Keep Your Rental Property Smelling Fresh
A musty-smelling washing machine can quickly become a tenant complaint—and may even lead to bad reviews or early lease breaks. Whether you’re a landlord prepping for new tenants or a homeowner tackling laundry odors, this guide will help you eliminate those smells for good.
🔍 Why Does Your Washing Machine Smell?
Here are the most common causes:
✔️ Mold & mildew buildup in door seals and detergent drawers
✔️ Bacteria from cold-water washes or leftover detergent
✔️ Clogged drains or filters trapping grime and debris
💡 Landlord Tip: Routine appliance maintenance prevents tenant complaints and costly replacements.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Deodorizing Your Washer
✅ 1. Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar
What you need: 2 cups white vinegar
Steps:
- Pour vinegar into the detergent dispenser
- Run a hot water cycle (no laundry)
- Wipe the drum and rubber seals afterward
🧪 Why it works: Vinegar kills bacteria, breaks down residue, and neutralizes odors.
📄 Download: Washing Machine Cleaning Checklist
✅ 2. Scrub Hidden Mold & Grime
What you need: White vinegar + lemon
Focus areas:
- Rubber door seals: Pull back and scrub with lemon or a vinegar-soaked cloth
- Detergent drawer: Remove and soak in vinegar
- Drain pump filter: Check your washer manual to locate and clean
🔗 Related: How to Deep Clean a Front-Load Washer
✅ 3. Deep Clean with Baking Soda
What you need: ½ cup baking soda
Steps:
- Add baking soda to the drum
- Run a hot water cycle
- Leave the door open afterward to dry completely
🔄 Preventing Future Odors: What Landlords Should Do
✔️ Leave washer doors open after each use
✔️ Use less detergent—more isn’t better
✔️ Add washer cleaning to your monthly rental maintenance checklist
💡 Landlord Pro Tips
- 📘 Include washer care instructions in tenant welcome packets
- 🧽 Schedule deep appliance cleans between tenants (or outsource it)
- 🚫 Consider odor-resistant washer models for new installs, like the LG SteamWasher with TubClean Cycle
🔧When to Call a Professional
If smells persist even after cleaning, it may be time for a technician. Common issues include:
- 🚰 Clogged drain lines
- 🔁 Mold-embedded seals
- ⚠️ Failing or faulty gaskets
- 🛠 Schedule a Washer Inspection with our team.
🧰 How We Help Landlords Maintain Appliances
At Greater Boston Property Management, we:
- 🔹 Include washer/dryer inspections during turnovers
- 🔹 Provide tenants with easy-to-follow appliance care guides
- 🔹 Coordinate and dispatch trusted appliance repair technicians
Call us at 617-394-8341 or schedule maintenance online