You walk into your laundry room expecting that fresh, clean scent—but instead, you’re greeted with a musty, sour smell coming from your washer. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my laundry machine smell?”—you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common issue for both front-load and top-load machines, and the cause is often simpler (and more fixable) than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind that unpleasant odour, what you can do about it, and even share a few tricks on how to make your laundry smell amazing every single time.
Why does my laundry machine smell?
It’s easy to assume that your washing machine is self-cleaning—it handles soap and water, after all. But the truth is, it’s one of those appliances that quietly collects residue over time. If not given attention, that build-up eventually starts to affect the smell of both the machine and your clothes.
Many people first notice the problem when freshly washed laundry comes out smelling stale or slightly sour. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re using quality detergent and following all the right steps. But what’s actually happening inside the machine often goes unnoticed for months.
Whether you’re dealing with occasional mustiness or a more persistent odour, it usually signals something going on behind the scenes—deep in the parts of your machine you rarely see. Identifying the real source is the first step to getting your washer back to its clean, fresh-smelling state.
Here are some common reasons your laundry machine might smell:
- Mould and mildew buildup: Moisture left behind after cycles can create an ideal environment for mould to grow inside the drum or gasket.
- Detergent residue: Using too much detergent or fabric softener causes residue to cling to internal parts of the washer.
- Dirty lint trap or filter: Many people forget to clean out the lint trap or the filter at the bottom of the machine.
- Trapped debris in the rubber seal (for front-loaders): Dirt, hair, and grime collect around the door seal, turning into a nasty mess.
- Clogged drain or drain hose: If water isn’t draining properly, stale water can sit inside and start to smell.
- Washing with cold water too often: Cold washes don’t always break down oils or kill bacteria as effectively as warm cycles.
- Untreated urine-stained clothes: If clothes with urine stains are washed without pre-treatment, the smell can linger and transfer into the machine itself over time.
How to get urine smell out of laundry?
If your clothes still smell like urine after a wash, don’t blame your machine just yet. Urine contains uric acid crystals, and these crystals are notorious for clinging to fabrics even after they’ve been washed. Standard detergents often mask the scent temporarily but don’t actually remove the source of the odour. Over time, especially if you’ve washed the item multiple times without treating it properly, that smell can become more stubborn and even intensify after drying. This is especially true for bed linens, kids’ clothes, pet blankets, or underwear that may have been left damp or bundled for too long before washing.
Here’s how to fix it—for good:
Use an enzyme cleaner
Regular detergent won’t cut it. Look for enzyme-based laundry detergents. They break down the uric acid in urine that causes the persistent smell.
Soak before you wash
Fill a tub or sink with cold water. Add one cup of white vinegar and let the item soak for at least 30–60 minutes. This helps neutralise the smell and lifts residues from deep within the fabric.
Choose warm or hot water for the wash
If the fabric care label allows, wash the item in warm or hot water. Heat helps break down uric acid crystals more effectively.
Rinse with baking soda or vinegar
During the rinse cycle, toss in half a cup of baking soda or white vinegar. Both are natural deodorisers and leave fabrics fresher.
Dry in fresh air if possible
Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant. Hanging laundry outside can help eliminate any remaining trace of odour.
Once you’ve done this routine, the question of how to get urine smell out of laundry won’t bug you again. Just remember—it’s not about masking the smell, it’s about treating the source.
How to make your laundry smell amazing?
We all love that feeling of slipping into freshly washed sheets or pulling on a clean shirt that smells fantastic. The secret? It’s all in the small habits.
Here’s how to make your laundry smell amazing every time:
- Clean your machine regularly: A fresh machine equals fresh laundry. A dirty washer will never give your clothes that “just-washed” smell.
- Don’t overload the washer: Clothes need room to move around for proper cleaning and rinsing. Overstuffing leads to musty results.
- Use scented dryer sheets or wool dryer balls with essential oils: These are game-changers for boosting fragrance naturally.
- Dry clothes immediately: Leaving wet laundry sitting in the machine is a surefire way to kill that fresh smell before it even starts.
- Store clothes properly: Even clean laundry can lose its scent in a musty closet. Keep your wardrobe ventilated and use fabric-friendly sachets or sprays.
Once you get into this rhythm, you won’t just wash your clothes—you’ll enjoy wearing them more.
Best Smelling Homemade Laundry Detergents
Sometimes, the best scents don’t come from a bottle on the shelf. Making your own detergent at home gives you full control over what goes into it—and what comes out of your dryer.
Here are three of the best smelling homemade laundry detergents that are easy to mix and pack a punch:
Floral Calm Blend
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1 bar grated castile soap
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops chamomile oil
Perfect for bed sheets and towels. Soothing and soft.
Zesty Fresh Mix
- 1.5 cups baking soda
- 1 cup borax
- 10 drops lemon oil
- 10 drops grapefruit oil
This one’s for your gym gear and socks—bright and energetic.
Mint Breeze Formula
- 1 cup grated soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 5 drops peppermint oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus oil
Fresh, clean, and a little spa-like. Great for everyday clothes.
No mystery ingredients. No artificial fragrances. Just clean clothes that smell exactly how you want them to.
Conclusion
A smelly laundry machine can indicate build-up from detergent residue, trapped moisture, or untreated urine stains. Regular cleaning and proper care will help restore your washer’s freshness, ensuring every load comes out smelling clean.
To eliminate unpleasant odours, clean your machine regularly and choose the right products—such as enzyme cleaners or natural detergents. If urine smells are a problem, pre-treating stains before washing is essential to prevent lingering odours. For that fresh laundry scent, consider using homemade laundry detergents or adding scent boosters to your wash routine.
Maintaining a clean machine, addressing laundry issues at the source, and selecting quality products are the secrets to enjoying long-lasting freshness and perfectly scented laundry.
