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That musty laundry smell may be coming from your washer itself

If clean clothes and towels still smell a little off, residue hiding inside the machine could be the reason. Here’s why it happens, a few habits that help, and a closer look at a monthly cleaning tablet.

By The Clean Home Mag EditorsUpdated October 29, 20264 min read
Hand placing a Splash Spotless tablet into the drum of a front-loading washer
Image: Splash Spotless.
Chapter 1

Why washing machines start to smell

A washer is warm, damp, and closed for most of the day, which makes it easy for residue to build up where you can’t see it.

Detergent and fabric softener don’t always rinse away completely. Over time, that residue mixes with lint, hair, and minerals from the water and collects in the drum, under the rubber door seal, and in the detergent drawer. Add moisture that never fully dries, and you can end up with a musty or mildew smell that transfers to your laundry.

High-efficiency machines use less water, which is great for your bills but can leave more residue behind. Front-loaders are especially known for smelly door gaskets.

Most appliance makers recommend cleaning the washer itself on a regular schedule.
Chapter 2

Simple habits that help

A few small changes go a long way toward keeping a washer fresh between deep cleans:

Leave the door or lid openLet the drum and gasket air-dry between loads so moisture doesn’t sit inside.
Move wet laundry quicklyDamp clothes left in the drum are one of the fastest ways to get a musty smell.
Use the right detergent doseToo much detergent or softener leaves residue behind, especially in high-efficiency machines.
Wipe the gasket and dispenserFront-loader door seals and detergent drawers collect lint, hair, and residue.

Even with good habits, buildup still happens in areas you can’t reach. That’s where a periodic cleaning cycle comes in, using either your machine’s tub-clean setting or a washer cleaner made for the job.

Chapter 3

A closer look: Splash Spotless

Box of Splash Spotless washing machine cleaner tablets
Seller: splashspotlesscleaner.com

Washing machine cleaner tablets for a monthly deep clean

Splash Spotless is a tablet-style washing machine cleaner. According to the seller, you drop one tablet into an empty drum and run a hot cycle, with no scrubbing needed.

Tablet formatSurfactant formulaNo bleachLightly scentedFront, top & HE washers

Here’s how the seller says it works:

  • DissolvesThe tablet dissolves during a hot, empty cycle and spreads the cleaning solution through the drum.
  • LoosensSurfactants help break down soap scum, residue, and grime that build up in hidden areas.
  • RinsesThe loosened buildup is rinsed away as the cycle finishes, leaving the machine fresher-smelling.
  • FormulaNo bleach, lightly scented, and described by the seller as made with natural ingredients.
Person opening the lid of a top-loading washing machine
Image: Splash Spotless. Works in top-load and front-load machines, per the seller.
Check today's price Opens the seller’s official website
Chapter 4

How to use it

  1. Empty the washerRemove all clothes and towels from the drum.
  2. Add one tabletDrop a single tablet directly into the drum.
  3. Run a hot cycleRun the empty machine on its hottest setting. The seller recommends once a month, or every two weeks for best results.
Good to know: check your washer’s manual first. Some manufacturers specify which cleaners or cycles to use, and following their guidance protects your warranty. Keep tablets in their packaging, away from children and pets.
Where to get it

Sold online by Splash Spotless

Splash Spotless is sold directly on the seller’s website. Here’s what to know before you order, based on the seller’s policies:

  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee, according to the seller. Returns must be requested within 30 days of delivery, and a processing fee and shipping costs are deducted from refunds. Read the return policy before you order.
  • Optional add-ons: checkout may offer Priority Processing, which only speeds up warehouse handling and is non-refundable once processing starts.
  • Shipping: the seller says orders are processed within 1 business day and typically arrive in 3 to 6 business days in the U.S.
Check today's price

Offers and availability are set by the seller and may change at any time. Check the seller’s site for current details and terms.

Quick answers

Questions readers ask

How often should I use it?

The seller recommends at least once a month, or every two weeks for best results.

Does it work in front-loaders and HE machines?

The seller says it works in all washing machines, including front-load, top-load, and high-efficiency models. Check your manual for any cleaner restrictions.

Does it contain bleach?

No. According to the seller, it contains no bleach and is lightly scented, so it shouldn’t affect the smell of your next load.

What if the smell doesn’t go away?

Persistent odors can also come from a clogged drain pump filter or a drain problem. Check your manual for how to clean the filter, and contact a technician if the smell continues.

Is this page an ad?

Yes. This is an advertorial, and we may earn compensation if you buy through the links on this page. Product details come from the seller and haven’t been independently tested by us.

Check today's price Opens splashspotlesscleaner.com, the seller’s official website

Sources: product name, directions, formula details, guarantee, and shipping terms are taken from the seller’s website at the time of writing. Washer care tips reflect general appliance-maker guidance.