My Best Solutions for a Smelly Front-Loading Washer

If you have a high-efficiency machine, as I do, you know the smell I’m talking about. So I thought I’d share my best solutions for a smelly front-loading washer with you.

High-efficiency (HE) front-loading washing machines are great for saving water and energy. In addition, they provide superior cleaning while also being gentler on your clothes. There are only two real downsides to a front loader, in my opinion. The first is longer wash times, not a deal breaker. The other can be the smell, which you can manage with a little maintenance.

If you’re considering buying a HE front loading washing machine and want to know the pros and cons, start with this article at Consumer Reports.

In This Post

• Why Front Loading Washers Smell
• Solutions for Smelly Front Loaders
• Notes & Tips
• Other Laundry Problems & Solutions

Why Front Loading Washers Smell

Front-loading washing machines can start to smell for a variety or combination of reasons. For starters, some people don’t use HE detergent and/or too much detergent. Couple that with fibers and soil from clothing and fabric softener (if you use it), and you’ve got a recipe for sludge.

Then factor in that HE washers use less water, so all of that sludge doesn’t get completely washed away. The result is a soap scum sludge coating in the drum and rubber gasket of your washing machine. Without proper care, the washing machine becomes a breeding ground for smelly mold, mildew and bacteria. This smell can even transfer to your clothes if you don’t periodically clean your machine.

Solutions for Smelly Front Loaders

Even a DIY girl like myself is not taking apart the washing machine to clean the sludge inside the drum. So, work from the outside we must. Keep reading for tips on how to clean your washer. The most important step at the end is Drying. For that, I’ve got some clever products.

Always defer to the cleaning instruction in your washing machine owner’s manual.

Clean The Drum

The easiest way to clean the drum is with a special washing machine cleaner designed for this very task. These clever products are super easy to use. Simply open a package, toss the contents in the empty washing machine (not the detergent dispenser) and run a hot wash cycle.

I have successfully used the three brands below. They all leave my washing machine clean and smelling fresh. Truth be told, they make my entire laundry room smell good!

While I find opening a package easiest, you may want to make your own cleaner at home. If so, here are four “recipes” for you — all are to be done with the washing machine empty, not with clothes.

1. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the empty washer, not in the detergent dispenser, and run a normal warm cycle.
2. Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run hot cycle.
3. If your washing machine is particularly smelly: Add 1/3 cup of baking soda to the empty washer, not in the detergent dispenser, and 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a regular hot wash.
4. Pour 2 cups of chlorine bleach into the bleach dispenser and run at the hottest temp on a “soak” cycle, if your machine has one. If you don’t have a soak cycle, pause the washer midway through for about 30 minutes to allow the beach to penetrate. Finish by running the machine again as a rinse cycle to make sure there’s no bleach left in the machine.

Clean The Rubber Gasket

The rubber gasket is what creates a tight seal when you close the door of your front loader. It’s recommended you use a microfiber or other lint-free cloth with an all-purpose cleaner (I like Lysol’s all-purpose cleaner because it kills bacteria) to wipe between the rubber folds.

Carefully pull the rubber gasket back to clean any residue. Get in there with a Q-tip or old toothbrush if you need to. If it’s still dirty, try a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar.

If there are already stains on the gasket, all hope is not lost. I found a mold stain remover that actually works: Sugelary Mold & Mildew Remover. You can see my before and after pix here.

Clean The Door

If your washing machine door shows signs of mold or has a soap scum film, wipe it down. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner on the glass window and an all-purpose cleaner on the door itself. Easy enough.

Clean The Detergent Dispenser

Wipe down the detergent dispenser to remove any detergent residue and soap scum. If you have a detergent drawer, completely remove it and clean all the parts with liquid dish soap. Use an old toothbrush and/or a Q-tip to get into the nooks and crannies. Wipe the detergent drawer dry before putting it back in the machine.

Always Let The Washing Machine Dry

The most important thing you can do after every load of laundry and after cleaning the inside of the machine is to allow it to air dry. The best way this is to just leave the washing machine door open. If the door is in the way or you’re opposed to seeing the inside of your machine, opt to keep the door ajar so moisture can escape with one of the clever products below.

Notes & Tips

• Always use high-efficiency laundry detergent, which is formulated to produce fewer suds since HE machines use less water. Experts say powder detergent is less likely to build up than liquid.
• Less in more — always use less than the recommended amount of detergent.
• Do not use fabric softer — it leaves behind a film in your washing machine and on your clothes. Plus, it reduces the absorbency of your towels.
  • If you want softer, fluffier laundry, use wool dryer balls in your dryer. I love mine. So much so I did an entire post on them.
• Remove wet laundry as soon as it’s done.
• Prop your washing machine door open or keep it completely ajar so moisture can escape.
• Ensure your washer is perfectly level so it drains properly.
• Maintain your washing machine with regular cleanings.
• If your washing machine still smells after using the above solutions, it’s time to call in a professional.

Other Laundry Problems & Solutions

I hope these tips and clever products help solve your smelly front loading washer issues.

All items are in stock at time of publication.