How to Fix Odor in Washing Machine - Tips and Tricks

To fix washing machine odor, pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer and run an empty hot water cycle. Follow with half a cup of baking soda in the drum on another hot cycle.

• Bad smells come from leftover soap, moisture, mould, and trapped dirt.
• Cleaning the rubber seal and detergent drawer gets rid of hidden bacteria.
• Leaving the drum door open after every wash stops new smells from forming.
• New washing machines cost between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 65,000 in India depending on capacity.

If your old washer is beyond repair, you can also buy a new washing machine on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales.

The top 3 causes of washing machine odor are detergent residue buildup, stagnant water, and mould growth on wet internal components. When un-dissolved detergent mixes with trapped body oils and limescale, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria in hidden areas. This results in a smelly washing machine or stinky washing machine over time.

If you want to replace your washing machine, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.

The fastest natural way to remove bad smell from a washing machine is by running two separate hot wash cycles using white vinegar and baking soda.

Follow this 5-step process to deep clean your washer:

1. Pour vinegar: Pour 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser drawer.
2. Run first hot cycle: Select the hottest wash setting, ideally at a 60°C cycle temperature, and run an empty load.
3. Add baking soda: Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the empty washing machine drum.
4. Run second hot cycle: Run another empty hot wash cycle at 60°C to scrub away loosened debris and neutralize leftover vinegar smells.
5. Wipe clean: Wipe down the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and drum rim with a microfibre cloth.

Important Note: Do not use vinegar and baking soda together in the same wash cycle. Mixing acid and base causes a chemical reaction that neutralises both agents, reducing their cleaning effectiveness. Repeat this process once monthly for maintenance to keep your machine odor-free.

White vinegar and baking soda are two of the most effective natural solutions for removing odor in washing machines. They are safe, affordable, and easy to use, making them ideal for regular cleaning.

To begin, pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer. Run an empty wash cycle on the hottest setting. This helps break down detergent residue, limescale, and bacteria that cause a stinky washing machine. Once the vinegar cycle is complete, add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle. Baking soda helps neutralise any remaining odor and gently scrubs the inside of the drum.

This method works well for both front-load and top-load machines. It also helps improve the machine’s overall performance by clearing out hidden build-up. You can repeat this cleaning once a month to prevent smells from returning. Natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda are gentle on your machine and do not damage rubber or metal parts. They are also an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-based products, making them a smart choice for any home. However, you must never mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle. The acid-base reaction between vinegar and baking soda neutralises both agents before they can clean, leaving you with simple saltwater that cannot remove tough buildup.

The most effective way to prevent odor in a washing machine is to eliminate excess moisture and soap residue after every wash. Taking proactive care keeps your laundry fresh and extends the lifespan of your appliance. Here are 7 essential maintenance tips to stop smells before they start:

• Leave the door open: Keep the door open for 30 minutes post-wash so moisture can evaporate completely.
• Wipe the door gasket: Dry the rubber seal folds using a clean microfibre towel after each laundry load.
• Run a hot maintenance wash: Run an empty wash cycle at least once a week at 60°C to kill bacteria.
• Clean the drain pump filter: Unscrew and drain the bottom filter once a month to remove trapped lint and debris.
• Remove clothes promptly: Never leave damp laundry inside the drum for longer than 2 hours.
• Soak the detergent drawer: Remove and wash the dispenser drawer in warm soapy water once every 30 days.
• Measure your detergent correctly: Avoid overusing liquid soap, which leaves behind a sticky layer of film.

By following these habits, you can prevent dampness from turning into stubborn mould inside your machine.

For strong washing machine odor, the most effective commercial cleaners are active oxygen tablets and chemical descaling powders that dissolve trapped limescale and kill 99.9% of bacteria inside internal pipes.

The table below compares top commercial cleaning options for different washer types:

Note: Commercial cleaners cost Rs. 150–400 per use compared to the near-zero cost of using household vinegar and baking soda. Use commercial cleaners when facing severe mineral buildup or stubborn smells that natural ingredients fail to remove.

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
3. Check the washing machine in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
5. Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.
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3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.­
4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

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