Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Bad?
Quick Answer
If your washing machine smells bad, the most common causes are detergent buildup, trapped moisture, mildew, dirty components, or water that is not draining properly.
Start by checking the drum, door gasket, detergent dispenser, and drain pump filter if your model has an accessible one. Run the washer's cleaning cycle according to the owner's manual, use the recommended amount of HE detergent, and leave the door or lid open after washing so the interior can dry.
However, not every odor is caused by dirt. A sewage-like smell may indicate an improperly installed drain hose or a plumbing issue. A burning smell requires a different response: stop using the washer and investigate the cause before running another cycle.
In this guide
Why Does a Washing Machine Develop Bad Odors?
A washer can retain moisture, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, and small amounts of standing water. Over time, these materials can accumulate in areas that are not cleaned during a regular wash cycle.
Front-load washers are particularly prone to moisture collecting around the rubber door gasket. Top-load models can also develop odors when detergent residue and moisture remain inside the tub or dispenser.
Other causes include:
- Leaving wet clothes inside the washer after a cycle.
- Using too much detergent or fabric softener.
- Using detergent that is not suitable for an HE washer.
- Neglecting the washer's cleaning cycle.
- Allowing water to remain in the drum or drain system.
- Incorrect drain hose installation.
Identifying the type of smell can help narrow down the cause.
Most Common Causes of Washing Machine Odors
| Possible Cause | What to Check | Possible Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mildew or mold | Drum, door gasket, detergent drawer | Clean the affected areas and run the approved cleaning cycle |
| Detergent buildup | Dispenser, drum, visible residue | Clean the dispenser and use the correct detergent amount |
| Standing water | Drum, drain pump filter, drainage | Check the drainage system and accessible filter |
| Dirty door gasket | Folds and lower section of the gasket | Wipe away moisture and debris |
| Sewage-like odor | Drain hose and household drain | Check installation or contact a plumber |
| Burning smell | Odor during operation, unusual heat or noise | Stop using the washer and seek professional assistance |
What to Check First
Before attempting a deep cleaning, inspect these areas:
- Inside the drum: Look for standing water, residue, or visible mold.
- Door gasket: On front-load washers, check the rubber seal for trapped water, lint, hair, and debris.
- Detergent dispenser: Look for sticky detergent or fabric softener residue.
- Drain pump filter: Check whether your model has a user-accessible filter and whether it needs cleaning.
- Drain hose: Look for kinks, incorrect positioning, or signs that wastewater may be backing up.
- Recent laundry: Consider whether wet clothes have been left inside the washer for several hours.
Do not assume every washer has the same filter location or cleaning procedure. Check the owner's manual before removing any component.
Diagnose the Problem by the Type of Smell
1. Musty or Mildew Smell
A musty smell is often associated with moisture and residue trapped inside the washer.
Possible sources include:
- Mold or mildew around the door gasket.
- Detergent buildup inside the drum.
- Moisture trapped in the detergent dispenser.
- Wet laundry left inside the machine.
- A drain pump filter containing lint and debris.
What to do:
Clean the accessible areas with a soft cloth and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the washer's Tub Clean, Self Clean, or Clean Washer cycle.
If visible mold remains or the smell returns after repeated cleaning, the washer may need professional inspection.
2. Detergent or Fabric Softener Smell
A strong detergent-like or sour smell can indicate that laundry products are accumulating inside the machine.
Using more detergent does not necessarily make clothes cleaner. Excess detergent and fabric softener can leave residue in the drum, dispenser, and other internal areas.
What to do:
- Check the detergent manufacturer's recommended dosage.
- Use HE (High-Efficiency) detergent if your washer requires it.
- Clean the detergent dispenser according to the owner's manual.
- Avoid adding more fabric softener than recommended.
- Run the washer's approved cleaning cycle.
3. Standing Water or Stale Water Smell
If the odor resembles stagnant water, check whether water remains inside the drum after a cycle.
Possible causes include:
- A clogged drain pump filter.
- A blocked or kinked drain hose.
- A drain pump problem.
- A household drain that is not draining properly.
What to do:
Check whether the washer completes its drain cycle. If your model has an accessible drain pump filter, follow the manual's instructions for draining and cleaning it.
If water remains in the drum or the washer repeatedly fails to drain, the drain system may require professional service.
4. Smell Coming From the Door Gasket
Front-load washers have a rubber door gasket that helps prevent water from leaking during operation.
Moisture, lint, hair, and small objects can collect in its folds. If the area stays wet between washes, it can develop an unpleasant smell.
What to do:
- Open the washer door.
- Inspect the accessible folds of the gasket.
- Remove loose debris by hand or with a soft cloth.
- Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.
- Dry the gasket with a clean towel.
Do not pull, stretch, or remove the gasket. Avoid sharp tools and abrasive cleaners.
5. Sewage or Sulfur-Like Smell
A sewage-like or sulfur-like odor should not automatically be treated as a washer-cleaning problem.
One possible cause is an incorrectly positioned drain hose. If the hose is inserted too far into the standpipe, wastewater may siphon back into the washer.
A problem with the household drain or plumbing can also produce this type of smell.
What to do:
- Inspect the drain hose where it connects to the household drain.
- Check the owner's manual for the correct installation height and insertion depth.
- Look for signs of water backing up from the standpipe.
- If other nearby drains also smell, contact a plumber.
Do not change the drain hose installation based on a universal measurement. Requirements vary by washer model and installation instructions.
6. Burning or Electrical Smell
A burning smell is different from a musty or detergent-related odor.
Possible causes include an overheated motor, electrical component, belt, or rubber part. A new washer may produce a temporary odor during its initial cycles, depending on the model, but a persistent or sudden burning smell should not be ignored.
What to do:
- Stop the washer.
- Do not start another cycle to test it.
- If it is safe to do so, disconnect power.
- If there is smoke, sparking, or a fire risk, keep away and contact emergency services as appropriate.
- Arrange professional inspection before using the washer again.
If water is near the outlet or electrical components, do not touch the washer, plug, or standing water. Turn off power at the breaker only if it is safe to do so.
How to Clean a Washing Machine That Smells Bad
The correct cleaning method depends on the washer model. Always check the owner's manual before using a cleaning product or selecting a cleaning cycle.
Step 1: Clean the Drum
Remove all laundry from the washer.
Select the manufacturer's recommended cleaning cycle. Depending on the brand, it may be called:
- Tub Clean
- Self Clean
- Clean Washer
- Pure Cycle
Use a washing machine cleaner approved for your model and follow the product's dosage instructions.
Do not add laundry during a cleaning cycle. These cycles are designed to run with an empty drum.
Step 2: Clean the Door Gasket
For front-load washers:
- Open the door.
- Inspect the accessible folds of the rubber gasket.
- Remove lint, hair, and loose debris.
- Wipe the surface with a soft cloth and a cleaner approved by the manufacturer.
- Dry the gasket thoroughly.
Do not use abrasive materials or remove the gasket.
Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Detergent and fabric softener can accumulate inside the dispenser.
If the drawer is removable:
- Check the owner's manual for the removal procedure.
- Remove the drawer without forcing it.
- Rinse it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use a soft brush to remove accessible residue.
- Dry the drawer and reinstall it correctly.
Some models have fixed or differently designed dispensers. Follow the instructions for your washer.
Step 4: Check the Drain Pump Filter
Some front-load washers have a drain pump filter behind a small access panel near the bottom front of the machine. Other models may have a different arrangement or no user-accessible filter.
If your washer has an accessible filter:
- Turn off and unplug the washer.
- Follow the manual's procedure for draining any remaining water.
- Place a shallow container and towels underneath the access area.
- Allow hot water to cool before opening the filter.
- Open it slowly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove lint and debris if the manual permits cleaning.
- Reinstall the filter securely.
Never open a filter when the drum is full of water unless the manufacturer's procedure specifically explains how to drain it safely. Do not force a filter that will not turn.
If the filter is not designed for user access, leave the work to a technician.
Step 5: Let the Washer Dry
After cleaning:
- Remove any remaining water from accessible surfaces.
- Wipe the drum and door gasket.
- Leave the door or lid open when it is safe to do so.
- Leave the detergent dispenser slightly open if the manufacturer recommends it.
- Make sure children and pets cannot access the open washer.
Allowing the interior to dry helps reduce the conditions that contribute to recurring odors.
How to Prevent Washing Machine Odors
A few routine habits can help prevent bad smells from returning.
After every wash:
- Remove wet laundry promptly.
- Wipe visible moisture from the door gasket on front-load models.
- Leave the door or lid open when safe.
- Allow the detergent dispenser to dry if the design permits.
During regular use:
- Use the recommended amount of HE detergent when required.
- Avoid excessive fabric softener.
- Clean the detergent dispenser periodically.
- Run the washer's cleaning cycle at the interval recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspect the door gasket and accessible filter regularly.
- Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for the drain hose.
Do not use vinegar, chlorine bleach, ammonia, or other household chemicals as interchangeable cleaning products. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or acidic cleaners. Chemical reactions can release dangerous gases.
Use only products and cleaning methods approved for your washer.
Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washer Odors
Both front-load and top-load washers can develop unpleasant odors, but some areas require different attention.
| Washer Type | Common Odor Sources | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Front-load washer | Door gasket, dispenser, drain pump filter, drum | Rubber seal folds, dispenser, accessible filter |
| Top-load washer | Tub, dispenser, detergent residue, standing water | Tub, lid area, dispenser, drainage |
Front-load washers have a door gasket that can retain moisture. Top-load washers do not have the same front-door seal, but they can still develop odors from residue and moisture.
Not every top-load washer has a user-accessible drain pump filter. Always check the manual before looking for or attempting to clean one.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Smelly Washing Machine?
The cost depends on what is causing the odor.
If the problem is detergent buildup, mildew, or a dirty dispenser, routine cleaning may be enough. If the washer has a drainage problem, damaged pump, faulty component, or an installation issue, professional service may be necessary.
Before approving a repair, ask about:
- The service call fee.
- Diagnostic charges.
- Parts and labor.
- Whether the repair includes testing the drainage system.
- Any warranty coverage.
A cleaning problem does not automatically mean that the washer needs a replacement part.
When to Call a Professional
Contact an appliance technician if:
- The smell persists after several cleaning attempts.
- Water remains inside the drum after a completed cycle.
- The washer repeatedly fails to drain.
- The drain pump makes unusual noises.
- The smell is electrical or resembles burning rubber.
- You notice smoke, sparks, or signs of overheating.
- Mold appears to be inside areas that cannot be safely accessed.
- The washer leaks or shows signs of internal damage.
Contact a plumber if the odor appears to come from the household drain, the standpipe backs up, or other nearby drains have the same sewage-like smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my washing machine smell like mildew?
Moisture, detergent residue, and debris can accumulate inside the drum, door gasket, or detergent dispenser. Cleaning the washer and allowing it to dry between uses can help.
Why does my washer smell bad even after cleaning?
The odor may be coming from an area that was not cleaned, such as the drain pump filter or an internal drainage component. An incorrectly installed drain hose or a plumbing problem may also be responsible.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Only if the washer manufacturer specifically permits it and explains the correct procedure. Some models require a particular cleaning product or cycle. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals.
Should I leave my washing machine door open?
Leaving the door open or slightly ajar after a wash can help moisture evaporate, particularly in front-load washers. Do this only when it is safe and children or pets cannot access the machine.
Why does my washer smell like sewage?
A drain hose inserted too far into the standpipe can allow wastewater to siphon back into the washer. A household plumbing problem may also cause the smell. Check the installation instructions or contact a plumber.
Why does my washing machine smell like something is burning?
A burning smell may indicate an overheated or damaged component. Stop using the washer and arrange professional inspection. Do not continue running cycles to see whether the smell disappears.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Many manufacturers recommend running a dedicated cleaning cycle regularly, often about once a month, but the correct interval varies by model and usage.
Related Guides
This guide offers general information. Steps, parts and costs vary by brand, model and location — your owner's manual takes precedence. For electrical, gas or complex repairs, contact a qualified professional.