Category Archives: What Causes Washing Machine Odor

What is making my washer smell?

What Causes Washing Machine Odor and Towel Mildew Smell?

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There are a number of causes of mold odor in clothes washers.

  1. The most common cause of musty smell from your washing machine is overuse of detergents because the user is following directions for amount used. Generally speaking, we’re washing only perfume and sweat from our clothing so we don’t need much detergent. Unless washing soiled clothing, no more than 1 tbsp of any detergent should be used. This is especially important if using liquid detergent, if there is a water softener in the home or if using a municipal water supply. For HE washers it’s absolutely necessary to use HE detergent (low sudsing). Suds affect both the operation and longevity of all HE washing machines. A good test for detergent use is to fill your washer into a hot setting with no clothing (in the washer) and without adding detergent. Allow it to agitate for a couple of minutes. If the clothes washer suds’ you need to use less. If the soap suds are too much add just a half cap (1 tsp) of cooking oil and agitate for a couple of minutes then drain. Use this method to test detergent use in your dishwasher as well.
  2. Using fabic softener. Softener is dispensed in the rinse cycle and tends to collect on the inside of the plastic outer tub. The residue it leaves is a food source for mold and bacteria to grow in the dark moist environment of the clothes washer. We recommend switching to dryer sheets or dryer balls. Keep in mind that dryer sheets can also be overused and cause towels to be less absorbent and retain odor. The sheets can be cut in half or even thirds and work well. They can also be reused. There are a variety of expert opinions that both sheets and softener can cause contact dermatitis in more sensitive people and children. Dryer balls are another option but are not as popular because they don’t leave a scent or get rid of static cling as well in northern climates.
  3. Another cause for clothes washer smells is using mainly cold water for washing. Using mainly cold water for washing is understandable for saving energy but it makes preventive maintenance very important. Do your hottest wash or soak cycle as your last cycle on wash day or as preventive maintenance to dissolve residue. Ensure the water supply hoses to your washer are properly connected so the washer is getting hot washes and cold rinses when you want. This problem is more common than you may think!

*Bleach deteriorates rubber so replace your hoses if they come in contact with bleach for a length of time or after five years. This can save you many thousands of dollars in repair from water damage

  1. Another cause of washing machine odor is non-use of the appliance. If you are not going to use the washer for an extended period it’s a good idea to do a cleaning with a washing machine cleaner. If leaving for a vacation shut the supply hoses off in case of a hose break.
  2. Obstructions in drain pumps can cause mold odor by reducing the flow of water when draining. Almost all front load washers have a filter “trap” that is accessible to the owner. Rather than immediately calling for appliance repair service consult your owners manual for instructions on accessing this trap. ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR MACHINE OR SHUT OFF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BEFORE REPAIR and have several towels nearby when working on a drain pump because there is always 1-2 gallons of water left in all washers even after draining. It’s surprising what can make it through the washer and into the pump. Bra wires, toys, coins and screws are common items that can cause the pump to jam or catch lint to cause draining problems to make your washer smell. Go here for good instructions on cleaning the filter. Because top loaders don’t have filter traps object can jam the drain pump. These objects can sometimes be removed and the pump can be saved rather than buying a new pump.

Why You Have a Musty, Stinky Washing Machine

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Summary:

Washing machines develop stinky smells if they are not properly used or maintained. The buildup of the residue that causes odor can get worse over time and needs to be taken care of before it goes too far and spreads to the laundry and even causes bad odor in other parts of the home.

Bleach or vinegar (never together as dangerous gases can form) are commonly used as deodorizers and will reduce the smell but does not remove the cause from the tub. Detergent and softener residue then collects on the base and the problem starts all over again.

Although many users leave the door open to reduce odor, the cause of the odor remains to reinfect the clothing during the next wash. To properly clean a clothes washer the cause of the odor should be removed. In short…if your washer smells with the door open or closed, it’s time to clean it!

Luckily, for consumers, there are options available to get rid of this odor. To get rid of persistent or returning odor it’s important to realize that the area of the worst buildup of residue is the area just above the normal waterline. Detergent, softeners, soil and grime all splash up and don’t get rinsed out. Cleaning cycles do not reach this area so a washing machine cleaner that can be used with clothing should be considered. The added bulk of the laundry will raise the water level to include the splash area.

A little preventive maintenance can go a long way to prevent washer odor. Something as simple as using your hot cycle as the last cycle on wash day can help dissolve and flush out the residue.

A bad odor from your washer or laundry means that your washing machine has a bacteria, mold or mildew problem that can be transferred onto your clothing. The odor can even get so bad as to cause other areas of the home to smell as well.

Here are a few main causes of washing machine smell:

Overusing Washing Detergents

Using too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent causes suds. These suds, along with soiled water, leave residue on the inside of the outer, plastic tub and provides a food source for molds and bacteria to thrive in the nearly perfect growing environment of the clothes washer.

Creating too many suds by overusing washing detergents can also hinder the operation of your washing machine. Because suds contain chemicals and air, the surface tension of the water is changed and allows moisture into the spin bearing. There’s nothing that will ruin these sealed bearings faster than moisture and they are very expensive to replace.

Using Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is dispensed in the rinse cycle of a washing machine and tends to build up a thin layer of film inside your clothes washer. It is also a food source for bacteria and mold to grow. Softeners also coat your towels with chemicals which makes them absorb odors and become less absorbent.

Fabric softener sheets or the chemical-free dryer balls are better options for softening laundry. Keep in mind dryer sheets can also be over-used. The chemicals in them will coat the dryer moisture sensor to affect dry times in automatic cycles. There are also opinions that fabric softener and dryer sheets contain carcinogens.

Using Mainly Cold Water

Using mainly cold water in your washing machine is fine but makes preventive maintenance more important. A hot wash or soak cycle as your last cycle on wash day can go a long way in preventing odor. It’s a perfect opportunity to wash more soiled laundry! Consider an extra rinse if laundry is especially dirty or if the unit won’t be used for some time.

What causes odor in my washing machine?

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When washing your clothes, you obviously expect them to come out clean and smelling fresh. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen because of washing machine mold. When it develops on the rubber gaskets inside your washer, it can cause washing machine smells and mold that spread to your clothing and throughout your home.

Too Much Detergent

One of the main causes of mold on the rubber gaskets of your machine is using too much detergent. This creates more suds than the machine can rinse away. As your machine runs through its cycles, these extra suds and dirty water splash on the walls and above the splash line of your machine. The grime that collects above the splash line isn’t rinsed during the rinse cycle, often reaching the interior of the rubber gaskets. This causes a contained, moist environment, which is ideal for the formation of mold.

Looking For Mold

You may first notice mold because of washing machine smells and spots or odors on your towels, clothing, sheets, and anything else you launder in your washer. To check for washing machine mold, open your washer and look for the rubber gaskets on the inside of the door. Run your hand along the rubber gaskets inside your washer. If the gasket feels slimy, mold is probably the cause of your washing machine smells. The rubber gaskets of your machine should never have a slimy feel.

Preventing Mold

Every time you finish using your machine, taking a few simple steps will work to prevent mold from forming on your rubber gaskets. First, wipe down the inside of your rubber gaskets with a towel after running a wash cycle. This will remove any soap and water that splashed on the gaskets. Mold can’t form without moisture, so by removing the soap and water, you can avoid mold and washing machine smells.

In addition to wiping down your rubber gaskets, wipe to dry the inside of your washtub after a wash cycle to prevent mold. You can also use a good washing machine cleaner to help prevent and remove mold. It’s simple to use a washing machine cleaner to sanitize the interior of your machine.

Using Washing Machine Cleaner

To clean the interior of your washer with washing machine cleaner, begin by setting your machine to the hottest water possible. When using a top load washer, select the clean, tub clean, or sanitize cycle. Add washing machine cleaner and allow the washtub to fill with hot water completely before stopping the cycle.

Add a few bucketfuls of extra hot water or some towels to the washtub so the water rises higher than the splash line. This will ensure the washing machine cleaner can do its job on the entire washtub, not just below the splash line. Let the washtub soak so the washing machine cleaner and hot water can eliminate the mold and dissolve any residue buildup. The longer you let the washtub soak, the better the results. You can even let it soak overnight.

After a good soak, turn your machine on and let it complete the rest of the wash cycle, through rinsing, draining, and spinning. Wipe down the inside of your machine with a clean towel to remove the moisture. That’s all there is to it.

Monitoring Your Machine

Keep an eye out for mold, but your best defense is usually your sense of smell. Take a sniff every time you open your washing machine door to make sure you don’t have any washing machine smells. In addition to smelling your machine, also check the items washed to ensure a fresh smell.

If you do discover washing machine smells, take action immediately. Mold can develop into a nasty problem that can spread to other areas of your home quickly. By using less detergent, hot water, dryer sheets instead of fabric softener, and washing machine cleaner in addition to taking the time to wipe down your machine after use, your washer and home are sure to stay mold free.

What’s Causing Your New Washing Machine To Stink?

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So you just bought a brand new washing machine and it stinks! That stinks! But don’t despair. Once you figure out the cause of odor your new stinky washing machine, you can take steps to eliminate and prevent it.

Front Load Washing Machines

Unfortunately, front loaders have gotten a bad rap over recent years. While front load washing machines receive praise for their high efficiency by using less water and energy they are notorious for causing odor.

One of the biggest culprits of a smelly washing machine is residue buildup on the inside of the outer tub.. If you notice a musty washer odor, chances are you have mildew in your washing machine. Mildew thrives in damp conditions, feeding off of lint, detergent suds, and even hair and other organic material left behind after a wash.

To prevent this problem:

  • use less detergent. It’s odd to think that all you need is a tbsp. of detergent but, generally speaking, we’re only washing perfume and sweat out of out clothing!
  • stop using fabric softener. It’s dispensed in the rinse cycle and leaves a film that becomes a food source for bacteria and mold to grow. Dryer sheets or dryer balls area better options.
  • Maintain your washer by running a hot cycle as your last cycle on wash day and even an extra rinse if doing especially soiled laundry.
  • Clean the filter. The filter can be partially plugged to slow the drain of water to cause problems.

 

to dry any excess water from the machine after a wash. Places like the rubber door gasket and detergent drawer harbor hidden water in a front loader. It also helps to clean the drain pump filter located in the bottom, front panel of the washer. This filter catches lint and other material as it drains from the washer; which, combined with water can be the source of your stinky washing machine.

Finally, front loaders require a special high efficiency (HE) detergent. They also require a lot less of this special detergent than you’re probably used to using. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and measure carefully. Detergent mistakes can cause over-sudsing and poor rinsing, both of which can cause washer odor.

Top Load Washing Machines

A top loader can also harbor mildew caused by residual water. In this case, the water, lint and other material can become trapped under the agitator or under the lid of the washer. Wipe these areas down with a clean towel after each wash and remove and clean under the agitator periodically.

A good habit with any type of washer is to always leave the lid or door open in between loads. This will allow any residual water to evaporate completely.

In both types of washers, not using the machine regularly can also cause washer odor. Because a washer doesn’t drain completely and a small amount of water remains in the tub, it’s important to use the machine regularly to flush out the system.

Use Smelly Washer To Eliminate And Prevent Odors

Using a washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, a couple times a month will eliminate and help prevent future washer odor. Smelly Washer uses all natural ingredients to eliminate odor, fungus and mildew that can cause a stinky washing machine. Smelly Washer should be used in the hottest or “clean” cycle of your washer with no clothes.

If your stinky washing machine doesn’t smell musty like mold or mildew, then you may have a different problem. If you ever smell an electrical or burning smell, you should unplug the machine and contact the manufacturer.

3 Places In Your Home Mold Likes To Hide

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Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp conditions. While some molds may pose certain health risks, there are also some molds hiding around your home that may just be downright stinky. Three places to check for smelly, hidden mold: your bathroom, washing machine and under carpeting.

Not Just The Bathroom Shower

When you think of warm, damp conditions, the bathroom shower and tub may seem like obvious breeding grounds for mold. And while these surfaces can certainly be host to mold if not properly cleaned and maintained, there are other out-of-sight places in your bathroom that mold may be lurking.

If your bathroom smells musty or like mildew and your shower is sparkling, take a look at your walls. If you have wallpaper in your bathroom, it is very possible mold is hiding behind it. Combined with the warm steam from the shower, mold can feed off the paper and glue from the wallpaper. Mold can also hide under shower mats or rugs if they are not moved and dried regularly.

The best way to combat bathroom mold is to regularly clean the shower and tub, clean and dry mats and rugs, and remove wallpaper and instead opt for a good primer and paint that will inhibit mold growth.

Washing Machine

If you notice mildew smell on clothing, the culprit is likely washer mildew. There are a number of reasons mildew may be growing in your washing machine. Overuse of detergent or using the wrong type of detergent, using liquid fabric softener, and using cold water can all cause washer mildew.

A mildew smell on clothing can also be caused if wet clothes are left to linger after a wash cycle is complete, or if residual water is left in the tub. To prevent this type of washer mildew, always promptly remove wet clothes and leave the lid or door ajar to allow the residual water to evaporate.

Washer mildew can be prevented by using a washing machine cleaner such as Smelly Washer in the cleaning cycle. This will eliminate mold and allergens and the embarrassing mildew smell on clothing that is caused by washer mildew.

Carpeting

Mold can grow, unseen, under the carpeting in your home. The carpet fibers and padding provide an excellent food source for mold if given the right conditions. This is why it is never a good idea to install carpeting anywhere in a home where moisture may be an issue, such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or outdoor area.
If having your carpets cleaned with a machine that uses water, it is important to make sure the carpet dries thoroughly and in a timely manner. If you ever have a flood, the water needs to be dried within 24-48 hours to prevent the growth of mold.

If you do find mold under your carpeting, it’s best to call in a carpet cleaning professional that specializes in mold.

3 Surprising Culprits That Are Making Your Washing Machine Stinky

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We’ve all experienced it. You get out of the shower and grab a fresh towel or pull a clean shirt over your head, only to smell mildew. But don’t blame your clothes… the smell is actually coming from your washing machine. If your washing machine is stinky there are several possible causes.

Residual Water

Washing machines are made to hold, cycle, and drain water, so this one may seem a bit odd. But water trapped in the rubber door gasket or detergent drawer of a front loader, or under the rim of a top loader, can be a breeding ground for washing machine mold.

Mold is a living organism. It needs food and warm, damp conditions to thrive, making your average washing machine an ideal playground.

To prevent washing machine mold caused by residual water, simply leave the door or lid ajar after you’re done using the washer. Also keep a clean hand towel in the laundry room and wipe around the door, inside the rubber gasket, and inside the detergent drawer of a front loader. On a top loader, wipe under the rim and agitator. Do this every time to prevent washing machine mold.

Detergent Mistakes

Using too much powdered or liquid detergent can cause several problems which can lead to washing machine mold. Too much detergent can cause excess suds — and these leftover suds create a cozy place for mold to grow.

This problem may be compounded in a front load washer. Because these machines are high efficiency, they use less water and therefore require a smaller amount of a special high efficiency (HE) detergent.

The solution is easy. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for detergent and measure carefully.

Dirty Drain Pump Filter

If your washing machine is stinky and residual water and detergent mistakes aren’t the culprit, the problem may be out of sight. When a washing machine drains, it takes with it soap, dirt, lint and even skin and hair. Over time, these items can get trapped and collect in the drain pipe. So it is important to clean the drain pump filter every so often to prevent washing machine mold.

The drain is located on the lower, front panel of both front and top loader washing machines. Some, especially front loaders, are very easy to access via a flap or panel. Others are hidden behind a panel that must be removed first.

After locating the drain, have a bucket and towel ready when you unscrew it. After draining the water, the filter can be removed and cleaned. You will immediately see why your washing machine is stinky. Most washing machine manufacturers recommend cleaning out the drain filter once per month.

If your washing machine is stinky, consider these three surprising culprit. With proper care and maintenance, you can easily eliminate washing machine mold.

Why Your Laundry Habits May Be The Cause Of Your Stinky Washer

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Washing machines aren’t supposed to stink! If you have a stinky washer at home, your laundry habits may be the cause. Some simple changes to your routine can help eliminate and prevent the washer mildew that’s making things stink.

Don’t Ignore The Cleaning Cycle!

If you already have a stinky washer, it’s important to first take the necessary steps to remove the offending washer mildew. Most washing machines, especially newer models, have a cleaning cycle built in. The cycle runs without any clothes and uses high water temperatures to kill any mildew and flush out the system.

You can boost the cleaning cycle by adding a washing machine cleaner, such as Smelly Washer. The natural ingredients in Smelly Washer effectively remove odor, fungus and mildew that can cause a stinky washer.

For best results, follow your washing machine manufacturer’s guidelines for running the cleaning cycle. Washing machine cleaners like Smelly Washer should be used about twice a month.

Don’t Let The Clothes Linger!

It happens to the best laundry-doer from time to time. You get busy and forget you had a load of laundry in the washing machine. You come back a few hours later and throw it into the dryer, or you come back the next day and rewash the laundry. But in that little window of time, washer mildew has already started to grow and multiply.

Mildew is a living organism that needs food and a warm, damp environment to grow. The inside of your washing machine when wet clothes are left to linger is the ideal breeding ground for mildew, which makes for a stinky washer.

The best way to combat forgetfulness is to set a reminder. Turning on the “end of cycle signal” on your washer will do the trick if you’re within the vicinity of the laundry room. When you hear it, go put the clothes in the dryer! If you’re going to be moving throughout the house or doing yard work, get a clip on timer.

Don’t Close The Lid Or Door!

The same idea of leaving wet clothes in the washer applies here as well. Even after a cycle is complete, there is still some residual water left in your washer. It can hide under the rim of a top loader and in the rubber door gasket and detergent drawer of a front loader. This remaining water combined with leftover detergent suds or lint can cause washer mildew.

After you’re done doing laundry, don’t be so quick to slam the door or lid. Leave them ajar for a few hours to allow any excess water to evaporate. On a front loader, also pull the detergent drawer out a bit to allow it to dry.

With just a few simple modifications to your laundry habits, you can effectively eliminate and prevent washer mildew, putting an end to your stinky washer problems.

Why You Have A Musty, Stinky Washing Machine

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If you have a stinky washing machine, don’t panic. A number of issues can cause a smelly washer. The most important thing is to take care of the mold and mildew that cause the musty smell as soon as possible by cleaning your washer with washer cleaner. If you don’t address the mold and mildew problem immediately with washer cleaner, the musty smell can transfer to your clothing and to other rooms in your home. This post looks at a few of the main reasons you may have a stinky washing machine.

Using Too Much Detergent

By using too much washing detergent, you create an environment favorable for the formation of mold and mildew. Overusing detergent creates more soapsuds and since soapsuds contain air and moisture, they provide the perfect environment for developing a stinky washing machine. If you don’t thoroughly rinse the remaining soapsuds from your washing machine after each load, mold and mildew are likely to form.

An overabundance of soapsuds can also get in the way of your washing machine working properly. Soapsuds can change the tension on the surface of the water. When this surface changes, the soapsuds can work themselves into the sealed bearings inside your stainless steel tub. The moisture that gets into the bearings can ruin them along with ruining your washing machine. It’s expensive to replace these bearings, so it definitely worthwhile to use the correct amount of detergent to avoid a stinky washing machine.

Using Cold Water Only

If you use cold water in your washing machine, you probably don’t know that it keeps detergents from dissolving as well. Hot water is much more effective at dissolving detergent than cold water. When using cold water, detergent particles remain in the tub, even after running it through a complete cycle. These moist, partially dissolved detergent particles provide the optimal home for mold and mildew.

If you do only use cold water, make sure you clean away any detergent particles left behind after each wash and perform a thorough weekly check. In addition, consider running your washing machine through a full hot water cycle at least once per week to dissolve any remaining detergent particles.

Using Fabric Softener

Liquid fabric softener can also provide the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Dispensed during the rinse cycle, liquid fabric softener can collect within the outer part of the tub, causing a stinky washing machine. If fabric softener is necessary, consider dryer sheets instead of liquid fabric softener. Dryer sheets will not provide a place for mold and mildew to grow.

To get rid of the musty odor of mold and mildew due to using too much detergent, only cold water, or liquid fabric softener, use washer cleaner, making sure to follow the directions exactly. A thorough cleaning with washer cleaner can leave any stinky washing machine clean, free of mold and mildew, and smelling fresh.

Reasons Why Your Top Loading Washer Smells

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When it comes to getting stinky, top load washing machines can suffer just as much as front load machines. If you have a top load machine with a musty problem, the good news some simple remedies can rid your machine of the stink. Before learning how to clean your smelly washing machine, it’s important to know what is causing your top load to have a problem.

This article looks at several reasons why your top loader has the musty stink of washing machine mold and what you can do to eliminate it so your clothes and home smell clean and fresh again.

Not Using Your Machine Regularly

If you don’t use the washer regularly bacteria and molds have time to grow. Before you store the unit, leave for a vacation and even if you just don’t use the washer very much your washing habits can keep odor away.

Water temperature is important. Using mainly cold water for washing is fine, however, a hot wash or soak as your last cycle on wash day will help dissolve residue to flush it out. It’s a perfect opportunity to do more soiled laundry. Also, an extra rinse cycle after the last wash will help remove bacteria and residue from the bottom of the tub and drain pump. This is a great way to prevent having a smelly washing machine.

Overusing Detergent

The amount of detergent used is important when considering the washer odor problem. With today’s treated water, advanced concentrated detergents and improved washers you really don’t need to use an excessive amount of detergent as achieving the necessary chemical reaction with water only takes a small amount of detergent. Unless washing very soiled clothing - no more than 1 tbsp of detergent should be used. This is especially important is using liquid detergent and when washing in treated water.

When overusing detergent too many soapsuds form. These extra soapsuds can’t all exit the machine during the rinse cycle and remain in the inside of the unit to become a food source for bacteria and molds. The splash area just 3-5 inches above the normal water line is the area of heaviest buildup of suds and soiled water that splash up and don’t get rinsed out.

Cleaning Your Top Load Machine

To remove washing machine mold and mildew from your top or front loading washer the procedure of cleaning is as important as what is used. If you haven’t been able to get rid of odor using baking soda, vinegar or other cleaners Smelly Washer is your answer. If odor is persistent or returns in laundry add a cap of Smelly Washer or Towel Cleaner to a full load of laundry (preferably whites) and run through a hot setting. The added bulk of the clothing will raise the washing level to reach the splash area and help remove residue from that area.

For More Extreme Odor

Let the hot water soak the tub for an hour or two to dissolve the built up residue. The longer you soak in hot water and washer cleaner, the better results you’ll have. After a good soaking, turn the machine back on to run the remainder of the cycle.

It’s that easy. The important thing is that you clean your top load machine at the first sign of odor or washing machine mold and mildew. Getting rid of the musty stink of your smelly washing machine will keep your clothes and even your home smelling clean and fresh.

Why You Have A Musty, Stinky Washing Machine

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If you have a stinky washing machine, don’t panic. A number of issues can cause a smelly washer. The most important thing is to take care of the mold and mildew that cause the musty smell as soon as possible by cleaning your washer with washer cleaner. If you don’t address the mold and mildew problem immediately with washer cleaner, the musty smell can transfer to your clothing and to other rooms in your home. This post looks at a few of the main reasons you may have a stinky washing machine.

Using Too Much Detergent

By using too much washing detergent, you create an environment favorable for the formation of mold and mildew. Overusing detergent creates more soapsuds and since soapsuds contain air and moisture, they provide the perfect environment for developing a stinky washing machine. If you don’t thoroughly rinse the remaining soapsuds from your washing machine after each load, mold and mildew are likely to form.

An overabundance of soapsuds can also get in the way of your washing machine working properly. Soapsuds can change the tension on the surface of the water. When this surface changes, the soapsuds can work themselves into the sealed bearings inside your stainless steel tub. The moisture that gets into the bearings can ruin them along with ruining your washing machine. It’s expensive to replace these bearings, so it definitely worthwhile to use the correct amount of detergent to avoid a stinky washing machine.

Using Cold Water Only

If you use cold water in your washing machine, you probably don’t know that it keeps detergents from dissolving as well. Hot water is much more effective at dissolving detergent than cold water. When using cold water, detergent residue remains in the tub, even after running it through a complete cycle. These moist, partially dissolved detergent particles provide food for mold and mildew.

If you do only use cold water, make sure you clean away any detergent particles left behind after each wash and perform a thorough weekly check. In addition, consider running your washing machine through a full hot water cycle at least once per week to dissolve any remaining detergent particles.

Using Fabric Softener

Liquid fabric softener can also provide the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Dispensed during the rinse cycle, liquid fabric softener can collect within the outer part of the tub, causing a stinky washing machine. If fabric softener is necessary, consider dryer sheets instead of liquid fabric softener. Dryer sheets will not provide food for mold and mildew to grow.

To get rid of the musty odor of mold and mildew due to using too much detergent, only cold water, or liquid fabric softener, use washer cleaner, making sure to follow the directions exactly. A thorough cleaning with washer cleaner can leave any stinky washing machine clean, free of mold and mildew, and smelling fresh.