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The Daily Insight

Why does my top load washer smell

Author

Sarah Rodriguez

Published Apr 05, 2026

Top-loading washing machines can accumulate a laundry detergent residue overtime and collect standing water because they fail to drain all the rinse water from the washing machine’s drum. These conditions can result in a musty smell that is due to the growth of mildew or mold.

How do I get rid of the smell in my top load washing machine?

Pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum, then run a normal cycle at high heat—without any clothes, of course. The baking soda and vinegar should break up any residue stuck to your drum and kill any mold that might be present. They’ll also help remove any foul odors.

How do I clean my top-loading washing machine naturally?

  1. Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine and Start a Cycle. …
  2. Wipe Down the Lid and the Rest of the Washing Machine. …
  3. Focus In on the Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispenser. …
  4. Run Another Cycle With Baking Soda. …
  5. Leave the Lid Open and Let It Air Dry Out.

Why does my top loading washing machine smell like sewer?

The most likely is bacteria growing in your washer because of built-up dirt, mildew and mold, lint, and/or soap. If you don’t regularly clean your washing machine, these things build up on, under, or inside the rubber seal and in the crevices of the drum.

Can I put Drano in washing machine drain?

Can I put Drano down my washing machine drain? Yes. Drano or any drain cleaner can be used to unclog your washing machine drain, but make sure you run your washer without a load of laundry before normal use.

Why does my Whirlpool washer stink?

It’s normal for a washing machine to develop an odor over time without proper cleaning. Moisture gets trapped inside after running a load, creating the perfect conditions for mildew to grow. That’s why it’s so important to follow a regular schedule for cleaning Whirlpool front loader mold from inside the unit.

Is bleach or vinegar better to clean washing machine?

Bleach kills bacteria, mold, and mildew, while white vinegar dissolves soap scum and tough mineral deposits. You will also need a measuring cup, sponge, bucket, and cloth.

How do I clear my washing machine drain pipe?

To unclog a clogged drain, first fill a bucket with boiling water and a pack of baking soda. Remove the drain pipe from your washing machine and slowly pour the water into the drain using a funnel. Wait a few minutes and test if it keeps draining if you pour water into it.

How do you clean a washing machine that smells like mildew?

“All you need to do is run an empty cycle under the Clean setting with hot water, add 2 cups of white vinegar, and half-cup of baking soda to remove the smell, and let your washer run through the cycle.”

How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?

The surest and most obvious sign that your washing machine’s drain hose is clogged is if you notice that the water in your machine isn’t draining away properly. Many people first notice this after putting their laundry on the spin cycle and realizing that it’s still soaking wet at the end of the timer.

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How do you disinfect a top loading washing machine?

  1. Empty the Washer. …
  2. Select the Water Temperature and Cycle Settings. …
  3. Fill the Washer With Water. …
  4. Add the Chlorine Bleach. …
  5. Run the Complete Washer Cycle. …
  6. Clean Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers. …
  7. Fill the Washer Again With Hot Water. …
  8. Add Distilled White Vinegar.

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda in washing machine?

Vinegar and baking soda are the two best agents you can use to clean your washing machine. … One way is to mix 2 cups of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda and water each, then pour the mixture into the detergent cache of your washing machine. Simply run a cycle at the highest temperature.

Where is the filter on a Whirlpool top load washer?

Step 1: Locate the filter Usually, it will be on the bottom right of the washing machine, making access rather easy. Of course, your model may be different so you may need to consult the user’s manual or give your washer a quick look over to find it.

Why does my sink gurgle when washing machine drains?

When your washing machine drains or empties the water, it pushes the water out at high volume using its drain pump. When gurgling at sinks or toilets occur, this usually means the shared waste pipe is partially blocked. The blocked waste pipe does not allow the water from the washer to pump out fast enough.

Can a washing machine drain too fast?

It’s because the water flows out faster than the pipe can drain. The easiest way to fix this is to seal up the washing machine waste hose against the open PVC pipe.

What is the best product to clean a washing machine?

  1. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters. The best washing machine cleaner overall. …
  2. Affresh Washer Cleaner – 5 Pack. …
  3. Glisten Washer Machine Cleaner, Fresh Scent. …
  4. Hiwill Washing Machine Cleaner Effervescent Tablets. …
  5. Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner.

Does washer drain need a trap?

When hooking up a new washing machine, some people look for a convenient drain line and simply install a pipe that extends to the washer. … The lack of a P-trap exposes the area to sewer fumes and the lack of venting will cause the drain to run sluggishly and overflow. Washers, like all fixtures, need a trap.

Can you run bleach through a washing machine?

To clean your washing machine with bleach, simply add 60ml of neat bleach to your detergent drawer then run your machine on a hot cycle, with an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the bleach is flushed out. … Bleach and hot water can also produce a lot of foam, so don’t use more than the dose we’ve recommended.

Can I spray Lysol in the washing machine?

To use Lysol or another liquid-based disinfectant in the laundry, add about ¾ cup to one cup of the product. … You may also add the disinfectant product to the washing machine’s bleach dispenser and it will interject the product into the laundry at the appropriate time.

What happens if you put too much bleach in washing machine?

Bleach can fight stains and whiten your whites, but there is such a thing as too much bleach when it comes to doing your laundry. When you over-bleach your laundry, it can impact the strength and quality of the fibers over time. … Read the care label as some fabrics cannot be bleached.

Can baking soda ruin your washing machine?

Baking soda acts as a natural brightener and deodorizer. If you have particularly smelly clothes, using a full cup of baking soda will not harm your washer. You’ll get better results if you allow the clothes to soak in the baking soda and water for at least 30 minutes before completing the wash cycle.

How much baking soda do I put in my washing machine?

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash when you add your regular liquid detergent. Baking soda will give you sharper whites, brighter brights, and odor-free clothing.

How much baking soda do I put in my laundry to get rid of the smell?

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash load of your top-loader or front-loader machine. You can sprinkle the baking soda directly on the clothes rather than adding it to the detergent cup or compartment. If you’re out of laundry detergent and need to do a wash, use 1 cup of baking soda in place of detergent.

Which is better OxiClean or borax?

This bleaching agent brightens stains, making borax even more effective. Oxiclean contains sodium percarbonate. … Sodium carbonate alkalizes the water, breaking down acidic stains the same way borax does. When you mix OxiClean and water, you’ll hear and see fizzing.

What happens if you mix vinegar and laundry detergent together?

It doesn’t cause any harm, but it will make the detergent less effective because vinegar is so acid. You can absolutely use vinegar and laundry detergent in the same load, but you cannot mix them together . Precautions when using vinegar in laundry.

Is it OK to use vinegar in washing machine?

Vinegar can be used to clean your washing machine, as well as many other household appliances. Run your washing machine without any clothing in it. Use hot water and a cup of vinegar. This will reduce the lint and soap buildup in the machine.