How to Remove Mildew Smells From a Washing Machine

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The growth of mildew requires warmth, moisture and food. Washing machines meet all these requirements, making them perfect breeding grounds for this early-stage mold. Washing machines in busy households are even more prone to developing mildew; their constant use prevents them from ever drying out, which would eliminate one of mildew's requirements. Mildew is not only unsightly and unhealthy; it also creates an unpleasant musty smell. You can eliminate both the mildew and the odor with household bleach.

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Musty smells in your washing machine may indicate the presence of mildew.
Image Credit: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

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Things You'll Need

  • Rag

  • 1 Cup Liquid Chlorine Bleach

  • White Towel

  • Toothbrush

  • Dish Soap

Step 1

Remove both the bleach and soap dispensers from the washing machine. Wash them in warm water and dish soap. Rinse the dispensers thoroughly and put them back in the machine.

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Step 2

Scrub the bleach and soap dispensers with a toothbrush if the dispensers are not removable. Put a couple of drops of dish soap on the toothbrush, scrub the dispensers, then pour clean water over them to rinse.

Step 3

Clean the seal around the opening of front-loading washers. Use a toothbrush moistened with water and a couple of drops of dish soap to scrub the seal gently. Finish by wiping off the seal with a rag moistened with water.

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Step 4

Remove the lint trap and clean it of any lint or debris. Replace the lint trap.

Step 5

Pour 1 cup of bleach into the bleach dispenser and start a wash cycle using hot water. Put a white towel in the washer to provide mass that will move around during the cycle, cleaning the sides of the washer bin.

Step 6

Remove the towel when the cycle is complete. Leave the washer door open to allow the washer to dry.

Tip

Make it a habit to leave the washer door open between loads to prevent the warm, moist conditions that encourage mildew growth.

You can help prevent the return of mildew growth by running a hot-water cycle with bleach once a week.

Warning

Use caution when leaving a front-loader door open if you have young children in the house.

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