How do I get the bad smell out of my washer and my washed clothes?

  7 answers
  • Kat Kat on Aug 18, 2017

    if its the new type washers, using AFFRESH is good; also try pouring white vinegar in and running thru a quick wash. when washing clothes I also put a bit of 20 Mule Team Borax in with my clothes (not much), but it also helps with smell. If you are on a well, I found the water from the well will sometimes cause that (even with a conditioner), so I still pour white vinegar in as either a rinse of "softener". most of the time it works. we had that problem too. good luck

    • WAYNE WAYNE on Aug 18, 2017

      2 THINGS

      1 LEAVE DOOR OPEN A BIT WHEN NOT IN USE [EVERY TIME]


      2 USE A CLEANER SOME KIND OF SODA CARB

      ON EMPTY 40% WASH EVERY 10 WASHES

  • Alyssa Alyssa on Aug 18, 2017

    Is it a front-loading washer? They tend to get moldy, especially if you don't leave the door open when not in use. There are some good tips here: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/how-to-keep-your-he-front-load-washer-clean-and-smelling-fresh/

  • If you have an HE washer you should follow manufacturers instructions. If your owners manuel is not available, go one line to find them. If not an HE washer, clean it, I wipe out with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Many times the culprit is the fabric softener, especially if it is in the center agitator. Pull or twist that cup put and clean inside, sometimes it gets moldy - just clean regularly with vinegar, peoxide or alcohol. Then I run a full cycle on hot with vinegar in the bleach and fabric softener compartments as well as the detergent. If you wish, run an old towel or sheet as a test and see if that works for you.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Aug 18, 2017

    I'd use a cup of white vinegar in a hot wash cycle. Stop the wash cycle for a 1/2 hour so the clothes can soak, then start it again to finish the cycle. If you can hang the wet clothes outside to sun dry rather than putting them in a dryer, that would also help.

  • Millie Millie on Aug 18, 2017

    Try a cup of baking soda with your detergent and run it through a cycle. It always too any moldy smell away for me.


  • Ruth Smart Ruth Smart on Aug 18, 2017

    Baking/washing soda and vinegar .....put 1/2 cup of soda in the wash cycle and the same of vinegar in the rinse cycle .When yo finish using the machine put the 1/2 cup of soda for the next. wash in the tub and close the lid .This works for top loaders gor sure .Good luck