Nothing kills the adventure vibe faster than mystery odors in your home-on-wheels. If your RV washer has developed a funk that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. Between tight spaces, limited airflow, and constant moisture, these little machines can turn into big odor factories faster than you can say “what died in here?” Thankfully, that smell usually comes down to a few simple issues—and with the right approach, you can banish it for good and keep it from coming back.
The Why Behind the Smell
RV washers may be compact and efficient, but their small size and the enclosed spaces in which they’re installed make them prime candidates for developing stubborn smells. The usual suspects include:
- Trapped Moisture: Residual water lingers in the drum, gasket, or drain lines. In the tight quarters of an RV, that moisture has nowhere to go, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
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Detergent and Fabric Softener Buildup: Yes, too much soap can be a bad thing. It leaves behind a residue that mixes with dirt and lint to form a sticky film that feeds odor-causing bacteria.
- Lint and Debris in the Drain Trap: Fibers and grime can collect in the drain trap or filter. If they’re not cleaned regularly, they start to release an unmistakable sour, musty smell.
- Poor Ventilation: RV laundry closets are often closed-off spaces with little airflow. Humidity lingers, and before long, you’re smelling “old towel” instead of fresh laundry.
The good news: every one of these causes has a simple fix. Let’s start with fast relief, then move on to preventing it from coming back.
Getting Rid of Odors Fast
When your RV washer smells bad enough to make you question your life choices, you just want it gone. These quick steps can help clear up the stink—but remember, they’re mostly treating symptoms, not causes.
1. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Most RV washers can handle the same cleaning methods as residential models. Drop in a washer cleaning tablet or use a DIY mix of white vinegar and baking soda (about 2 cups of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda in the drum as it’s filling with water) and run the hottest, longest cycle available. This helps break down soap scum, kill bacteria, and neutralize odors.
2. Use Bleach (Carefully)
Bleach can help kill mold and mildew—but always check your washer’s manual first. Some models have parts that can corrode or discolor if exposed to bleach too often or in high concentrations. As for your holding tanks, a small amount of diluted bleach (about ½ cup) added to the detergent dispenser and run on a full hot cycle with no clothes should safely flush through the system. Just be sure to follow with a plain water rinse, so no residue sits in the plumbing.
3. Wipe It Down
After cleaning, give your washer some hands-on attention. Wipe down the drum, gasket, detergent drawer, and door with a soft cloth. Keep in mind that mold and moisture love to hide in the rubber seal around the door.
4. Let It Breathe
Always leave the washer door open after use. Airflow is your best weapon against lingering moisture. If your washer is installed in a tight RV closet, try propping the door open or run a small fan nearby between washes.
These steps should knock out most odors fast, but to keep things fresh for the long haul, it’s time to get proactive.
Stopping the Smell Before It Starts
Now that you have a handle on flushing out the odor, it’s time to build in the habits and hardware that will prevent the funk from ever returning. Think of this as your RV-washer odor defense playbook.
1. Use the Right Detergents
RV washers are smaller and more sensitive than home units, so less is more. That means, too much soap = residue = bacteria party. The best practice is to use a high-efficiency (HE), low-suds detergent that's specifically formulated for enclosed RV plumbing systems. We recommend avoiding pods or super concentrated detergents. If your washer model has a recommended brand (for example, Splendide has its own HE powder formula) consider sticking with that.
2. Clean the Filter / Trap Regularly
Your washer likely has a lint trap, pump filter, or drain trap that you can access—often located at the bottom or back of the unit. Check your manual to find its location and then make it a routine to remove and rinse out any trapped lint, debris, and scum. Every one to two months is a good cleaning schedule to start with, or more often if you run frequent loads. While you’re at it, check the hoses and connections for buildup or slimy film, and give them a quick rinse if you can.
3. Improve Airflow with Ventilation Upgrades
Stale, humid air encourages mold and mildew. If your laundry space is closed off or poorly ventilated, it’s a breeding ground for odor. Consider adding or upgrading a roof vent fan to help exchange the air in your laundry/utility closet. Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe is a solid choice, combining a vent, fan, and rain shield all in one unit. If you already have a fan installed, simple upgrades like sealing gaps or adding a more powerful motor can make a significant difference.
4. Use Moisture & Odor Absorbers
Even with good airflow, RVs can trap humidity in tight spaces. Desiccants and moisture absorbers help by pulling dampness from the air before it turns into mold or mildew. A few well-placed units make a big difference. Refillable options like the Star Brite and Camco Moisture Absorbers are economical and unobtrusive, tucking neatly into small spaces. Place them in your laundry closet, near vents, or inside cabinets around the washer, and replace or recharge them before they’re fully saturated—or according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
If the Smell Persists…
You’ve cleaned, aired out, and upgraded ventilation, but that stubborn odor just won’t quit. It’s time to dig a little deeper…
1. Look for Clogged or Moldy Drain Lines
Soap scum and lint buildup inside the drain hose or pump line can create a hidden odor trap. If the smell is strongest near the drain or you notice slow draining, disconnect the hose and flush it with hot water and vinegar. If it’s slimy or moldy, just replace it. Many RV owners swap out these hoses every few years as a preventive step.
2. Inspect Seals and Gaskets
Door gaskets are common mold magnets. Gently pull back the rubber folds and look for black spots, residue, or a sour smell. Wipe them with a mild bleach or vinegar solution and dry completely. If the gasket is cracked or stays damp, replacement is an easy, affordable fix that makes a big difference.
3. Check for Hidden Moisture or Leaks
Sometimes, the problem isn’t in the washer at all. Moisture can collect behind or beneath the unit, especially if you’ve had small leaks. Check the surrounding cabinetry and flooring for dampness or stains and run a fan or dehumidifier to dry it out.
4. When It’s Time to Call It Quits
If the odor just won’t go away, your washer may be on its last spin. Persistent smells can indicate deep internal mold or scaling that’s beyond cleaning. In that case, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model may actually save time and water in the long run.
For RV washer buying guidance, see our related post: Choosing the Best RV Washer and Dryer Combo
Shop Parts Via for RV Washer & Dryer Solutions
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