The answer might not be what you were hoping to hear.

Mary Gagliardi, AKA Dr.

Laundry for Clorox, is here with all the answers.

Washing machine loaded with clothes close up

Credit:Getty Images

Mary Gagliardi(also known as Dr.

Laundry) is an in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox.

How Long Can Wet Laundry Sit?

Gagliardi says a monthly clean-out cycle using bleach in an empty washer can work wonders.

We have all been there, after all.

So what does one do when met with this laundry-day dilemma?

Gagliardi recommends first evaluating the smell.