If you’ve started noticing a musty or unpleasant odor from your washing machine, chances are you’re dealing with mildew or mold buildup inside the drum or rubber gasket. Even premium machines like Speed Queen are not immune to this issue, especially in humid climates or when left closed after use. The good news is that removing mildew smell from a Speed Queen washer is simple if handled correctly. Below, we explain six effective ways to clean, disinfect, and prevent future mold from developing in your washer.

Understanding Why Speed Queen Washers Develop Mildew

Mildew and mold form when moisture, detergent residue, and organic matter mix inside a warm, enclosed space. In Speed Queen washers, this commonly happens around the door gasket, detergent drawer, or drum lining. The rubber gasket, designed to seal water, often traps leftover moisture that becomes a breeding ground for mold.

Common causes include:

• Leaving the washer door closed after a cycle
• Using too much detergent or fabric softener
• Washing at low temperatures that don’t kill bacteria
• Skipping regular cleaning cycles

Addressing these causes early can stop mildew smell before it becomes embedded in the machine.

1. Clean the Drum with White Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is the simplest and most natural way to eliminate odor from your Speed Queen washer. White vinegar dissolves detergent residue while baking soda neutralizes smells and helps kill light mold growth.

• Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
• Add half a cup of baking soda.
• Run a hot water cycle (60°C or higher) without clothes.
• Leave the washer door open afterward to dry completely.

If the smell persists, repeat the process once more. Vinegar also removes mineral deposits that can trap odor inside the metal drum.

2. Use a Specialized Washer Cleaner

Commercial washing machine cleaners are available from brands like Affresh, Clorox, or Tide. These tablets or liquids are safe for Speed Queen washers and dissolve built-up detergent scum and mold inside the drum, hoses, and gasket.

For best results:

• Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s packaging.
• Run the washer on a hot or “sanitize” cycle.
• Repeat monthly to maintain freshness.

Unlike vinegar, commercial cleaners also target biofilm — a slimy buildup of bacteria that vinegar alone may not completely remove.

3. Disinfect the Rubber Door Gasket

The gasket is the main culprit behind the mildew smell. Over time, small pockets of moisture, hair, lint, and detergent settle inside its folds. To clean it thoroughly:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
• Spray directly into the gasket folds and around the rubber edges.
• Scrub with a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth.
• Wipe dry with a towel and leave the door open for several hours.

For severe cases, dip a cloth in diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and wipe the affected area carefully. Always rinse afterward and avoid undiluted bleach, which can damage the gasket material.

4. Clean the Detergent Drawer and Filters

Even if you clean the drum and gasket, mildew smell can linger if detergent compartments and filters remain dirty. Speed Queen washers have removable detergent drawers that often accumulate residue and mold inside the corners.

• Pull the drawer out completely and soak it in warm water with mild detergent.
• Scrub all corners with a brush or cotton swab.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly before reinserting.
• Check the filter at the bottom (for front-load models) for lint or hair buildup.

This step restores detergent flow and prevents moisture from stagnating inside the drawer slot.

5. Run a Bleach Disinfection Cycle

If your washer still smells after using vinegar or cleaner, use a bleach cycle to destroy remaining mold spores. Speed Queen washers tolerate mild chlorine bleach when used correctly.

• Add one cup of liquid bleach directly into the drum (not the dispenser).
• Run the hottest, longest wash cycle available.
• Once done, run one more rinse cycle with plain water to remove residual bleach.

Never mix bleach with vinegar or baking soda in the same cleaning session, as it produces harmful fumes. Bleach should only be used when the washer is empty and ventilated.

6. Dry and Deodorize After Every Wash

Even after deep cleaning, mildew will return if the washer remains damp. The key is proper drying and ventilation. Speed Queen machines are built to last, but like any washer, they need regular air circulation.

• After each cycle, leave the door slightly open for airflow.
• Wipe the gasket and drum dry with a towel.
• Remove clothes immediately after the wash cycle finishes.
• Run a monthly maintenance wash with vinegar or machine cleaner.
• Use less detergent — Speed Queen washers are high-efficiency models and don’t need excess soap.

Adding a few drops of essential oil to your cleaning cycle can also help keep the drum smelling fresh.

Risks of DIY Cleaning Mistakes

While DIY cleaning works, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can cause permanent damage or worsen odors:

• Too much vinegar: Overuse can corrode rubber seals or damage internal metal parts.
• Excess baking soda: May leave residue and block drainage filters.
• Bleach misuse: Mixing with vinegar or ammonia produces toxic gases.
• Over-wetting the gasket: Can trap moisture instead of removing it.

Following safe cleaning ratios and proper drying habits is crucial for keeping your Speed Queen washer in peak condition.

Professional Deep Cleaning and Odor Removal in UAE

Sometimes mildew and mold penetrate beyond visible areas, especially in washers used for several years without maintenance. In such cases, professional cleaning is the safest solution. Companies like Bio-On UAE offer advanced disinfection and deodorization services for washing machines, including Speed Queen models.

Using high-pressure steam, non-corrosive disinfectants, and odor neutralizers, professionals can reach behind panels, hoses, and internal parts inaccessible during home cleaning. This ensures a complete reset of the machine’s hygiene and performance.

Price Range for Professional Washer Mold Removal in UAE

Typical costs for washer mold cleaning in the UAE vary depending on the model and severity of buildup:

• Basic inspection and surface cleaning: AED 100–150
• Full deep cleaning and disinfection: AED 200–350
• Severe odor or mold restoration (internal parts): AED 400–600

Prices may change depending on location and washer condition. Bio-On UAE offers free consultation and upfront estimates before starting the service.

How to Prevent Mold and Odor Long-Term

• Run hot water cycles weekly, even without laundry.
• Keep detergent use minimal and switch to liquid instead of powder.
• Clean the detergent tray every two weeks.
• Store the washer in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorber nearby if the laundry area is enclosed.

Consistent preventive habits extend the lifespan of your Speed Queen washer and ensure your laundry smells fresh every time.

Conclusion

A Speed Queen mildew smell doesn’t mean your machine is failing — it simply needs a deep clean and better ventilation. From natural remedies like vinegar and baking soda to professional services such as Bio-On UAE, there are plenty of effective solutions to eliminate mold safely. The key is to clean regularly, dry thoroughly, and avoid DIY mistakes that damage seals or trap moisture. When the smell persists even after cleaning, scheduling a professional inspection ensures your washer stays hygienic, efficient, and odor-free for years to come.