Why a washing machine smells and how to clean it

A washer can hold residue from pet bedding, hair, and leftover detergent. Smell often sits in the gasket, the drum, and the detergent drawer.

Steps

  1. Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar between loads so the drum can dry.
  2. Wipe the gasket, drawer, and door glass with a cloth. For mold stain on gaskets, caulk, grout, windowsills, or toilet rims, the catalog lists a 100% bleach-free 8 oz mold stain remover.
  3. Confirm the drum is empty. Place one washer-cleaning tablet in the drum, not the detergent compartment. Run Normal with hot water or Clean Washer.
  4. Run an extra rinse if the maker's manual calls for it after a cleaner cycle.