Removing the Odor

• Turn on the washing machine with a small load size and hot water cycle. Pour 2 cups baking soda and 1 qt. white vinegar into your washing machine. Both items deodorize without harming the washer, plus the vinegar kills the mildew growth. Let the washing machine complete the wash cycle, and examine to see if any mildew odor remains. If so, repeat the procedure.
  
  

Preventing the Odor

• To prevent the odor from developing in the future, keep your washer door open after using the washing machine. This allows the water to evaporate. Otherwise you trap the moisture inside at which point it begins to develop that unattractive musty water odor.
  
  

Seeking Professional Assistance

• For heavy odor that you cannot remove on your own, seek help from a professional appliance repair facility. If your washer is still under warranty, you typically have a maintenance contract that allows one visit per year at no charge. In this case the repair person can handle the problem at no cost or for a minimal cost.
  
  

Things to Avoid

• Don't attempt to disassemble the washing machine on your own. You can often end up causing more damage when you don't know what you're doing, plus you'll typically void your warranty if you cause any damage from taking apart the washing machine.