# Mildewy Smell in Washing Machine **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 3, 2006, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146 "2006-10-03T19:47:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146/1 "2006-10-03T19:47:33Z")
Is there a way to get rid of mildew in my washing machine? My clothes are coming out smelling of mildew. I don’t see any in the barrell, so I’m assuming it’s deeper within the mechanism. Any advice? TIA ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146/2 "2006-10-03T19:56:30Z")
Run a cycle with the highest water level, the hottest water, the longest wash setting and two or three cups of chlorine bleach. If that doesn’t do it, try letting the washer sit full of water and bleach overnight. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146/3 "2006-10-03T20:05:08Z")
[QUOTE=Q.E.D.] Run a cycle with the highest water level, the hottest water, the longest wash setting and two or three cups of chlorine bleach. If that doesn’t do it, try letting the washer sit full of water and bleach overnight. [/QUOTE] Exactly what I was coming in here to say. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146/4 "2006-10-03T20:25:08Z")
Borax or white vinegar will also work. Add a box of the first or a gallon of the second. ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146/5 "2006-10-03T20:52:04Z")
It may be a stupid question, but: are you leaving them in there for a while? That can do it. I have a habit of forgetting I’ve washed clothes and then having to re-wash them-- possibly forgetting _that_ load as well. Hence, I’ve learned that adding a cup or so of ammonia to the re-wash gets the mildew smell out of clothes. I’ve heard that vinegar can also do it. If it’s the washer itself, use the prior tips, and I suggest that you want to leave the lid open after you’re done using it in the future to let the machine dry between loads and discourage future mold growth. (If your basement is really damp, you may want to get a dehumidifier.) ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildewy-smell-in-washing-machine/375146/6 "2006-10-03T21:03:52Z")
I had the same problem, I accidentily left a load in over a weekend, and it stunk to high heaven. Adter that, any load in there more than an hour or so stunk to high heaven. I did a full bottle of white vinegar, max capacity, hot water. The next day I did the same, but with bleach. It was all better after that.