Fix Washing Machine Smells for Good
A sour or musty smell from your washing machine is a classic sign of a problem many of us face. It’s usually down to a build-up of old detergent, fabric softener, and trapped moisture. This sticky combination creates the perfect dark, damp breeding ground for mould and mildew, especially in the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and down in the filter.
Identifying the Source of Washing Machine Smells
Getting to the bottom of the smell means playing detective. Different smells often point to different culprits, so figuring out exactly what you're smelling is the first step towards a fresh, clean machine. A general mustiness, for instance, often comes from mould lurking in the door seal, while a smell like sewage could signal a blockage or drainage issue.
A huge contributor is the gunk left behind by detergents and fabric softeners. This residue feeds microbial growth in the damp, hidden corners of your machine. You can get a more detailed breakdown of how this happens from this helpful guide from Dr. Beckmann’s experts.
Of course, sometimes the problem isn’t just the machine. If that musty smell has started to creep into the rest of the room, you might need a broader approach. You can find some for general strategies on how to fix musty odors in a room that can help tackle the issue beyond the appliance itself.
Common Odours and Their Likely Causes
To help you pinpoint the issue faster, here is a quick reference guide. Match the smell to the likely cause, and you'll know where to start.
| Smell Type | Most Likely Cause | Key Areas to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Musty or Mouldy | Growth of mould and mildew from trapped moisture and soap scum. | Rubber door seal (especially the inner folds), detergent drawer, and the drum itself. |
| Sewage or Drains | A blockage in the drain pipe or filter, causing dirty water to sit. | The machine's filter (usually at the bottom front), the drain hose, and your home's standpipe. |
| Burning Rubber | Potentially an overheating motor, a worn-out belt, or a faulty part. | Check for friction between parts; this is often a sign to call a professional. |
| Rotten Eggs | A build-up of anaerobic bacteria, often in the drain filter or hose. | The filter is the first place to look. A maintenance wash can also help. |
Once you've identified the likely cause, you can move on to the specific cleaning steps needed to get your machine smelling fresh again.
Your Action Plan for a Deep Clean
Right, you’ve got a good idea of what’s causing that unpleasant smell. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle the grime head-on. A proper deep clean means getting into all the nooks and crannies where mould and bacteria love to hide.
We’re going to methodically clean the key problem areas: the door seal, the detergent drawer, and the filter. This will get right to the source of those nasty washing machine smells.
Your first port of call is the big rubber door seal. Gently pull back the folds – this is often where the worst of the gunk lives. Using a spray bottle with a solution of half white vinegar and half water, spritz the area and scrub away any mould or slimy residue with a cloth. An old toothbrush can be great for getting into the grooves.
Next up, the detergent drawer. Don’t just wipe it out – slide it completely out of the machine. Let it soak in a sink of warm, soapy water, then give all the compartments a thorough scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any built-up, sludgy detergent.
Finally, we have the filter. It’s designed to trap lint, hair, and stray debris, so you can imagine how foul it can get if it’s left for too long. Cleaning it is essential.
Moving Out? A clean washing machine is a must. Don't forget this crucial step in your final clean-up. For a comprehensive guide, check out this ultimate end of tenancy cleaning checklist.
Run a Maintenance Wash to Banish Hidden Grime
While scrubbing the visible parts is a great start, stubborn washing machine smells often lurk in places you can't reach, like the outside of the drum and deep inside hidden pipes. A regular maintenance wash is your best weapon to flush out the entire system.
This isn't your everyday laundry cycle. To really make an impact, run the machine completely empty on its hottest, longest setting—a blistering 90°C cycle is ideal to sanitise the machine and dissolve caked-on residue.
For extra cleaning power, add a specialised washing machine cleaner to the empty drum. If you want a more detailed breakdown, have a look at our guide on how to clean your washing machine drum and get it sparkling again.
Troubleshooting Severe Drain and Sewage Smells
If the smell is less like damp and more like rotten eggs or sewage, you’re likely dealing with something more serious than mould. This nasty odour almost always points to a problem with your drains—either in the appliance or your home’s main plumbing. The most common culprits are a clogged drain pipe or a problem with the U-bend.
Often, using too much detergent makes the situation worse by creating a sticky sludge that leads to blockages. To figure out where the smell is coming from, start by checking other drains in your house, like the kitchen sink. If they smell bad too, the issue is probably with your home’s plumbing.
If the foul smell is only coming from the washing machine, inspect its drain hose for blockages. For a detailed guide, check our advice on what to do if your washing machine smells like sewage.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh
Now that your machine is clean, the trick is keeping it that way. Thankfully, a few simple habits can stop those nasty washing machine smells from returning.
First, let's talk detergent. Using too much soap creates a sticky residue that becomes a feast for mould. Consider switching to powder detergent occasionally, as liquid versions often contain fats and waxes that contribute to build-up.
One of the most effective habits costs nothing: promote air circulation. After every wash, leave both the machine door and the detergent drawer wide open. This allows leftover moisture to evaporate, robbing mould of the damp environment it needs to thrive.
If the smell keeps returning despite your best efforts, it could point to a deeper issue. For persistent problems beyond a simple clean, our professional appliance repair services can diagnose and fix any underlying faults.
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
Even with the best cleaning routine, you might still have questions about washing machine smells. Let's tackle some common queries.
Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Washing Machine?
Yes, but with caution. Pouring about 120ml of bleach into the empty drum and running a hot wash is a powerful way to kill mould. Never mix bleach with other cleaners, especially vinegar, as this creates dangerous toxic gas. Some manufacturers advise against bleach as it can be harsh on parts over time. When in doubt, a dedicated washing machine cleaner is a safer bet.
Why Do My Clothes Still Smell Musty After a Wash?
If clean clothes come out with a damp, musty odour, it means mould or bacteria from your machine is transferring onto your laundry. This is often caused by leaving wet clothes sitting in the drum for too long. Get into the habit of removing laundry as soon as the cycle finishes and give your machine a deep clean, focusing on the door seal and running a maintenance wash.
How Often Should I Clean My Washing Machine?
A little-and-often approach is best.
- Monthly: Run a maintenance wash with a good quality machine cleaner.
- Monthly: Clean out the filter to remove trapped gunk.
- After every wash: Wipe the rubber door seal and leave the door and detergent drawer ajar to air out. This simple habit is the most effective way to prevent smells.
If you've followed all the steps and that unpleasant smell just won't budge, it could point to a more complex mechanical issue. The expert engineers at Go Assist can quickly find and fix any underlying faults, getting your machine back to its best. Don't put up with bad odours ruining your laundry – book a reliable repair with us and get back to lasting freshness.
