Chlorine bleach is a go-to killing mildew and mold in a washing machine. Be sure to take proper precautions when using bleach, and never mix it with other cleaners.

Dirty or moldy washing machine? There are a few easy ways to get your clothes and washing machine smelling fresh and clean again. And there's even a way to keep mold from coming back. Here's how.

“Or, you can dilute the measured amount of bleach in a quart of water and add it to the washing machine five minutes after the load has been agitating,” says Gagliardi.

Personally, I dont use bleach just because I have never needed to but I have heard there is a proper way to use it in washing machines so they do not ruin other clothes.

Having to clean something that you use to clean another thing seems like a confusing concept, and cleaning my washing machine had definitely fallen through the cracks over the year.

If using bleach, pour it into the compartment designated for bleach. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use that setting.