Washing machine smells? How to fix it
A musty or sour smell in a washing machine is common in damp weather. Most of the time you can clear it yourself.
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- Warranty: 90 days on the work done
Why does my washing machine smell bad?
A smelly washing machine is usually caused by detergent and softener residue, lint and trapped water, where mould and bacteria grow. Leave the door or lid open after each wash, wipe the rubber door seal, clean the detergent drawer and the drain filter, and run an empty tub-clean or hot cycle about once a month. A sewage smell points to the drain hose or the drain point, not the drum.
Where the smell comes from
- The rubber door seal of a front loader, where water, lint and small items collect in the folds
- The detergent and softener drawer, where old residue turns into slime
- The drain pump filter, which traps lint, coins and hair
- The outer side of the drum, where residue builds up out of sight
- The drain hose or the floor drain, if water stands in it or flows back
A monthly cleaning routine
- SealPull back the folds of the door seal and wipe out water, lint and grime with a cloth.
- DrawerPull out the detergent drawer, wash it under the tap and wipe the slot it sits in.
- FilterWith the machine off and a tray ready for water, open the drain filter cover, clean the filter and refit it firmly. Your manual shows where it is.
- Tub cleanRun the tub-clean programme, or the hottest empty cycle, with a washer cleaner or the cleaner your manual allows.
- DryLeave the door and the drawer open until the inside is dry.
Habits that stop it coming back
- Leave the door or lid open between washes
- Take wet clothes out soon after the cycle ends
- Use the right detergent. Front loaders need low-foam detergent made for front loaders
- Use less detergent and softener. Too much leaves the residue that smells
- Run a hot wash now and then, if your clothes allow it
When to call us
If the smell returns soon after a full clean, if water stays in the drum after a cycle, or if dirty water comes back into the machine, the problem is likely in the drain. That needs a technician. See washing machine not draining, or book a washing machine repair.
Questions
Do top load machines get smelly too?
Yes, though less often than front loaders. Residue builds up under the drum and around the agitator or pulsator. A monthly tub-clean cycle with the lid left open afterwards helps.
How do I stop a semi-automatic machine smelling?
Drain both tubs fully after each wash, wipe them dry, clean the lint filter in the wash tub and leave both lids open.
Can I use bleach to clean the drum?
Only if your manual allows it. Some machines and seals do not take bleach well. A washer cleaner made for your type of machine is the safer choice.
Last updated 2026-11-08
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Pick the appliance, the problem and a time that suits you. It takes about two minutes. Or call and we will book it for you.