How do you get the mildew smell out of the washer?

Question

I do not let my laundry sit in the washer for long or over night... but I am finding that the washer itself smells kind of like mildew all the time... how do I get rid of this smell?

Answer 1

Borax removes mold and mildew smells. Just run a load of rags and add about 2/3 cup of Borax to it and the smell will be gone. You may want to check to see if your washer has a lint filter and empty it. Mine does and the filter often gets full of lint which can stay wet and mildew. It may be the source of your smell.

Answer 2

I never knew this but believe it or not, some washers have lint traps. I had the same problem and I cleaned that out, then ran the washer full cycle with just bleach water (like you were doing a full load of laundry). Now, I clean the trap every time I get a hint of that smell. Good luck!

Answer 3

I've always heard that using a few tablespoons of baking soda in with a load of clothes will get the mildew smell out. I left some clothes in the washer the other day and TOTALLY forgot about them, that sucks, too! But anyways, it gets the smell out of the clothes and the washer. :O) HTH - *www.happysahm.com*

Answer 4

Pour a few cups of bleach, and run it on low water level setting on a short cycle with no clothes. That will kill any mold/mildew and deodorize it

Answer 5

Bleach

Answer 6

I would suggest running a wash with no clothes, just lysol liquid cleaner or even bleach. Just make sure it's thoroughly rinsed inside - maybe even run a few times to make sure. That should do it. :)

Answer 7

Periodically run a hot cycle with bleach. It works for me!

Answer 8

if you do a complete load with about a cup or two of bleach in the washer should do it........(same for your dishwasher, and sink drain).

Answer 9

Try running a cycle with white vinegar in it.

Answer 10

This site has lots of tips....Good Luck!