news? There’s an incredibly affordable solution that many people overlook.

The Solution: White Vinegar & Baking Soda to the Rescue

That $2 cleaning hack mentioned in the title? It’s white vinegar and baking soda—two powerhouse cleaning agents you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s how to use them to eliminate that musty smell from your washing machine once and for all:

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Gather your supplies

• 2 cups of white vinegar (costs about $1-2 per gallon)
• ½ cup of baking soda (costs about $1 per box)
• Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
• Microfiber cloth

1. Empty and inspect your washer

• Remove any laundry or items from your washing machine.
• Check the rubber gasket (the rubber seal around the door on front-loaders) for visible mold or mildew.
• Look for any visible gunk in the detergent dispenser.

1. Clean the detergent dispenser

• Remove the dispenser drawer (consult your machine’s manual if you’re not sure how).
• Soak it in warm water with a splash of vinegar for 15 minutes.
• Scrub with the toothbrush to remove any buildup.
• Rinse thoroughly and set aside to dry.

1. Clean the gasket (for front-loading machines)

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution generously on the rubber gasket.
• Pull back the folds of the gasket and spray inside as well.
• Use the toothbrush to scrub away any visible mold or mildew.
• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

1. Run the vinegar cycle

• For front-loaders: Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly to the drum.
• For top-loaders: Start filling with hot water, add the vinegar, and pause the cycle to let it soak.
• Run a hot water cycle on the longest, most intensive setting.
• Let the machine complete the entire wash and rinse cycle.

1. Run the baking soda cycle

• Add ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum (not the dispenser).
• Run another hot water cycle on the same intensive setting.
• This helps neutralize the vinegar smell and provides additional cleaning power.

1. Wipe down the interior

• After both cycles are complete, wipe down the inside of the drum with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Don’t forget to clean around the door and the top rim of the machine where gunk can accumulate.

1. Leave the door open

• This is crucial: leave the washer door open when not in use to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

Tips and Considerations for Ongoing Freshness

Prevention is better than cure:

• After each laundry day, wipe down the rubber gasket and leave the door ajar to allow the machine to dry out completely.
• Remove wet laundry promptly after the cycle ends. Leaving it sitting creates the perfect environment for mildew growth.
• Consider using less detergent. Excess soap creates a biofilm where bacteria thrive. Most people use 2-3 times more detergent than necessary.

Maintenance schedule:

• Perform this deep cleaning process monthly to keep your washer in top condition.
• For hard water areas, consider doing it every 2-3 weeks as mineral buildup happens faster.

For persistent odors:

• If your machine still smells after this treatment, check your drain pump filter (consult your machine’s manual for location). This often-forgotten component can harbor significant gunk.
• Consider using washing machine cleaning tablets quarterly for additional maintenance, though the vinegar/baking soda method is more economical for regular use.

What to avoid:

• Don’t use bleach as your primary cleaner as it can damage rubber components over time.
• Skip fabric softener whenever possible—it leaves a residue that encourages bacterial growth.
• Don’t use abrasive scrubbers on the drum as they can damage the finish.

For high-efficiency (HE) machines:

• HE machines use less water, making them particularly prone to buildup problems.
• Look specifically for HE-safe cleaning products if you choose commercial options.
• Be especially vigilant about your maintenance schedule with these machines.

Conclusion

That musty smell in your laundry doesn’t require expensive solutions or a new washing machine. With just $2 worth of pantry staples—white vinegar and baking soda—you can eliminate the source of the odor and enjoy truly fresh-smelling clothes again. By incorporating this simple cleaning routine into your monthly household maintenance, you’ll not only solve the current problem but prevent it from returning. Your nose (and your wallet) will thank you!