Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Bad? 7 Causes & How to Get Rid of the Odor

A clean-looking washer can still develop an unpleasant smell. Here's where to look first.

Laundry Care & Appliance Troubleshooting · Guide 1034

You pull a freshly washed towel out of the machine, expecting that clean-laundry smell. Instead, it has a sour, damp odor. You sniff the towel again, then lean toward the washer. Unfortunately, the smell seems to be coming from inside the machine.

It's especially frustrating when the drum looks perfectly clean.

Quick answer: A smelly washing machine is often caused by trapped moisture, detergent residue, buildup around the door gasket or dispenser, or wet laundry left sitting too long. A clogged pump filter or drain problem can also contribute. Start by removing damp laundry, inspecting accessible areas for residue, and running the manufacturer's recommended empty washer-cleaning cycle.

Check These 3 Things First

1. Smell the empty drum. Is the odor musty, sour, sewage-like, or more like burning plastic?
2. Look for moisture and residue. Check the visible door gasket, detergent drawer, and drum.
3. Check your last cleaning cycle. Has it been a month or more since you used the washer's Tub Clean or Clean Washer program?

Important safety warning: If the washer smells like burning plastic, hot wiring, or smoke, stop using it. Do not run a cleaning cycle to see whether the smell disappears. Unplug it only if safe to do so, and arrange qualified service.

Jump to Your Answer

Identify the Smell 7 Common Causes How to Clean the Washer 3-Question Odor Checker Choose a Washer Cleaner Prevent the Smell When to Call for Service FAQs & Related Guides

What Does Your Washing Machine Smell Like?

The type of smell won't give you a confirmed diagnosis, but it can help you decide what to inspect first.

Musty or mildew-like Often associated with moisture, detergent film, and residue around the gasket or drum.

Sour or stale Check for laundry left in the washer, buildup in the dispenser, or residue inside the drum.

Sewage-like or rotten Check for drainage trouble, trapped water, or an odor coming from nearby household plumbing.

Burning or electrical Stop using the washer. This needs a different response from ordinary cleaning.

Here's a useful distinction: a bad smell inside the drum is not necessarily the same as a sewer odor coming from the laundry room drain. The second problem may involve plumbing rather than washer cleanliness.

7 Common Reasons Your Washing Machine Smells Bad

1. Moisture Is Trapped Inside the Washer

Common clue: a musty smell when you open the door

Think about what happens after the last load of the day. The washer finishes, the laundry comes out, and the door gets shut.

But the drum, rubber seal, and dispenser may still be damp.

In a closed washer, that moisture can linger and create conditions that favor unpleasant odors and microbial growth.

What to do: After unloading, wipe accessible moisture from the door gasket and leave the door or lid slightly open to dry, when safe and consistent with your owner's manual.

If children or pets can access the washer, make sure the door position doesn't create a safety risk. Some models also offer a dedicated drum-drying or ventilation feature.

2. Detergent and Fabric Softener Are Building Up

Common clue: sticky film or a stale, soapy odor

It's easy to assume that more detergent means cleaner laundry. But too much detergent can leave behind residue, particularly in high-efficiency machines.

Fabric softener can also contribute to buildup.

What to do: Check the amount recommended for your detergent, load size, soil level, and washer. Use HE-compatible detergent if your machine requires it.

If the drum has visible buildup, run the model's recommended cleaning cycle with an approved product.

Small change, useful result: If you routinely fill the detergent cap without measuring, try following the actual dosage instructions. The largest marked line isn't automatically the right amount for every load.

3. The Front-Load Door Gasket Is Holding Dirt and Moisture

Common clue: the strongest odor is around the rubber seal

The flexible rubber gasket around a front-load washer door can trap lint, hair, small objects, and water.

Even when the stainless-steel drum looks spotless, the gasket folds may still contain residue.

What to do: With the washer off and the drum stopped, gently inspect the visible folds of the gasket. Remove accessible lint or debris and wipe with a soft cloth using the cleaning method recommended for your model.

Dry the area afterward.

If the gasket is torn, deteriorated, or has persistent buildup that cannot be safely removed, arrange service rather than using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.

4. The Detergent Drawer Has Residue or Buildup

Common clue: odor is strongest near the dispenser

The detergent drawer is easy to overlook because it doesn't hold the laundry itself.

But it regularly handles water, detergent, and softener. Residue can collect inside the drawer and surrounding compartment.

What to do: If the dispenser is designed to be removed by the user, follow the owner's manual to take it out. Clean it with the recommended method, rinse as directed, and allow it to dry.

Do not force a drawer that doesn't release normally.

5. Wet Clothes Are Sitting Too Long After Washing

Common clue: laundry smells worse than the empty drum

Maybe you started a load before dinner, got busy, and forgot about it until the next morning.

That's an ordinary household mistake, but leaving damp clothes in a closed washer can allow unpleasant odors to develop.

What to do: Remove clean laundry promptly and dry it thoroughly. If the clothes already smell stale, rewash them according to their fabric care labels rather than simply adding fragrance.

Check the empty drum afterward. If the washer itself smells bad, it may need cleaning too.

6. The Drain Pump Filter or Drain System Is Holding Debris

Common clue: stale water odor or incomplete draining

Small objects, lint, and other debris can collect in the drain system.

On some front-load models, a user-accessible pump filter may need periodic cleaning. If water isn't draining completely, the remaining moisture can contribute to unpleasant odors.

What to do: Check the owner's manual to see whether your washer has a user-serviceable pump filter.

If it does, follow the manufacturer-approved procedure for safely removing residual water and cleaning the filter. Never open a filter cap while the machine is full of water without following the controlled draining instructions.

Not every washer has an accessible filter.

If the washer also leaves standing water in the drum, see Why Is My Washing Machine Not Draining? 8 Things to Check.

7. The Smell Is Coming From the Household Drain

Common clue: sewage-like odor near the standpipe or utility sink

Sometimes the washer gets blamed for a smell that actually comes from the laundry room plumbing.

A drain blockage, plumbing vent problem, or dry drain trap elsewhere in the laundry area may produce a sewer-like odor.

What to do: Notice whether the smell is strongest inside the washer drum or near the wall drain, floor drain, or utility sink.

If the odor is concentrated around household plumbing, contact a qualified plumber rather than repeatedly cleaning the washing machine.

If water backs up from the standpipe, stop using the washer until the drain issue is corrected.

Odor often starts in places you don't notice during an ordinary laundry cycle.

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: 6 Practical Steps

If your washer has a typical musty or sour smell—and no signs of electrical trouble or sewage backup—start with a simple cleaning routine.

Step 1: Empty the Drum

Remove all clothing, towels, and other items. Check for visible lint, paper, or forgotten objects.

Step 2: Clean the Door Gasket or Accessible Rim

On a front-load washer, inspect the rubber gasket folds. Remove accessible debris and wipe using the method approved in your owner's manual.

For a top-load washer, clean accessible surfaces identified in the manual. Never reach beneath an agitator or dismantle components unless the manufacturer specifically provides user instructions.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

If removable, take out the dispenser according to the manufacturer's directions. Remove residue, rinse as instructed, and let the drawer dry.

Step 4: Check the Pump Filter if Your Model Has One

Only use the manufacturer-approved filter-cleaning procedure. Prepare for residual water and allow hot water to cool before opening any drain access.

Step 5: Run the Recommended Washer-Cleaning Cycle

Choose Tub Clean, Clean Washer, Self Clean, or your model's equivalent.

Use an appropriate washing machine cleaner exactly as directed by both the washer manufacturer and cleaner label. Keep the drum empty unless your manual says otherwise.

Do not improvise a mixture of cleaning chemicals.

Step 6: Let the Washer Dry

When the cleaning cycle ends, wipe accessible moisture and allow the drum and dispenser to dry as directed by the manufacturer.

Check whether the odor has improved before washing another load.

Never mix cleaning products. In particular, do not combine chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners. Dangerous fumes can result. Even when a manufacturer allows bleach for a cleaning cycle, follow the exact model instructions and never add other chemicals.

How often? Many manufacturers recommend a washer-cleaning cycle about once a month or roughly every 30 loads. Check your model's maintenance schedule because instructions vary.

3-Question Washing Machine Odor Checker

Answer three questions to find a sensible place to start.

1. What does the washer smell like? Choose the closest smell Musty or mildew-like Sour or stale laundry Sewage or rotten odor Burning plastic or electrical odor 2. Where is the smell strongest? Choose a location Inside the empty drum Around the door gasket Near the detergent drawer Near the wall drain or utility sink 3. What have you noticed recently? Choose an observation Wet laundry was left inside Extra detergent or fabric softener Water remains after washing Nothing unusual

This checker suggests a starting point. It cannot identify mold species, confirm a plumbing fault, or diagnose electrical problems.

What Should You Use to Clean a Smelly Washer?

There's no need to buy every cleaning product on the shelf.

Start with the washer's owner's manual. It should tell you which cleaning products and cycles are compatible with your machine.

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets or Powder A convenient option when approved for your washer. Follow the package dosage and the manufacturer's cleaning-cycle instructions.

Soft Cloth or Nonabrasive Sponge Useful for accessible door seals, dispenser surfaces, and visible residue. Use only the cleaning solution recommended for those parts.

Manufacturer-Approved Liquid Cleaner Some washers allow specific liquid cleaning products. Placement and dosage vary by model.

Chlorine Bleach Some manufacturers permit bleach in specific cleaning cycles, while others advise different products. Use it only when explicitly allowed, and never combine it with another cleaner.

What About Vinegar and Baking Soda?

You'll find plenty of online tips suggesting vinegar, baking soda, or a combination of the two.

But a popular household trick isn't automatically suitable for every washing machine.

For example, Whirlpool advises against using vinegar as a routine washer cleaner because repeated use may damage certain components over time.

The safer choice: Use a product and cleaning method approved for your specific washer. Never combine household cleaning chemicals.

Before spending money: If the smell is coming from a blocked household drain, buying more washer cleaner won't address the underlying plumbing issue.

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

Once you've cleaned the machine, a few small habits can make a noticeable difference.

• Unload laundry promptly. Don't leave wet towels or clothes sitting in the drum overnight.
• Let the drum dry. Follow your model's ventilation or door-opening guidance.
• Measure detergent. Use the appropriate type and amount for the washer and load.
• Wipe the door gasket. On front-load machines, remove accessible moisture and lint regularly.
• Clean the dispenser. Don't let old detergent or softener residue accumulate.
• Run the cleaning cycle. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance interval.
• Watch for drainage trouble. Standing water and repeated drain errors deserve attention.

For many households, consistency matters more than buying stronger cleaning chemicals.

When Does a Smelly Washer Need Professional Service?

Most ordinary musty odors are worth addressing with manufacturer-approved cleaning first. But cleaning won't solve every problem.

Call an Appliance Technician If...

• The odor persists after appropriate cleaning and drying.
• The washer repeatedly fails to drain.
• The gasket is damaged or inaccessible buildup cannot be safely removed.
• You notice an unexplained burning or electrical smell.
• The machine also leaks or displays recurring error codes.

Call a Plumber If...

• The smell is strongest near the household drain or utility sink.
• Wastewater backs up from the standpipe.
• You suspect a dry trap, blockage, or plumbing vent problem.

Is It Worth Paying for Professional Cleaning?

That depends on what the service includes and whether it addresses the source of the odor.

Before booking, ask whether the provider will inspect the gasket, drain system, and accessible components, or whether the service is limited to running a cleaning product through the drum.

If the technician suspects a failed pump, drain issue, or another mechanical fault, request a written diagnosis and itemized estimate before approving repairs.

For an older machine with several recurring problems, compare the total repair cost with the delivered and installed price of a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washing machine smell bad even after cleaning?

Residue may remain in the door gasket, dispenser, or drain system. The odor may also come from household plumbing rather than the drum. If manufacturer-approved cleaning doesn't help, professional inspection may be needed.

Why does my front-load washer smell like mildew?

Moisture and residue can collect around the rubber door gasket and inside the washer. Cleaning the gasket, running the approved cleaning cycle, and allowing the drum to dry can help.

Can too much detergent make a washing machine smell?

Yes. Excess detergent and softener can leave residue that contributes to unpleasant odors. Follow the recommended detergent type and dosage.

Why does my washer smell like sewage?

A sewage-like odor may come from trapped water, a drain problem, or nearby household plumbing. If the smell is strongest at the wall drain or utility sink, contact a plumber.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Many manufacturers recommend cleaning about once a month or every 30 wash cycles, but the correct schedule depends on your model and use. Follow your owner's manual.

Can I use vinegar to clean my washing machine?

Not without checking your manufacturer's guidance. Some manufacturers advise against vinegar because repeated use can affect washer components. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners.

Should I leave my washing machine door open?

Many manufacturers recommend allowing the drum to dry between loads. Follow your model's instructions and consider child and pet safety when leaving a door or lid ajar.

Why do freshly washed towels smell sour?

Wet laundry left in the washer, detergent buildup, or a dirty drum may contribute. Rewash affected towels according to their care labels and clean the washer if the empty drum also smells.

Related Washing Machine Guides

If your washer has another symptom along with the smell, these guides can help you narrow it down.

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Draining? 8 Things to Check Why Is My Washer Not Spinning? 7 Common Causes Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking Water? 8 Causes Home Appliance Problems: 19 Troubleshooting & Repair Guides

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Official Sources & Further Reading

These manufacturer and public health resources support the cleaning and safety guidance in this article.

• LG USA: Washer Odor and Buildup Troubleshooting
• LG USA: How to Clean Your Washing Machine Tub
• Whirlpool: Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Mildew?
• Whirlpool Product Help: Removing Washer Odors
• CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Safely With Bleach

The Bottom Line

A washing machine that smells bad doesn't necessarily need an expensive repair—or a stronger cleaning chemical.

Often, the best starting point is much simpler: remove trapped moisture, clean accessible residue, use the correct detergent amount, and run the cleaning cycle recommended for your model.

If the smell is more like sewage, investigate the drain. If it's a burning odor, stop using the machine and seek professional help.

And once the washer is clean, don't underestimate the value of taking laundry out promptly and letting the drum dry.

A little regular maintenance can help keep clean laundry from coming out smelling anything but clean.

About this guide: Smart Life Reset provides educational appliance troubleshooting information for U.S. readers. Cleaning procedures and approved products vary by washer model. Follow the owner's manual and seek qualified assistance for electrical, mechanical, or plumbing problems.