How to Clean a Washing Machine and Stop It Smelling
Clean your washing machine drum, seal, drawer and filter to remove smells and mould, with a monthly routine suited to UK soft and hard water areas.
A washing machine that smells musty is usually caused by detergent residue, lint and damp trapped in the rubber seal, drawer and filter. Low-temperature washes and liquid detergents make the problem more common. The fix is a short routine that takes under half an hour and costs very little.
What you need
- White vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.
- Bicarbonate of soda.
- An old toothbrush.
- Microfibre cloths.
- A small bowl or tray, and old towels.
- Rubber gloves.
Step 1: Clean the detergent drawer
Pull the drawer out fully; many have a release catch at the back, and check the manual. Soak it in hot water with washing-up liquid, scrub away residue with the toothbrush and rinse. Clean the recess too, where mould often hides, using a brush and a cloth.
Step 2: Wipe the door seal
The rubber seal is where most smells originate. Pull back the folds and wipe thoroughly with a cloth dampened with vinegar and water, or a mild disinfectant. Remove any hair, lint or small items trapped inside. Pay special attention to the bottom, where water pools. For black mould, use a toothbrush and a bicarbonate of soda paste, then wipe clean.
Step 3: Clean the filter
Most machines have a small door at the bottom front. Put a towel and shallow tray beneath, because water will come out. Unscrew the filter slowly, drain the water, remove coins, fluff and debris, rinse and refit securely. Do this every two to three months. Check your manual for specific instructions and always switch off at the socket first.
Step 4: Run a hot cleaning cycle
Run an empty wash at the highest temperature, usually 60 to 90 degrees depending on your machine. Add either:
- A washing machine cleaning tablet or liquid, following product directions; or
- Around 250ml of white vinegar in the drum, and a cup of bicarbonate of soda in the drawer or drum.
Do not mix vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in the same step if you want maximum effect; the reaction fizzes and neutralises. Run one after the other if preferred. Some manufacturers advise against frequent vinegar use because it can affect rubber seals over time, so check the manual.
Step 5: Dry and air
Wipe the drum and the seal dry, and leave the door and the drawer slightly open after each wash. This single habit prevents most smells.
Prevent smells returning
- Wash at higher temperatures occasionally. A monthly 60 degree wash helps dissolve detergent build-up.
- Use the right amount of detergent. Excess leaves residue, particularly in soft water areas.
- Remove washing promptly. Wet clothes sitting in the drum cause mould.
- Leave the door ajar. Allow air to circulate.
- Clean the filter and drawer regularly.
- Descale in hard water areas. Limescale can build up on heating elements. Follow a descaler's instructions.
Troubleshooting
- Persistent smell after cleaning: check the drain hose and filter, and look for a blocked trap or sink waste.
- Black flecks on clothes: usually mould or residue from the seal and drum.
- Slow draining: a blocked filter or hose may need clearing.
If you suspect a mechanical fault or leak, contact a qualified appliance engineer.
Related jobs
A clean machine is part of a bigger household reset; see our deep cleaning checklist. If you want someone to handle appliances and kitchen detail, you can compare ID-verified local providers on Compito and message them about the job before you accept an offer.
A maintenance schedule
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| After every wash | Wipe the seal and leave the door ajar |
| Weekly | Pull out and rinse the drawer if it looks dirty |
| Monthly | Hot cleaning cycle with no laundry |
| Every two to three months | Clean the filter |
| Twice a year | Check hoses and the drain pipe for kinks or leaks |
Why smells keep coming back
Modern machines use less water and lower temperatures to save energy, which means detergent and fabric softener residue can collect and feed bacteria. Other common causes include overloading, using too much detergent, leaving wet laundry inside and drying the drum poorly. Some people also find that sports kit and towels worsen odours, so wash those at a higher temperature when fabric allows.
Worked example
Suppose your machine smells musty within a week of cleaning. Check these in order: first, the seal folds and drawer recess for mould you missed; second, the filter for trapped debris; third, how much detergent you are using, since a lower dose often helps; and finally, the habit of closing the door immediately after use. Fixing the last two usually solves the problem.
Flats, shared laundries and rentals
In a rented property, tell the landlord or agent if you find a persistent smell, leak or mould around the machine, because they may be responsible for repairs. In a shared laundry room, wipe the seal and drawer of any machine you use if they look grimy, and leave the door open when you finish.
When to call someone
If water pools under the machine, you smell burning, the drum will not turn or the machine trips the electrics, switch it off at the socket and contact an appliance engineer. Do not try to open electrical compartments yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Wipe the seal and drawer weekly or fortnightly, run a hot clean monthly and clean the filter every two to three months.
Is vinegar safe for washing machines?
Occasional use is generally fine, but some manufacturers advise against regular vinegar due to seal wear. Check your manual or use a dedicated cleaner.
Why does my machine smell even with a clean seal?
Check the filter, drain hose and detergent drawer, and make sure you are not overloading detergent. Leave the door open between washes.
Can I clean the machine while it is plugged in?
Switch off and unplug the machine before cleaning the filter, drawer recess or any area near internal parts. Water and mains electricity are a dangerous combination.