Musty-Smelling Washing Machines

Detergent

• Soap manufacturers want you to buy a lot of their soap, so they recommend using a lot of detergent in every wash cycle. The reality is that most clothing isn't soiled; it is simply sweaty or has perfume or smoke odors. These are not serious soil. The detergent is rated for ground-in dirt. When you use too much detergent in your washer, and your clothing isn't dirty enough, the detergent can't do its job, so it hangs around and leaves a film on the inside of the washer surfaces. This provides a good growth medium for bacteria. Moist, dark, detergent and, voila, you have bad odors. This problem becomes pronounced if you go on vacation for a few weeks, and the washer sits idle. Look for low-sudsing detergents for high-efficiency (HE) washers.

Water in the Machine

• Although your washer drains water during the washing cycle, there is always an amount of water left in the pipes and hoses of the machine, sometimes more than a gallon's worth. If this water sits, it will develop mold and mildew. This problem is actually compounded by washing everything in cold water, since a rinse of hot water can actually kill off some of the odor-making bacteria. Fabric softeners used in the rinse cycle can also provide a food source for bacteria and, because they are used later in the cycle, they may not rinse away before your washer sits idle for a period of time.

Filter Traps

• Front-loading washers have the additional issue of objects becoming trapped. Luckily, most washers have a filter trap. Look in your manufacturer's information package for instructions on how to access the filter trap. The trap should be cleaned regularly to prevent objects from becoming source material for bacteria. Follow your manufacturer's directions for accessing and cleaning out your filter trap.

Washing Your Washer

• To keep the funky odor from developing in your washer, clean your washer regularly. How often depends on how frequently you use your washer. Typically, every three months is usually sufficient. Fill your washer with the lid open. Pour in 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and mix. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour. Close the lid and run the wash cycle. Fill your washer a second time with the lid open. Pour in 2 cups of laundry bleach. Mix and let it sit for another hour before running the wash cycle. After you finish with this cleaning, run your washer again to remove any residues from the machine. This will make your clothing and machine smell fresh again. Cut back on your detergent and use dryer sheets instead of fabric softener to keep your washer cleaner longer.