My washing machine has a mildew smell and I am not sure how to get rid of it. Help!?

Question

It is a front load machine if that makes a difference.

Answer 1

i would try running an empty load on max, with two cups of bleach instead of detergent..its a temporary fix but it will be ok for a month or so again...just run it empty a second time to make sure the bleach residue is all washed out before putting clothes back in it.

Answer 2

Like mostly everyone said, run an empty load with some bleach on full power. More importantly though, many people over look that there might be water in their outgoing hose that was never fully emptied. The excess water at times can cause that mildew smell you're having. All that water lingering around until the next wash and not really evaporating plus the cool temperature (usually like that of peoples' basements) are a great combination for a mildew type environment. The amount of water if any left behind will of course depend on the machine you have since some pump water out of the machine much better than others.

Answer 3

I agree with the first poster about the bleach.
After you have done that, you have to prevent the mildew from growing again. It sounds like there is some lint stuck somewhere that is holding water, then mildewing because of lack of air circulation.
If you can, try to find where the link is sticking.
If that isn't possible, you can try leaving the door open a crack, or all the way (depending on your laundry setup) so the machine can dry between loads.

Answer 4

I'd dump a box of baking soda in the machine then run an empty load - that should get rid of the mildew smell, and won't overwhelm you with the smell of bleach!

Answer 5

I would try bleach. Make sure you use hot water on the largest load setting your machine has. I would use several (2 to 3) cups of bleach. Once you are finished, run an empty load (no laundry) still using the hot water setting to make sure you get the bleach out of the machine so you do not accidently bleach the clothes that go in the next load.

Answer 6

The right way of cleaning your machine is to run a full load with 2 gallons of vinegar, just make sure to add the vinegar when the machine is not full yet.

Answer 7

The problem is the gaskets on front loading machines. They are notorious for remaining wet/ moist between loads which encourages mold growth. Try taking a towel and drying off the gaskets between loads and leaving the door open to allow the gaskets to dry better.

Answer 8

Household ammonia is great for getting smells out of lots of things. When I've accidentally forgotten a load of laundry in the washer for a few days in the summer I fill the machine up again with water (temp. doesn't seem to matter) ,detergent and a cup of plain old household ammonia.That seems to take the smell out.I 've even used ammonia on costumes I was hired to take care of on a cruise ship show.The costumes had sequence, spandex and you name it on them but they stunk to high heavens.So I plunged them into a bucket of water and ammonia.It worked.Good luck.

Answer 9

I have this problem with mine on occassion. It is due to the lid being left closed between washings and not getting a chance to dry out.

Run a load without laundry in it and use 2 cups of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. I use one of the following essential oils as well as these are antimicrobial: tea tree, clove oil or eucalyptus.

Answer 10

The bleach wash will work.

After you do a load of laundry leave the door open a little. This will help prevent the return of the mildew.