Why do my clothes smell?? Recently, every time I do a load of laundry, I notice a musty odor on our clothing. I have been guilty in the past of forgetting about the laundry in the machine and noticing a similar smell. A quick rewashing usually solved the problem. Not this time though. I could wash the load 10 times and the smell remained.
We have a filtration system on our well water, so I checked the filters, tried a new laundry detergent and even added some Purex Crystals, but nothing was working. I started searching the internet for answers. Over and over again, I came up with the same answer. I needed to clean my washer? I just assumed my washer was clean. It starts out with dirty laundry and by the time it ends there is a tub full of clean laundry, so the washer should be clean, right? Wrong!
Apparently, over time bacteria and mold can grow inside your washer, causing funky smells and marks on your clothing. YUK! They make commercial washing machine cleaners, of course they are pricey and it is just as easy (no easier) to make your own.
Here is my recipe for Washing Machine Cleaner that I adapted from several different sources.
2 cups white vinegar or lemon juice
2 Tablespoons dish washing liquid
Pour ingredients into washer and run the cycle through with HOT water.
I did this once, opened the lid of the washer and let everything dry completely.
Ran through a load of laundry and guess what NO smell!!
I am so excited, that a simple fix was easily found! I chose the white vinegar, because I can buy it by the gallon for $2.39 at the local discount store, lemon juice is 5 times that price. I plan to “wash” my washer every 3 months or more often if I notice the funk coming back.
It is also recommended that you keep the lid on your washer open after you remove your laundry to allow everything to dry. This is something I never do, but will be doing now.
Do you “wash” your washer? Please share any tips you have in the comments!!
NOTE ~ I have an standard washing machine. You may need to research other methods for cleaning HE and front load washers!
InezbyDesign says
Wow! I am SO trying this! I did the bleach thing, but I really hate to put bleach into the water system if I don’t have to. I love your recipe and plan on trying it this weekend! Did you know that those self same ingredients mixed 3/4 -1/4 is the Best bathroom cleaner I have found.
Joshua Lanham says
Bleach actually is not bad for the environment. I95-98% of it breaks down to salt and water, the rest gets filtered out easily by the water companies.
Michele says
Thanks InezDesigns! We have a well and septic system, so I need to be careful of what goes in and out!
Michele
Sharon says
I use the washer cleaner several times a year but have neer tried a home solution. I agree it’s important to clean the cleaner!
Michele says
Thanks Sharon!
Jennifer Lusher says
My clothes smell great because I use Tide pods w/ Febreeze! Good tip on cleaning the washer!
Michele says
I have never tried the Tide pods. I didn’t even know they had febreeze in them. Our smell gave any kind of detergent a run for its money!
Thanks
Michele
Stephanie Hungerford says
I love this Idea and everything is so cheap I have hard water so I rinse every wash with 1/2 vinegar in a downy ball and I have never had a problem with washer odor
Michele says
Thanks Stephanie! I broke my Downy ball a long time ago, but wish I had another. I like to add vinegar but usually forget. Maybe I would remember if I had my ball back!
Michele
Leann Lindeman says
Good to know this.. my machine could use a good cleaning.
Michele says
Thanks for commenting Leann!
Joshua Lanham says
never thought about using dish detergent. I’ve used vinegar and baking soda, then followed that with bleach. (two separate cycles, never combine bleach and vinegar!)
Michele says
Thanks for the tips, Joshua!
Lou Glover says
I use Tide pods
Michele says
I need to try these!
Thanks
CATHY TRUMAN says
This is very good idea. I am going to use it. My washing machine could use
a good cleaning. I have used bleach before but this sounds much better.
Lori Thomas says
I will be trying this, my washer could stand a cleaning
Jessica says
My clothes don’t smell. I wash them everyday,
Lora Lea says
i LOVE VINEGAR IT TRULY IS A MIRACLE
Kathy Ross says
I used the cleaner you buy in the store-once. It is kind of pricey. I’ll definitely use your idea. I do always leave the lid open on my washer after using to dry though. Thanks for the tips!
Carrie Phelps says
It’s so easy to forget our cleaning appliances get dirty too; washing machine & dishwasher!
Debbie Welchert says
I am going to try this out. My washer has the same problem. It really needs a good cleaning.
Wendi Scharrer says
Great info, I didn’t know! Thank you for recipe. Cheap & easy …right up my alley! 🙂 I will also be doing this every 3 months.
Amy Orvin says
You should try that new Tide waher cleaner. It’s supposed to work great.
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Amy Orvin says
I meant *washer
Trasina McGahey says
I have always ran bleach through and that has worked well in the past but i’ll be trying this method as well!
Megan says
Vinegar fixes everything, doesn’t it? 🙂
mary ortiz says
I believe each person exerts a specific odor from their body which is unique and releases it on their clothes. That is why sometimes loved ones hold on to eachother’s clothes to remind them of that special someone.
Kris says
I use soap nuts and have not had an odor or residue issue in months (without cleaning the washer). A lot of what creates smell issues is residue from common laundry detergents. But running a cycle with vinegar and/or baking soda is a good way to make sure you never have smell issues.
Danielle says
So, I feel kinda of stupid saying this but did the Dawn not get too soapy and sudsy or did the vinegar help on that? My machine smells like rotten eggs. I am afraid I have standing water somewhere but I am going to try this first. Thanks!
Danielle
Michele says
HI Danielle,
If your afraid of too many suds, adding a bit of baking soda would help that. Mine got sudsy but nothing more than my regular liquid laundry detergent.
Good luck!
Michele