• The washer’s cleaning-cycle instructions
• The detergent dispenser
• The rubber door seal on a front-loader
• The drain hose
• Whether wet laundry is being left inside
• Whether the machine is draining properly

Samsung notes that detergent buildup, drainage problems, and leaving wet clothes in the machine can all contribute to unpleasant washer odors.

If your machine has a Clean Washer, Tub Clean, Basket Clean, or similar cycle, use it according to the owner’s manual.

Baking Soda vs. a Washing Machine Cleaner

They’re not really competing products.

Baking soda:
Useful as a laundry booster for odors and freshness.

Washing-machine cleaner:
Designed specifically for cleaning buildup inside the appliance.

Maytag recommends a dedicated washer-cleaning product and the machine’s cleaning cycle for routine deep cleaning, rather than treating baking soda as a complete replacement.

What About Vinegar?

You’ll often see baking soda and vinegar recommended together online.

There’s a problem with that idea: when you mix them, they react with each other and largely neutralize one another.

More importantly, some manufacturers caution against routinely using vinegar inside washing machines because its acidity can affect rubber seals and hoses over time. Maytag specifically recommends manufacturer-approved cleaners instead of vinegar for regular washer maintenance.

If you’re treating clothing with vinegar, follow the garment and appliance instructions and don’t assume that a popular internet combination is automatically safe for your particular washer.

Don’t Forget the Drying Step

A perfectly washed garment can develop a musty smell again if it stays damp for too long.

Move laundry to the dryer or drying area promptly after the wash finishes, and make sure everything is completely dry before storing it.

This matters especially for towels, workout clothing, and heavier fabrics that can retain moisture.

LG notes that microorganisms can contribute to odor when laundry and the washer aren’t adequately maintained, and recommends appropriate washing temperatures and proper use of laundry products.

What About Delicate Fabrics?

Don’t automatically use baking soda on every item in your closet.

For delicate, specialty, or dry-clean-only garments, follow the care label. Whirlpool specifically advises checking clothing-care instructions and notes that delicate fabrics may not be appropriate for baking soda treatments.

If you’re uncertain, a small hidden-area test is a sensible precaution before using a paste directly on fabric.

A Simple Routine for Fresher Laundry

You don’t need to turn laundry day into a chemistry experiment.

For ordinary washable clothes:

Use the recommended amount of detergent + add about ½ cup of baking soda when odor is a concern + wash according to the care label + dry promptly and completely.

Then deal with the washer itself separately if it has developed an odor.

That distinction is important because fresh-smelling clothes and a clean washing machine are related, but they’re not exactly the same problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put baking soda directly in the washing machine?

For most machines, baking soda can be used as a laundry aid, but check your owner’s manual first. Maytag recommends adding it to the wash tub along with the normal detergent.

How much baking soda should I use?

About ½ cup per load is a commonly recommended amount for odor control. Maytag gives this amount in its laundry guidance.

Will baking soda remove sweat smell?

It can help. For persistent underarm odor, pretreating the affected area with a baking-soda-and-water paste before washing can provide additional help.

Can baking soda clean a washing machine?

It may help freshen the washer, but don’t treat it as a replacement for your machine’s recommended cleaning cycle. For deeper maintenance, follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I use baking soda with detergent?

Yes, baking soda can be used as a laundry booster alongside your normal detergent. Don’t use it as a substitute for detergent.

Can I use baking soda in a front-load washer?

Baking soda is generally considered safe in most washing machines, but Whirlpool and Maytag both advise checking the owner’s manual and following the machine’s specific instructions.

The Real Laundry Lesson

Baking soda isn’t a magic cure for every laundry problem, but it can be a surprisingly useful addition when odor is the issue.

The bigger lesson is to use it for what it actually does well: freshening washable clothes and helping neutralize odors, while using your washer’s recommended cleaning procedure to deal with buildup inside the appliance.

And if clothes still smell after washing, don’t simply keep adding more product. Check the bigger picture—the detergent amount, washer condition, load size, drying time, and the fabric itself can all matter.