Washing Machine Smells and How To Get Rid of Them

Did you know that bacteria are introduced into washing machines from dirty clothing, household linens, and incoming water? Bacterial byproducts like mold and mildew are common culprits of washing machine smells. Drainage, plumbing issues, and unrepaired water damage can also result in unpleasant odors..

One of the most frequent questions customers ask Mr. Appliance^® is, "Why does my washer stink?" While there are several reasons why your washing machine smells bad, some of the most common are mildew and/or mold growth, laundry detergent or fabric softener buildup, a gas leak, or a plumbing issue that needs to be repaired. Continue reading to learn what’s causing these odors and how to get rid of them.

• Reasons Why Your Washing Machine Smells
• How To Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
• How To Prevent a Smelly Washing Machine
• Trust Mr. Appliance for Your Washing Machine Services
• Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machine Smells and How To Get Rid of Them

Reasons Why Your Washing Machine Smells

Odors in your washing machine can stem from a variety of sources, and you can usually discern the root of the issues based on the nature of the smell. By identifying the source, you can address the issue effectively and eliminate the smell.

Some of the most common reasons for a smelly washing machine include:

• Mold and mildew growth: A musty, damp scent is often indicative of mold or mildew growth, which thrives in the moist environment of a washer, especially when the washer door is left closed between uses.
• Bacteria buildup: Bacterial growth can cause a sour or sewage-like odor when residual detergent, fabric softener, or stagnant water is left in the machine. These residual elements become a breeding ground for microbes.
• Detergent and fabric softener residue: Overuse or misuse of laundry additives can leave behind a strong, chemical-like smell.
• Drainage problems: Stagnant water usually means the water is not draining completely or properly, which may indicate a problem with the washer's drainage system.
• Plumbing issues: A rotten egg or sewage smell might not be from the washer itself but could be due to plumbing issues, such as backflow problems or trapped gases. These smells often come from hydrogen sulfide gas, a byproduct of bacterial buildup.

After diagnosing the reasons for your washing machine smells, it’s time to look at solutions.

Problem: Your Washing Machine Smells Like Rotten Eggs

Reason: A rotten egg smell coming from a washer can be a sign that microorganisms have built up and released hydrogen sulfide gas. Deep cleaning is usually the solution to this problem. However, the eggy odor may be caused by two other potential problems: a natural gas leak or a sewer issue.

Solution: If you have a gas dryer, the smell may be the result of a leak in the dryer supply line and not your washer. Turn off the gas supply valve to the dryer for now, open a window, and then check out the next section to confirm if you have sewer-related washer smells. If the smell persists and your washer isn’t the culprit, you’ll want to call your gas company to rule out a gas leak.

Problem: Your Washing Machine Smells Like Sewage

Reason: If your washing machine smells like a sewer — with a sulfur and/or human waste odor — it has one of two problems. Either your machine has bacteria that are releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, or you have a plumbing issue causing sewer gas to enter the laundry room.

Solution: The latter problem is dangerous, as sewer gas is both flammable and damaging to your health, so open a window (if you haven’t already) and check for that problem first. Pull the smelly washing machine away from the wall and pull the drainpipe out of the vertical standpipe.

Take a cautious sniff. If the odor is coming from that location, you likely have one of these plumbing problems that’s allowing sewer gas into your home:

• A failing or clogged washer P-trap
• A clogged washer vent pipe
• A clogged drain

If you’ve identified that the source of the smell is due to a clog, you may be able to clear the line yourself (if it’s a clogged P-trap or vent pipe). However, if you’re dealing with a clogged drain, you may need to call a professional plumber to clear the drain. Once the clog is cleared, the sewage smell should disappear, too.

Problem: Your Washing Machine Smells Like Mold or Mildew

Reason: If the problem isn’t due to a clogged drain or leaky gas supply line, that musty scent is likely caused by the growth of microorganisms on the drum or gaskets of your washer. Front-load washing machines are especially prone to this problem.

That’s because heat, moisture, and detergent or fabric softener residue make washers an ideal home for mildew, mold, and bacteria. Without adequate airflow and regular appliance maintenance, this organic matter will result in a detectable odor in the laundry room.

Solution: To clean the mold smell, begin by wiping down the interior, gasket, and door with a mixture of warm water and vinegar to kill the microorganisms. Then, run a hot wash cycle with 2 cups of vinegar to sanitize the interior, followed by another hot cycle with 1/2 cup of baking soda to neutralize any remaining odors. Ensure you leave the door open between washes to improve airflow and dry out the machine.

How To Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

Once you’ve identified the cause of the washing machine smell and resolved the issue, you’ll want to clean the machine. Follow these steps to ensure you clean your washer safely and effectively.

Step 1: Get Your Materials

First, you’ll need some basic cleaning supplies to tackle the odor in your washing machine. Gather the following:

• Baking soda: Baking soda helps neutralize odors and clean the interior surface without scratching.
• Microfiber cloth or sponge: A microfiber cloth or sponge is gentle enough not to damage the finish on your washer but will be effective in scrubbing away grime
• Bleach: For a deeper clean, especially if you suspect mold or mildew, bleach will be your go-to, as it’s excellent for sanitizing and removing stubborn growths.
• Rubber gloves: Use rubber gloves to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals in addition to opening a window or keeping the room well-ventilated when using bleach.
• Cleaning brush: This will come in handy for reaching and effectively cleaning the nooks and crannies, such as the detergent drawer, the fabric softener dispenser, and around the rubber seal where mold and mildew are prone to accumulate.
• Bucket: Usef for mixing the cleaning solutions or holding hot water for rinsing your cleaning tools.

With these materials at the ready, you’ll be well-equipped to refresh and deodorize your washing machine.

Step 2: Remove and Scrub Dispensers

Over time, your washing machine’s detachable dispensers can accumulate a mixture of old detergent, softener, and water, which can harden or become slimy, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to thrive. Periodic thorough cleaning can prevent this. Steps to clean the dispensers include:

1. Remove dispensers: Take out all soap, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers. These areas can collect old detergent, softener, and stagnant water, leading to hard or slimy buildup.
2. Soak and scrub: Soak the dispensers in a mix of hot water and vinegar or bleach to loosen the residue. After a 15- to 20-minute soak, use your cleaning brush to scrub the dispensers, focusing on crevices and hard-to-reach spots.
3. Rinse and dry: Rinse each piece thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and debris. Ensure each dispenser is completely dry before placing it back into the machine to prevent additional moisture, which could lead to more odors.

Regular washing machine maintenance of these components is a simple yet effective way to prevent smells from returning, ensuring your washing machine remains fresh and operates efficiently.

Step 3: Sanitize With a Cleaning Solution

Sanitizing your washer is an essential part of appliance maintenance. Whether you have a front-load or top-load machine, there are a variety of cleaning solutions you can use, like baking soda or bleach. The steps will vary depending on the machine and the type of cleaning solution.

Baking soda and vinegar:

1. For both top-load and front-load washers, start by adding 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the washer drum.
2. Then, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Run a hot wash cycle without any laundry.
3. This natural mixture will fizz and bubble, which helps break down residue and eliminate odors without leaving any harmful chemicals behind.

Bleach:

1. For front-loaders, place 1/2 cup of bleach in the bleach dispenser. For top-loaders, add 1 cup of bleach directly into the washer drum.
2. Run a long, hot wash cycle. Use the machine’s “clean washer” cycle if it's available.
3. Remember never to mix bleach with other household cleaners, especially vinegar, as it can create dangerous fumes.

Step 4: Rinse With Hot Water

After using any cleaning solution, thoroughly rinse your washing machine to remove any lingering scents or residues from the cleaning agents. Hot water is useful in this step because it:

• Removes residue: Hot water (about 140°F) is more effective at dissolving residues left by detergents, softeners, and cleaning solutions. It ensures that any leftover baking soda, vinegar, or bleach is completely flushed out of the washer interior and pipes.
• Eliminates bacteria and mold: The high water temperature helps kill any remaining bacteria or mold spores that may have survived the cleaning process.
• Is highly effective: Heat increases the effectiveness of the cleaning process by loosening any grime or buildup that may have been partially dislodged during the wash cycle. It ensures your washer is as clean as possible before your next load of laundry.

To perform a hot water rinse:

• Front-load washers: Run an additional wash cycle on the hottest setting without any clothes or cleaning solution in the drum.
• Top-load washers: Set your washer to the highest load size to ensure maximum water coverage and run a hot wash cycle empty.

Rinsing your washing machine with hot water not only clears out unwanted cleaning solution traces but also aids in preventing future odor issues by ensuring all components are thoroughly clean.

After cleaning, let your machine dry out completely by leaving the door or lid open, which will prevent the buildup of moisture and any subsequent odors. Additionally, take the time to wipe around the door gasket and the machine’s exterior with a damp microfiber cloth to keep every part of your washer in top condition.

How To Prevent a Smelly Washing Machine

Preventing a smelly washing machine is key to your clothes coming out fresh after each wash. By implementing some straightforward maintenance habits, you can prevent unpleasant odors. Some practical tips to prevent your washing machine from developing a foul smell include:

• Leave the washer door open between uses: Allowing air circulation by leaving the washer door ajar after each use helps dry out the interior and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Use the right amount of detergent: Follow the recommended detergent guidelines found on the detergent product label for each load to avoid excess suds and residue buildup.
• Remove wet clothes promptly: Don't let damp clothes sit in the machine for long periods, as this can quickly lead to musty smells. Transfer them to the dryer or hang them up to dry as soon as the washing cycle has finished.
• Run hot water cycles periodically: Running a hot water cycle occasionally, especially for washing items like towels and bed linens, can help sanitize the machine and break down oils or residues that cold water can't.
• Run your last load on hot: To be more energy efficient and protect delicate fabrics, you may be using the washer’s cold water setting for all your laundry. However, it's important to run your last load of the day in hot water to help remove any detergent or dirt residue.
• Use the right laundry products: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for laundry products, as some units require HE detergent. These products produce fewer suds, resulting in less film left behind at the end of each cycle.
• Increase laundry room circulation: Proper airflow is needed to dry the interior components of your washing machine. Consider installing an exhaust fan or dehumidifier in your laundry room to speed up the drying process.

Trust Mr. Appliance for Your Washing Machine Services

While washing clothes may not be one of your favorite things to do, it can become a real chore when you’re dealing with a smelly washer. Whether you have a smelly washer or your machine just needs some TLC, the appliance professionals at Mr. Appliance know exactly what to do to keep it smelling good and running smoothly.

Schedule service with your local Mr. Appliance service professionals today!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machine Smells and How To Get Rid of Them

Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about washing machine repair.

Why does my washer stink even after I clean it?

A lingering smell in your washer after you clean it could after be due to bacteria, mold, or mildew hiding—like under the rubber door gasket (especially on front loaders), inside the detergent compartment, in your filter, or in your hoses or inlet valve. Calling for a washing machine repair service professional may be necessary to address buildup in the internal washing machine plumbing.

What causes a washing machine to smell bad in the first place?

That musty odor coming from your washing machine is usually caused by moisture and detergent or fabric softener residue buildup. High-efficiency machines use less water, which can leave behind soap scum that traps bacteria, especially if you use too much detergent and fabric softener. Leaving the door or lid closed between washes can also promote mold growth. Regular cleaning and leaving the door open can help prevent that. Check your manual or reach out to your trusted appliance service professional to keep your drain pump filter free of clogs.

Can using too much detergent cause my washer to smell?

Yes. Using more detergent or fabric softener than recommended by your washer’s manufacturer can lead to buildup that traps dirt and bacteria, creating a bad washing machine smell over time. Always follow dosing instructions—especially with HE machines—to avoid excess residue.

How do I clean a washer that smells bad?

Start by removing and cleaning the detergent drawer. Wipe down the rubber seal, and run an empty hot cycle using a commercial washer cleaner or add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda. If the smell persists, a washing machine repair may be needed. Call a trusted appliance professional to check internal components and handle your washing machine’s bad smell.

Should I be concerned if my washer smells like rotten eggs?

Yes, a sulfur or rotten egg smell coming from your washer is cause for concern. It could mean bacteria are growing in the drain or water lines, mildew or mold may be hiding in your washer drum or gasket, or your drain pump filter is dirty or clogged.

It’s best to have your washer inspected by an appliance specialist to rule out there’s no deeper problem requiring washing machine repair. If the smell is also in your tap water, contact a plumber as your home’s water supply could be the issue.

The washing machine's bad smell is persisting. What should I do?

If you’ve cleaned every accessible part and your washer still smells, it’s time to call an appliance service professional. Internal parts like the drain pump, hose, or drum may be the source of the odor. Experienced appliance repair technicians can diagnose the issue and perform effective repairs to get rid of your bad washing machine smell.