Your laundry looks fresh… until you smell it. That sour, musty odor isn’t your imagination, and it’s not just “old towels.” It’s your washing machine quietly turning into a grimy,

bacteria-friendly swamp. Every cycle, residue builds. Every load, more gunk hides in places you never check. Most people never clean the very machine that’s supposed to clean ev… Continues…

The unpleasant truth is that even the most expensive washing machine will eventually start recycling dirt, detergent buildup, and bacteria back into your clothes if you ignore it. Hot water and soap aren’t enough to keep the drum and inner parts truly clean. A simple, regular cleaning routine can transform how your clothes smell and feel, and it’s far easier than most people think.

Start by running an empty cycle on the hottest, longest setting with one to two cups of distilled white vinegar poured directly into the drum. This helps dissolve grime and disinfect the tub. When that finishes, run another empty hot cycle, this time with one cup of baking soda to neutralize odors and clear remaining residue.

Then, scrub the detergent drawer, rim, lid, and all visible crevices with a baking soda–vinegar paste (or diluted bleach), using an old toothbrush for tight spots. Wipe everything with a damp cloth, leave the lid open to dry, and repeat this routine every month or so. Your washer will last longer, and your laundry will finally come out smelling truly, undeniably clean.