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How Do I Get The Mildew Smell Out Of My Washer?

Optimal Refrigerator Temperature

Hands-on Washer Repair Experience

 

I’ve had my washer for a few years now, and while it’s been a reliable workhorse, there was a point when I started noticing a funky, moldy smell coming from it. It wasn’t something I expected, and I had no idea what was causing it at first. After some trial and error, and a bit of research, I finally figured out what was going on and how to fix it.

Why My Washer Smelled Moldy

The first time I noticed the smell, I was honestly a bit grossed out. I’d just finished washing a load of towels, and instead of that fresh, clean scent, there was this musty odor lingering in the laundry room. After looking into it, I realized that the smell was coming from my washer itself.

It turns out that over time, detergent and fabric softener can leave behind residue in your washer. This residue becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can lead to that unpleasant smell. In my case, I had been using a bit too much detergent and not doing regular cleaning cycles, so the buildup was worse than I thought.

Another thing I learned was that moisture and humidity inside the washer can also cause mold growth. I had a bad habit of leaving wet clothes sitting in the washer for too long and often closed the door when the washer wasn’t in use. Little did I know that I was creating the perfect environment for mold to thrive!

 

How I Got Rid of the Mildew Smell

Once I knew what was causing the problem, I was determined to get rid of the smell for good. Here’s what I did:

 

Cleaning the Gasket and Dispenser

I started by tackling the areas that were most likely to have mold—specifically, the door gasket and the detergent dispenser. I mixed up a solution of white vinegar and water, grabbed an old toothbrush, and got to work. The gasket had some gunk built up in the folds, so I made sure to scrub those areas thoroughly. The detergent dispenser was also pretty gross, so I removed it, soaked it in the vinegar solution, and scrubbed away the residue.

 

Running a Cleaning Cycle

Next, I ran an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the drum. I’d read that vinegar helps kill mold and neutralize odors, so I figured it was worth a shot. After that, I followed up with another hot water cycle, this time adding a cup of baking soda to help freshen things up. When the cycles were done, the washer already smelled a lot better.

 

Keeping the Door Open

To prevent the smell from coming back, I started leaving the washer door open after each load. This allowed air to circulate and helped dry out any moisture that might have been left behind. It was such a simple step, but it made a huge difference in keeping the washer fresh.

 

Regular Maintenance

I’ve also made it a habit to clean the washer regularly now. Once a month, I run a hot water cycle with either vinegar or a washer cleaner tablet to keep everything in check. I also clean the gasket and detergent dispenser as needed to prevent any buildup.

Optimal Refrigerator Temperature

Got a mildew smell in your washer? Let’s tackle that. First, is it a front-load or top-load washer? If you can, also provide the model number so I can give you more specific advice.

In the meantime, here’s a general guide to get you started:

Front-Load Washer

Most Common Fixes:

  1. Clean the Door Seal:
    • Open the washer door.
    • Wipe down the rubber seal (gasket) with a solution of water and white vinegar or a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
    • Pay special attention to the folds where water can get trapped.
  2. Run a Cleaning Cycle:
    • Use a washer cleaner tablet (like Affresh) or 2 cups of white vinegar.
    • Place it in the drum.
    • Run a hot water cycle.

Less Common Fixes:

  1. Clean the Detergent Dispenser:
    • Remove and wash the detergent dispenser tray.
    • Soak in warm, soapy water, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
    • Check the compartment for mold and clean as necessary.
  2. Clean the Drain Pump Filter:
    • Refer to your washer’s manual to locate and clean the drain pump filter.
    • This is typically behind a small door near the bottom of the washer.

Top-Load Washer

Most Common Fixes:

  1. Run a Cleaning Cycle:
    • Fill the washer with hot water.
    • Add 4 cups of white vinegar.
    • Let it agitate for a few minutes, then pause and let it sit for an hour.
    • After an hour, complete the cycle.
    • Follow with another hot water cycle, adding 1 cup of baking soda.

Less Common Fixes:

  1. Clean the Agitator and Drum:
    • Use a cloth dipped in a vinegar solution to wipe down the agitator and drum.
  2. Check and Clean the Dispenser:
    • Remove and clean the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.

Preventive Maintenance

  1. Leave the Door Open:
    • After each wash, leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth.
  2. Use the Right Detergent:
    • Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent if you have a high-efficiency washer.
    • Avoid using too much detergent, as excess can lead to buildup and mold growth.
  3. Regular Cleaning:
    • Perform a cleaning cycle once a month using the steps above.

Think You need a Repairman?

Atlanta Appliance Repairs has skilled technicians that  are standy by and waiting to assist you with your washing machine repair needs.

For all your washer repair and home appliance repair needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Atlanta Appliance Repairs. Our expert team is ready to help keep your appliances running smoothly!