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How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh! {4 Easy Tips}

June 7, 2016 By Heidi 2 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

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!

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

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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…

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

Related:

  • How to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards + 15 Shopping Hacks for frugal cleaning supplies.

#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!

Keep Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

#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

Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Hair Conditioner

#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

How to Keep Washing Machine from Smelling

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!

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 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!

How to Keep Shoes From Smelling Bad

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

DIY Carpet Powder Freshener

Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener

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

Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener

DIY Jasmine Air Freshener Spray

Make your home smell absolutely lovely with this fun Jasmine DIY Essential Oil Air Freshener Spray!

Jasmine Essential Oil Air Freshener Spray Recipe

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh!

Keep the unwanted odors away with this tip for how to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh!

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh

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.

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Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe

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

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!

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???

How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower and Walls

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!

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!

DIY Wool Dryer Balls

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

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.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

Easy Microwave Cleaning Hack

Keep your microwave as clean as possible with these easy tips and tricks.

Microwave Cleaning Hack Vinegar Water

Tips for How to Clean Your Coffee Maker

If you use your Coffee Maker as much as I do, it probably could use a little cleaning, right?  Here’s another easy kitchen tip for you,

How to Clean Your Keurig

Has it been awhile since you cleaned your Keurig?  Check out this simple trick for How to Clean Your Keurig Coffee Maker!

21 Brilliant Spring Cleaning Hacks

There’s nothing like coming home to a beautiful clean home… and these Spring Cleaning Hacks are guaranteed to get the job done!

Spring Cleaning Hacks

35+ DIY Home Air Fresheners to Keep Your Home Smelling Great

Get inspired to create your own air fresheners with these fun DIY Home Air Fresheners tips!

DIY Home Air Fresheners

50+ DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes That Actually Work!

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

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 streams of income to your finances!

Save Money Fast! {12 Easy Ways to Save $1100 this Month!}

Don’t miss out!  Get even more fun Frugal Girls Tips, Recipes + more right here…

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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!

How to Keep Washing Machine Smelling Fresh - tip at TheFrugalGirls.com

Filed Under: DIY, Homemade Cleaners

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Comments

  1. Christie says

    July 12, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      July 12, 2021 at 4:09 pm

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

      Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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