My washing machine is smelling, how do I get rid of the odor?

Question

My washing machine is smelling, how do I get rid of the odor?

Answer 1

Run the washer on the cold cycle (empty) with about three tablespoons of vinegar....that should do the trick.

Answer 2

Try running a hot cycle with bleach to get rid of the smell.  Also, make sure you leave the washer open (along with any detergent compartments) to dry after you are finished with the laundry.  That will keep it from smelling.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Try running an empty load with baking soda in it, or the same thing with bleach in it.  To help prevent it, leave the lid up when not in use.

Answer 4

Is it a front loader or an HE machine that doesn't have an agitator? If so and it's under a year old return it and get a top loader with an agitator. That's what I did. You will be stuck with this problem for years to come if you don't send them back. Good luck!

Answer 5

White vinegar. 1 Cup in a load of warm water throw in some white kitchen towels and let it go through a cycle OR throw in a package of lemon flavored(sugarless) Kool aid. This works on dishwashers why not washing machines?

Answer 6

Let it run on high load and put a cup of plain vinegar.

Answer 7

If you left wet clothes in there too long they probably soured and will need to be rewashed.  If there are no clothes in there and it still stinks the water may not be completely draining as it should and the water that is pooling may be turning stagnant. Check all your hoses/connections.  Try running a good hot cycle with just bleach and soap in there - see if that helps.  If not, you may have to completely disconnect it, pull it out and do some investigating - good luck!