When a washing machine smells musty, it’s usually the seals and the drum—soaked with moisture and buildup—acting up.
Here’s a simple trick, using lemon and toothpaste, to banish those odors and bring your laundry back to a truly clean feel.
In this article: the causes, a step-by-step guide, and the right habits to stop the smell from coming back.
A simple trick for a smelly washing machine
Opening the washer door only to be hit by an unpleasant smell—who hasn’t been there? This common issue often comes from a hidden buildup of residue. No need for pricey or harsh products though: two simple ingredients, lemon and toothpaste, could change the way you care for your machine. Intrigued?
Why does that smell linger?
Over time, washing machine drums (and their seals) become a real breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Detergent residue, constant humidity, and a lack of regular cleaning all contribute to an environment where bad smells thrive. Those odors don’t just sit in the drum; they also seep into your clothes—a real headache. But don’t worry, there’s a gentle and effective fix.
The winning combo: lemon and toothpaste
Maybe it never crossed your mind, but a simple lemon paired with toothpaste can tackle those unpleasant smells. Lemon, rich in citric acid, has disinfecting and degreasing properties, while toothpaste, thanks to its mild micro-abrasives, helps lift stuck-on residue. Together, these two allies make a low-cost method anyone can use.
- Cut a lemon in half and spread a thin layer of toothpaste over the cut side.
- Place the coated half in your machine’s drum (you can tuck it into a small laundry bag to keep any bits contained).
- Run a hot cycle (140 °F minimum) with no laundry.
And that’s it: in one cycle, your machine will be disinfected inside and regain a fresh, clean smell. Simple yet impressively effective! At the end of the cycle, wipe the seals and check the filter if you spot any pulp residue.
A maintenance routine to prevent it
Once the machine is clean, how do you keep the bad smells from returning? A few habits are enough to prevent it: regularly wipe the seals with a damp cloth, always leave the door open after a wash to help it dry quickly, and now and then use white vinegar or baking soda for a deeper clean.
Add to that a monthly hot maintenance cycle, rinsing the detergent drawer, and draining the pump filter. Never mix vinegar and bleach, and dose detergent correctly to limit residue buildup.
A simple step that works
No need to overthink this recurring household nuisance. With two ingredients you already have on hand, you can care for your appliances in a more affordable and natural way. This solution restores that long-lost freshness to both your machine and your laundry.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
