Résumer cet article avec :
ChatGPT
Mistral
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
A washing machine should leave clothes fresh — not fill your kitchen or utility room with an unpleasant smell. If your washer stinks, smells like damp, or even gives off a sewage-like odour, you are usually dealing with moisture, detergent residue and bacteria building up inside the appliance.
A smelly washing machine is more common than most people think. Low-temperature washes, excess detergent and a constantly closed door create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The good news? You can remove the bad smell and prevent it from coming back with the right method.
Let us break it down properly.
Why does my washing machine smell?
If you are dealing with a persistent washing machine odours issue, there is always a cause. A washing machine is warm, damp and often sealed shut — the perfect environment for stagnant water and mould.
The most common reasons include:
- Build-up of detergent and fabric softener inside the drum
- A dirty rubber seal trapping moisture and debris
- Residue inside the detergent drawer
- A partially blocked washing machine filter
- Low-temperature wash cycles that never kill bacteria
Over time, this creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. The result? A musty, damp smell that transfers onto clothes.
If you are unsure how the internal parts work, reviewing a basic guide on how to use a washing machine can help you understand where residue forms and why airflow matters.
Musty smell in washing machine
A musty smell is usually caused by trapped moisture and mould growth. Front-loading appliances are particularly prone to this because of the thick rubber seal around the door.
Pull back the seal gently and check for:
- Black mould spots
- Slimy residue
- Stagnant water
Wipe it thoroughly using a microfibre cloth and warm soapy water. For stubborn patches of dirt, use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub inside the folds.
If moisture remains after every wash cycle, the machine door is likely being closed too quickly. Always leave it slightly open to allow air circulation.
Washing machine drum smells
When the washing machine drum smells, the problem is often hidden detergent sludge and limescale combined with bacteria.
Run an empty wash cycle at a high temperature (60–90°C). Add either:
- 250 ml white vinegar directly into the drum
- Or a specialist washing machine cleaner
This deep clean dissolves build-up and removes odours at source. Many appliances also include a drum-cleaning program — check the instruction manual to see whether your model offers one.
If the smell returns quickly, the issue may involve stagnant water in the system or an emerging drainage problem.
How to clean your washing machine that smells bad
To remove a bad smell effectively, you have to clean your washing machine — not just the drum.
Follow these easy steps:
- Clean the detergent drawer with warm water and a soft brush.
- Scrub the rubber seal and dry it completely.
- Empty and rinse the washing machine filter.
- Run a hot empty wash cycle.
Below is a quick cleaning reference table:
| Area to Clean | Why It Smells | How Often to Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber seal | Trapped moisture & mould | Weekly wipe |
| Detergent drawer | Product build-up | Monthly |
| Washing machine drum | Bacteria & stagnant water | Monthly hot wash |
| Washing machine filter | Debris & partial blockage | Every 1–2 months |
Neglecting one of these areas allows bacteria to thrive and cause an ongoing unpleasant smell.
Remove smell in washing machine
If you want to completely remove smell in washing machine, prevention matters as much as cleaning.
Adopt these habits:
- Avoid overloading the appliance
- Use the correct detergent dose
- Limit fabric softener
- Run a hot wash cycle weekly
- Leave the machine door ajar after use
Overloading prevents proper rinsing and encourages build-up. If this happens frequently, it becomes a long-term problem rather than a one-off issue.
For deeper maintenance guidance, you may also want to read how to clean washing machine with vinegar and baking soda, especially if residue has hardened.
Washer smells moldy
A washer that smells mouldy usually has visible mould growth around the rubber seal or inside the detergent drawer.
Mix warm water with washing-up liquid and scrub affected areas using a soft brush. For heavier mould growth, use diluted white vinegar and wipe dry thoroughly.
Drying is crucial. Lingering moisture allows mould to return quickly — especially in busy households where multiple wash cycles run daily.
Washing machine smells like sewage
If your washing machine smells like sewage, the issue may not be surface dirt. It can indicate:
- A blocked or partially blocked washing machine filter
- A drainage issue
- A plumbing problem
First, clean the filter and check for trapped debris. If the smell persists even after a hot wash cycle, the problem may lie in the drain pipe.
At that stage, contacting a technician or checking the customer service line of the manufacturer is advisable. Persistent sewage smells point to underlying issues rather than simple build-up.
Smelly washing machine home remedy
A practical home remedy involves white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Add one cup of bicarbonate into the drum and pour two cups of vinegar into the detergent drawer. Run a hot wash cycle without clothes.
This solution helps neutralise odours and break down residue inside the washing machine drum. However, it is not a substitute for cleaning the washing machine filter or wiping the rubber seal.
Stop a washing machine smelling
To stop a washing machine smelling long-term:
- Improve air circulation
- Reduce moisture retention
- Prevent detergent build-up
- Schedule a monthly drum clean
Small maintenance steps prevent bigger appliance problems later. A well-maintained washing machine produces fewer odours and keeps clothes fresh.
FAQ
How to clean a washing machine after a drum clean if it still smells?
If the smell remains after a drum-cleaning program, the issue is likely external to the drum. Clean the rubber seal, detergent drawer and washing machine filter thoroughly. Check for stagnant water and ensure the drain hose is not kinked. Run another hot wash cycle with vinegar if necessary.
How to get rid of smell in washing machine with vinegar or baking soda?
Use one at a time for best results. Pour 250 ml of white vinegar into the drum and run a high temperature wash cycle. Alternatively, add one cup of baking soda directly into the drum before running a hot wash. Always clean the rubber seal and detergent drawer separately.
How to get rid of bad odour or odor in washing machine?
A bad odour usually means build-up and bacteria. Clean every removable part, run a hot empty wash cycle, and dry the interior thoroughly. If the unpleasant smell persists, inspect the washing machine filter and drainage system.
Why does my washing machine smell?
It smells due to moisture, detergent residue and stagnant water creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Low-temperature wash cycles and closing the machine door immediately after use make the problem worse.
How to clean a smelly washing machine?
Clean the rubber seal, detergent drawer and washing machine filter. Then run a high temperature wash cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Finish by leaving the machine door open to dry.
A fresh-smelling washing machine is not about perfumes. It is about proper cleaning, airflow and regular maintenance. Keep moisture under control, prevent build-up and your appliance will stay odour-free for the long term.
