Instead of the expected fresh scent, damp, musty odours can cling to fabrics, making even clean laundry feel unwashed. The cause? It’s often a hidden build-up of detergent, limescale, and bacteria inside the washing machine drum.
However, experts say one household ingredient can solve the problem in a single wash. Cleaning experts at AO recommend using distilled white vinegar in a regular maintenance wash to keep your machine fresh and odour-free. Simply pour half a cup of distilled vinegar directly into the drum and run the machine on its hottest setting.
“It acts as a natural disinfectant,” the experts at AO note, stating that it helps “kill bacteria and remove detergent residue”.
Running this cycle once a month can prevent musty smells from taking over your laundry. The best part is that it uses no harsh chemicals.
The key to stopping smelly washing machines is to treat the machine, not just mask the smell on clothes.
Odour-causing bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments like the inside of a washing machine.
Over time, they cling to the drum, rubber seal, and pipes, especially when low-temperature washes are used frequently.
While modern eco-washes are great for saving energy, they don’t always kill bacteria. That’s where the high-heat vinegar method comes in.
During the hot cycle, the vinegar not only disinfects but also breaks down stubborn limescale and soap scum.
You can use machines with a specific drum clean or maintenance cycle instead of a regular hot wash.
AO experts also recommend removing detergent build-up from drawers and cleaning out the machine’s filter.
Letting the drum air out is just as important — always leave the door and drawer slightly ajar after use.
This helps prevent the moisture build-up that encourages mould and mildew.
If your washing machine has a persistent odour, it has likely been too long since its last deep clean.
