Washing machines are vital tools in our households, and they have one primary function: to clean our clothes, towels, and bed linen so we can use them again and again without needing to throw them out once they get old.
You might think that because a washing machine is designed to clean clothes, simply throwing your laundry into the drum along with some washing powder is enough to do the job, but that’s not always the case.
In some instances, your clothes might come out of the washing machine still smelling musty and unclean.
This can be frustrating, especially if you had washed an item specifically to wear it to an event and it now needs to be washed again. But there is something you can do to make sure your clothes actually get cleaned when you wash them.
In a post on Reddit, one person asked for help after they washed clothes with a “strong odour”, such as gym clothes, and found the smell lingered even after they’d been washed.
They lamented: “I’ve tried washing some clothes that had a really strong odour (like sweat or musty smells), but even after a few washes, they still don’t smell fresh. I’ve used detergent, vinegar, and even baking soda, but the smell always comes back when they dry. What actually works for removing deep odours from clothes for good? Is there a special product or method I should try?”
Commenters offered several suggestions, but one of the most popular and easy-to-use options was to simply add some white vinegar to the drum when washing your clothes.
One person simply said: “Vinegar in the wash.”
Another also suggested soaking the clothes in vodka diluted with water or putting the mixture in a spray bottle and misting it over the garments before washing, as they’ve had success getting the “charity shop smell” out of clothes in the same way.
Sometimes, your washing machine itself can cause musty smells. You need to regularly clean your appliance to ensure it washes your clothes properly. Below are washing machine cleaning tips.
How to clean a washing machine
You should always check the manual for your appliance for proper cleaning instructions, as guidance may vary. However, here are some general cleaning tips that should work for most models:
1. Clean the Drum
- Empty the machine
- Run a cleaning cycle: Use a washing machine cleaner or two cups of white vinegar added to the detergent dispenser
- Run the hottest, longest cycle
- Optional: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle
2. Clean the Detergent Dispenser
- Remove the dispenser tray (check your manual if needed)
- Soak in hot, soapy water and scrub with a toothbrush
- Rinse and dry thoroughly before reinserting
3. Clean the Door Seal
- Wipe the rubber gasket with a cloth soaked in a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar
- Check for trapped debris, hair, or mould, and remove it
- Dry thoroughly
4. Clean the Filter (if applicable)
- Locate and remove the filter (check your manual)
- Rinse under running water to remove lint and debris
- Replace the filter
5. Wipe Down the Exterior
- Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the outside of the machine
