How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

I am going to share some tips and tricks on how you can properly clean and deodorise your washing machine as well as some maintenance tips that you can apply in your washing routine to keep your washer clean and free of smell for a loong time.

I did this 5 months ago and my washing machine smells like nothing ever since. So what I am about to show you, has been time tested and it worked out great for me. And if it worked for me, it will work for you as well. So let’s get to it!

My washing machine is a Bosch Avantixx 7 (for Kids) front loader but this tutorial should be useful for most front loader washing machines.

Microfiber towels

Elbow brush

Tooth Brush (I didn't use one but some might find it useful)

Small tray (to gather leftover water from machine)

Flat screwdriver (optional depending on your machine)

Anti-mold agent

Window Cleaner

Sodium Bicarbonate (250 grams)

White Vinegar (500 ml)

First thing you need to do is to stay safe. So, always unplug the washing machine while you do the cleaning. 

Every machine has a filter somewhere in the lower part. Mine is in the front, lower right corner. There will be some water coming out so, I use a small tray to gather anything that comes out of there. To get to the filter I used a flat screwdriver. Before I open up the filter, I take out the hose next to the filter and drain the leftover water inside the machine. After that I rotate the filter anti-clockwise and take it out.

I give the filter a good cleaning with some liquid soap and water and then I dry it with a microfiber towel. I am also cleaning the inside of the filter to make sure there is nothing left in there. I like to use a window cleaning solution as it doesn’t require any rinsing afterwards. After everything is cleaned and dried I put all the parts back together. And that’s about it with cleaning the filter.

I take the Dispenser Tray out by pressing on the push tab that locks it in place. And looking on the inside is what appears to be some mould residue. The tray looks pretty clean at a first glimpse, but when I take it apart I find some more mould and dirt.

For this part I am using some anti mould solution specially designed to neutralise the mould. It takes a few sprays and between 5 to 10 minutes to take effect, and as you can see, most of the mould just disappears. 

I still have to give it a good scrub though and rinse the solution. For this I am using an elbow brush and my trusted window cleaning solution. And to make sure I get as much dirt out from the tough to reach places I used the shower head. I know it’s unconventional but the water pressure should help some more. 

And while I’m at it, I also give the tumbler door, the faceplate and buttons a soft clean and dry with the microfiber towel. 

Now I am making sure the tray gets a good scrub; and I am trying not to leave any mould or dirt anywhere. While washing I discovered I can also easily remove the front panel from the tray. Mine has two clips underneath, that lock it in place. That is great because I found a bit of mould between the parts. 

I clean, rinse and leave the parts to dry for a while before putting everything back together.

For this step you simply pull on the rubber gasket gradually and clean all around. Rinse and dry the interior and exterior of the gasket and you are all set. 

Sadly this was the best I could do. The lower part inside the rubber gasket needs to be regularly cleaned if you don’t want to end up with a stained gasket like mine. 

We will talk about regular habits in a bit. 

Clean your gasket some more!

The second part is the most tricky step of all and I wouldn’t recommend doing this step of the cleaning as often as the others. Mainly because it is pretty difficult to take out the rubber gasket and put it back, and in time you could damage it. All things considered, I am thinking maybe once a year or so. 

This is a tight space so if you really want to do a great job here you can consider using a toothbrush as well.

Putting it back was a bit trickier but I got some nasty stuff out from there so, It had to be done.

In order to get to the unreachable areas inside the washing machine I will do two empty loong washing cycles on the hottest temperature.

For the first cycle I will use sodium bicarbonate and for the second cycle I am pouring in some white vinegar.

You can also try doing one cycle using both components or use the specially designed cleaning tablets. There are different opinions about how you should approach this step but I chose to use the sodium bicarbonate and vinegar in two separate cycles as the theory says that if they are used both at the same time, they will cancel each other out and they won’t be as efficient. And I am here to share what worked for me. So here we go!

First Washing Cycle 1

I bought the sodium bicarbonate from the grocery store and I will use 250g. So a total of 5 packs that I will pour straight in the tumbler. Close the door, set for the longest cycle on the hottest temperature which should be 90 degrees and start.

Second Washing Cycle 2

For the second cycle I will pour 500ml of regular white vinegar in the conditioner slot as well as the detergent slot and start the cycle on the same settings. 

My washing machine had a specific smell for a few days after I did the cleaning process. But the smell went away after that and it’s been gone ever since. So don’t worry if you feel a certain smell right away, as it might be from the cleaning products. The smell should disappear after a few days. 

If you want to keep your washing machine smell free for a long time, then you should adopt a few habits into your washing routine.

1. Leave the door open after you wash your clothes
2. Leave your dispenser tray open, or better yet, take it out all together. Leaving those open will promote air flow inside the machine and will help keep everything moisture free.
3. Always clean and dry the inside and outside of the rubber gasket after you are done washing for the day.

I’m Max from LifeHackerMax and now you know how to properly clean, deodorise and maintain your washing machine.