Run a hot water cycle with white vinegar or bleach to kill mold and clear the odor
The mold smell in your washer comes from mold and mildew growing in the drum, rubber gasket, or detergent dispenser — places that stay damp between loads. The fastest fix is a cleaning cycle using either white vinegar or bleach, both of which kill the mold at the source rather than masking the smell.
For a front-load washer, pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum and run the hottest water cycle available with no clothes inside. For a top-load washer, fill the drum halfway with hot water, add two cups of white vinegar, and run a full cycle. If vinegar alone does not work after one cycle, repeat the process or switch to bleach: use one cup of bleach in a front-loader or half a cup in a top-loader, again on the hottest cycle with an empty drum.
Bleach works faster than vinegar but can damage colored fabrics if residue remains, so run a second empty cycle with hot water only after using bleach. Vinegar is gentler and leaves no chemical residue, making it the safer choice if you are unsure which method to try first.
Key Takeaways
- White vinegar or bleach in a hot water cycle kills mold in the drum and eliminates the smell at the source.
- Front-loaders need two cups of vinegar or one cup of bleach; top-loaders use half those amounts because they hold more water.
- Always run the cleaning cycle with an empty drum and no clothes to avoid spreading mold spores or damaging fabrics.
- After using bleach, run a second empty hot water cycle to rinse out any chemical residue before washing clothes again.
- Leaving the door or lid open between loads and wiping the gasket dry prevents mold from returning.
Clean the rubber gasket and dispenser drawer where mold hides
The rubber seal around the door of a front-loader and the detergent dispenser drawer are the two places mold grows fastest because they trap water and lint. After running the vinegar or bleach cycle, pull out the dispenser drawer (most slide out by pressing a release tab) and soak it in hot water with one cup of white vinegar for 15 minutes, then scrub it with an old toothbrush and rinse thoroughly.
For the rubber gasket, use the same vinegar solution and an old toothbrush to scrub along the entire seal, paying special attention to the creases where water pools. Wipe the gasket dry with a clean cloth when you are done. If mold has stained the gasket black or gray, the discoloration may not come off completely, but cleaning it removes the active mold and the smell.
Check the drain pump filter at the bottom front of front-loaders — this is another spot where mold grows. Consult your washer manual for the exact location and removal steps, as they vary by brand. Empty any lint or debris, rinse it under hot water, and wipe it dry before reinstalling.
Leave the door or lid open between loads to prevent mold from returning
Mold thrives in the damp, dark environment inside a closed washer. After each load, prop the door or lid open for at least two hours so air can circulate and moisture can evaporate. Many people leave the door open overnight or all day if the washer is not in use, which is even more effective.
If you have a front-loader, leaving the door open also prevents moisture from building up in the gasket. Wipe the gasket dry with a cloth once a week, especially the creases, to remove any standing water before mold can take hold.
Run a cleaning cycle monthly to stop mold before it smells
Once you have cleared the initial mold smell, run an empty hot water cycle with one cup of white vinegar once a month as maintenance. This prevents mold from accumulating again and keeps your washer fresh without waiting for a smell to develop.
If you live in a humid climate or your washer sits in a damp basement, you may need to do this every two weeks instead. The cost is minimal — a bottle of white vinegar costs a few dollars and lasts for many cycles — and it is far cheaper than calling a repair technician or replacing the washer.
Use a commercial washer cleaner if vinegar and bleach do not work
If the smell persists after two vinegar cycles or one bleach cycle, a commercial washer cleaning product may work better. Brands like Affresh, Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, and OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner are designed to dissolve buildup that vinegar and bleach miss, including mineral deposits and stubborn mold.
Follow the product instructions exactly — most require dropping a tablet or pouring liquid into the drum and running a hot cycle with no clothes. These products cost between $5 and $15 per use, so try vinegar first unless you have already used it multiple times without success.
If the smell returns within a few days of cleaning, the mold may be growing inside the drum walls or in the pump, which means the washer needs professional service. A technician can disassemble parts that you cannot reach at home and treat deep mold growth.
Check for leaks or standing water that feeds mold growth
If your washer smells moldy even after cleaning, look for water pooling inside the tub or leaking underneath the machine. Standing water between cycles gives mold a constant food source and makes it nearly impossible to stop with cleaning cycles alone.
Inspect the drain hose at the back of the washer to make sure it is not kinked or clogged, which can cause water to back up into the drum. If the hose is cracked or leaking, it needs to be replaced — a hardware store sells replacement hoses for $15 to $40, and installation takes 10 minutes.
For front-loaders, check that the door seal is not cracked or torn, which allows water to leak out and also prevents the drum from draining fully. A damaged gasket usually needs professional replacement, but you can temporarily slow mold growth by wiping the drum dry after each load and leaving the door open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach and vinegar together to clean the washer?
No. Mixing bleach and vinegar creates toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous to breathe. Use one or the other, not both in the same cycle. If you switch from vinegar to bleach, run an empty hot water cycle in between to rinse out the vinegar completely.
Will the mold smell go away on its own if I just wash more clothes?
No. Washing clothes in moldy water spreads the mold to your fabrics and makes the smell worse. The mold needs to be killed with a cleaning cycle before you wash clothes again. Mold does not die from detergent or regular wash cycles.
How long does it take for the smell to go away after cleaning?
The smell usually fades within a few hours of running the cleaning cycle as the washer dries out. If it lingers after 24 hours, run the cycle again. Leaving the door open speeds up drying and helps the smell clear faster.
Is it safe to wash clothes right after using bleach to clean the washer?
No. Always run a second empty hot water cycle after bleach to rinse out any residue. Bleach left in the drum can damage or discolor your clothes. Vinegar does not require a rinse cycle because it evaporates and leaves no chemical residue.
What if my washer still smells moldy after trying everything?
The mold may be growing in parts you cannot reach, such as inside the drum walls or the pump assembly. Contact a washer repair technician to inspect and clean the interior. If the washer is very old or the repair cost is high, replacing it may be more practical than fixing deep mold damage.