⚠️ Safety Tips for Clean Your Washing Machine Drum to Remove Odors

•Do not mix vinegar and bleach in the cleaning process (the combination can create harmful fumes); stick to one method at a time
•Keep the area well-ventilated when using hot water or cleaning agents to avoid inhaling odors
•Ensure the washer is empty (no clothes) before starting the cleaning cycle

# Clean Your Washing Machine Drum to Remove Odors

Over time, detergent residue and mildew can build up inside your washer drum (especially in high-efficiency and front-load machines). This leads to unpleasant odors on laundry.

## Signs You Need to Clean the Drum

- A musty or sour smell from your washer
- Visible mold spots on the door gasket or drum
- Slime or residue in the detergent dispenser or drum holes

## How Often to Clean the Washer Drum

Run a cleaning cycle or drum self-clean (if available) about once a month, or any time you detect odors. Regular maintenance keeps smells away.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Clean the Washer Drum

You can clean your washer drum using common household ingredients. Follow these steps to banish odor-causing buildup.

Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Your Washing Machine Drum to Remove Odors

Add White Vinegar

Pour 2 cups of plain white vinegar directly into the washing machine drum (for a front loader) or into the washtub (for a top loader). Vinegar helps dissolve soap scum and kill mildew.

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If your washer has a cleaning cycle setting, you can typically add vinegar to the detergent dispenser instead and select that cycle.

Run a Hot Cycle

Run the washer on the hottest, longest cycle available (or use the machine’s self-clean cycle if it has one). Let the cycle complete to allow the vinegar to thoroughly clean the interior.

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For top-loading machines, you can stop the cycle after it fills and agitates a minute, and let the vinegar water sit for an hour before continuing the cycle.

Add Baking Soda and Rinse

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run a second hot water cycle (or a rinse cycle). Baking soda will help deodorize and freshen the machine further.

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Baking soda also helps in scrubbing away loosened residue from the first cycle.

Wipe the Drum and Gasket

Once the cycles are done, open the washer and wipe down the inside drum with a microfiber cloth. For front-loaders, also thoroughly wipe the rubber door gasket fold where residue and mildew collect.

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Be sure to also wipe out the detergent dispenser drawer and any filters or traps, as gunk in these areas can contribute to odors.

Air It Out

Leave the washer door open for a couple of hours (or whenever not in use) to let the drum fully dry and prevent mildew from immediately returning.

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To maintain freshness, leave the door ajar after each laundry load to allow air circulation, and consider using less detergent if you notice residue build-up.

🔧 When to Call a Professional for Clean Your Washing Machine Drum to Remove Odors

A technician can perform a more thorough cleaning by accessing internal parts or replacing moldy components (like a door gasket). If plumbing or drainage issues are contributing (e.g., sewer smells backing into washer), a professional can identify and fix that as well.

Ready for expert help? Review our Appliance Repair Orlando coverage to see neighborhoods we serve.

Signs it's time to call us for Clean Your Washing Machine Drum to Remove Odors

•Odors persist even after cleaning (could indicate a hidden buildup in outer tub or drain hose)
•You see heavy mold behind the drum or in areas you cannot reach
•The washer has a persistent foul smell that returns quickly

Schedule Professional Washing Machine Service

Clean Your Washing Machine Drum to Remove Odors