Got a smelly washing machine?  Well, I’ve got the fix!  Keep the odors away with these tricks for How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh!

Then start saving money on every load of laundry when you try this Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe!

Washing machine and dryer side-by-side.

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How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

There’s nothing worse than a smelly washing machine.  That kind of defeats the purpose, right? 😉  Well… today is the day you learn How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh!

These easy tips and tricks to fix a smelly washing machine, and prevent that stank from every starting really are so easy!

Trust me… these simple little tricks work like a charm!  So are you ready to freshen up your washing machines?  Here’s what you need to do…

Related: Walmart Grocery Deals (Best Secret Tips)

#1: Run a Hot Bleach Cycle Once a Month

The first thing you’ll want to get into the habit of doing is running a monthly bleach-only cycle… no clothes, just bleach.

Bleach can help kill mold, mildew and bacteria inside of your machine that may be causing the stench.

So once per month, simply run an empty cycle on the HOTTEST water setting with Bleach only.

It’s such an easy way to deep clean and freshen up the inside of your machine!

Container of bleach.

#2: Add Vinegar to Every Load!

Vinegar is another great way to freshen up your machine and your laundry at the same time!  Vinegar is great at dissolving soap scum inside of your machine, too!

Just remember to NEVER use vinegar and bleach together.

When running non-bleach loads, you can either add straight vinegar to your fabric softener section of the laundry detergent dispenser OR use this DIY fabric softener recipe to keep the odors away!

Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar

Fabric softener, conditioner, and vinegar.

#3: Keep the Door or Lid Open Between Cycles

Another reason you washing machine may be stinky is simply because… it never is able to dry out properly!

Damp things just have a way of getting smelly!

So, make sure to do everything you can to dry out your machine when it’s not in use.  For example…

If using a Top Loader, keep the lid up between cycles so it can air out completely.

If using a Front Loader, keep the door open between cycles so it can air out completely.

#4: Wipe Off the Door & Seals After Every Use

Person pulling back the seal on their washing machine.

For Front Loaders, you’ll also want to make sure the inside of the door and the seal are completely dry between cycles.

Water and soap bubbles can easily collect around the rubber seals, and if it’s not dried out, it can really start to stink!

Simply pull back the seal and use a dry rag to wipe it all out after you’re done washing.  Then wipe the inside of the door off as well.

Just remember… after you clean your machine with a monthly bleach cycle, and maintain it with vinegar in your loads… the other part of keeping your washing machine smelling great is all about wiping it down and airing it out.  Clean and dry!

Debbie writes: “Dry everything off after every load and leave them open to dry.  Mine are 5 years old and still look and smell brand new.”

More Easy Home Cleaning Ideas

So are you ready for even more DIY Homemade Cleaners inspiration?

Here are even more creative ideas I know you’re going to love…

How to Clean White Shoes at Home

Whether your shoes need a good cleaning, or you just need to know how to clean white shoelaces, I’ve got you covered!

White shoes with fall leaves.

How to Keep Shoes From Smelling (6 Easy Tricks)

Thankfully there are some really easy ways to help remedy that stink and make your shoes and flip flops smell fresh again!

Pair of blue Converse shoes.

DIY Carpet Powder Freshener

We love using this DIY carpet powder on the carpets, what an effective and frugal way to make carpets smell fresh!

Jar of carpet powder freshener with two flowers.

Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener

This makes such a light and lovely Air Freshener and fabulous Odor Absorber!

Lavender air freshener in a jar next to essential oil.

How To Remove Hard Water Spots

If you’re like me and live in an area with hard water, then you know the agony of trying to remove hard water spots from your home’s windows or car windshields and windows. You may wonder How to Remove Hard Water Spots.

Apple cider vinegar and a spray bottle.

Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe

I’ve personally been using this glass cleaner for years!

Dawn dish soap and vinegar on a counter next to a spray bottle.

Homemade 409 Cleaner Recipe

I love knowing exactly what is going into the cleaners I use in my home, don’t you?  This copycat 409 cleans so good, and takes just a few simple ingredients!

Homemade 409 ingredients arranged in a row.

How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors

Got soap scum?  Ew, right??  Let’s face it, soap scum is seriously gross!  So how about a serious way to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors???

Clean walk-in shower with a black, grey, and white tile wall.

How to Prevent Water Spots on Shower Doors

There’s nothing worse than dealing with water spots all over your pretty glass shower doors.  However, I’ve got two simple little tricks that will help you prevent a large majority of the water spots from ever appearing!

Clear, glass shower door with a black handle.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

One of the very easiest ways to save money on laundry is to use this homemade liquid laundry detergent.  I have been personally using this recipe for almost 10 years!

White washer and dryer side by side.

DIY Wool Dryer Balls

I love my wool dryer balls.  I can’t even imagine doing laundry without them!

Four wool dryer balls in a wicker basket.

How to Clean your Dishwasher

Even though your dishwasher is used for cleaning… it has a way of building up residue from dish soap, grime, and developing streaks on the interior door.

Empty, open dishwasher.

How to Make Your House Smell Good (HUGE List of Genius Hacks)

Nobody likes a stinky home. So skip the stink, and transform your home into a paradise of lovely fragrances with my easy hacks!

Blue Dutch front door with the top half opened.

50 DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes That Actually Work!

Get ready for some serious savings with these simple DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes and Tips!

Collage of different homemade cleaners.

Save Money Fast (20 Easy Ways to Save $2200 this Month!)

Are you wondering how to Save Money Fast?  It’s easy when you start slashing expenses and adding these extra sources of income to your finances!

A $50 bill and a $100 bill on a keyboard.

So do you have another tip for How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh?

Or maybe another cleaning hack or tip? 

Leave a comment & share!

Washing machine with text \"How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh!\"

About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

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2 Comments

  1. Christie says:

    OOH this is helpful! I’m going to try running bleach through my washing machine! SO far we’ve been pretty lucky but i’m sure one day we will begin to smell it lol.

    1. Heidi says:

      Haha… yes, it’s always good to beat the smells before they even begin! 🙂