How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Odors (and How Fabric Softener Fits In)
Musty-smelling laundry often starts with your washer. Over time, laundry products and soil residues can build up in hidden parts of your machine, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers that use less water. When combined with moisture and warmth, this buildup can lead to odor. The good news? With a few routine habits and the right laundry products, it’s easy to keep your washer and laundry fresh.
What causes washing machine odors?
Residue from laundry products and body soils can accumulate inside the drum, gasket, filter, and detergent drawer. HE washers in particular use less water, which can make it harder to rinse away these residues. When the washer stays damp – especially with the door closed – it can create the perfect environment for mustiness to thrive, leading to unpleasant smells.
How can I fight odors and keep my washer clean?
Run a cleaning cycle at least once a month with your machine’s cleaning cycle or by using a dedicated machine cleaner like Tide Washing Machine Cleaner. Be sure to wipe down the rubber gasket and detergent drawer where residues often hide. Try leaving the washer door or lid open after each cycle to let the interior air dry and prevent moisture from getting trapped.
Does fabric softener cause buildup or damage?
No. When used correctly, Downy Fabric Softener is formulated to rinse cleanly and is safe for all types of washing machines – including HE models. Buildup is usually caused by overdosing products or not using proper rinse cycles. If you follow directions, load products into the correct dispenser, and perform proper cleaning maintenance, softeners won’t leave behind sticky or greasy residues.
Are there products that help prevent odor buildup?
Yes! Downy Rinse & Refresh is designed to be used in the rinse cycle and is especially effective for odor-prone items like towels and athletic wear. Its breakthrough low-pH formula dissolves trapped residues – including hard water minerals, and body soils – that can linger in fabrics and cause odor. It not only improves freshness but also helps prevent those same residues from building up in your washer.
Can overdosing detergent or softener cause odors?
Potentially, especially if you are not cleaning your machine regularly, which is a recommended maintenance step. Overusing detergent or other laundry products can lead to excess suds or film that’s harder for your washer to rinse away – especially in HE machines. This residue can trap body soils and moisture, leading to odor. To prevent issues, always follow the dosing instructions on your products and consider adding Downy Rinse & Refresh to your routine to help break the buildup cycle.
How do I know if odors are coming from my washer or my fabrics?
If clothes smell clean when dry but develop odor as they get wet or when re-worn, the issue is likely fabric-based (often caused by odor “bloom” from embedded body soils). If laundry smells off immediately after the cycle ends – or if the drum itself smells when empty – the washer is the likely culprit. Either way, Downy Rinse & Refresh can help, as it clarifies both fabrics and machines by flushing away odor-causing buildup.
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