Smell from Washing Machine: Causes and Quick Fixes You Can Do Today
That lingering smell coming from your washing machine isn't just unpleasant; it's a sign that something's not quite right. It’s usually caused by a slimy biofilm that builds up from leftover detergent, fabric softener, and general grime. In the damp, dark interior of your machine, this becomes the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, which is what creates that musty odour.
Pinpointing the Source of Washing Machine Smells
If you've ever been hit with a whiff of sewage when you open the machine door, you're not alone. High-efficiency machines are often the worst offenders because their low-water cycles can struggle to completely wash away all the residue, leaving behind the gunk that causes bad smells. If that sewage smell is a particular problem, you can learn more about why washing machines smell like sewage and what to do.
Different smells often point to different problems. Figuring out what you're dealing with can save you a lot of time and effort. Here’s a quick guide to what those different smells might mean.
Common Washing Machine Smells and What They Mean
| Type of Smell | Most Likely Cause | Where to Check First |
|---|---|---|
| Musty & Mildewy | Mould and mildew growth. | The rubber door seal (especially in the folds), detergent drawer, and the inside of the drum. |
| Eggy or Sewage-like | Stagnant water and bacteria. | The filter or the drainage hose. This often means there's a blockage somewhere. |
| Burning or Electrical | An electrical fault. | Unplug the machine immediately. Check the plug, cord, and motor area for visible signs of damage. |
| Damp Dog | A mix of bacteria and grime. | The drum and door seal. This is common if you often wash pet bedding or very dirty clothes. |
Once you've identified the specific scent, you can narrow down the potential cause and focus your cleaning efforts where they'll be most effective. This targeted approach is the key to getting your machine—and your laundry—smelling fresh again.
Cleaning a Front-Loading Washing Machine
If you have a front-loader, the most likely source of that musty smell is the rubber door seal. These machines are brilliant at saving water, but their design means moisture can get trapped easily, making that rubber gasket a prime spot for mould.
To get it clean, mix a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Gently scrub this into the entire rubber seal, paying special attention to the folds where you might find hidden black mould. Once you're done, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth.
Next, tackle the detergent drawer. Pull it out and soak it in hot, soapy water before scrubbing away any built-up residue.
Finally, don't forget the filter. It's usually behind a small flap at the bottom of the machine. Place a towel down first, as some water will likely escape. Unscrew the filter and clear out any lint, coins, or grime. For a more detailed walkthrough, check our guide on how to clean your washing machine drum.
A Guide to Deep Cleaning a Top-Loading Machine
While top-loading machines don't have the notorious rubber door seal, they are not immune to bad smells. They can be magnets for smelly soap scum and a slimy film known as biofilm. This residue hides inside the drum, around the agitator, and beneath the tub rim, leading to a persistent musty smell.
The best way to tackle this is with a maintenance cycle, sometimes called a 'tub clean'.
Running a Maintenance Wash
Set your machine to its hottest and longest cycle, and let it fill with water. Once full, add your cleaning solution. A specialised washing machine cleaner works well, but a simple home remedy is just as effective. For a great DIY approach, pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
Once the cycle has finished, grab a cloth and scrub around the top rim of the tub and the central agitator. Don't forget to remove and clean your dispenser drawers.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh
Keeping smells at bay is about building a few simple habits into your laundry routine.
After every wash, the most effective thing you can do is leave the door and detergent drawer wide open to air out. This stops the dark, damp conditions that mould loves.
Also, get into the habit of giving the rubber door seal a quick wipe with a dry cloth. This gets rid of lingering moisture and soapy residue. Be mindful of your detergent; using the correct amount of high-efficiency (HE) liquid or powder is critical to avoid the slimy buildup that feeds odour-causing bacteria.
A huge part of preventing nasty smells is managing moisture. Getting to grips with effective moisture control techniques can make all the difference. For a more detailed guide, check out our post on how to clean a washing machine for more in-depth tips.
Knowing When to Call a Professional Engineer
Sometimes, a persistent smell is a sign of something a simple cleaning can't fix. If you've cleaned the drum, seal, and filter but the odour won't go away, it's a red flag for an underlying mechanical or plumbing fault.
These stubborn smells can point to a failing drain pump, a deep blockage in the drainage pipe, or a problem with your home's main drain. Putting off a diagnosis can lead to more significant damage and costlier repairs. It's a surprisingly common issue, as domestic odour problems make up a staggering 53.5% of all UK council reports, a fact highlighted in the scale of household odour complaints.
DIY Cleaning vs Professional Repair
It can be tricky to know when to call for help. This table should help you decide whether it's a job for you or a Go Assist engineer.
| Symptom | DIY Solution | When to Call a Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Mild musty smell, especially after a wash. | Clean the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and run a maintenance wash. | If the smell returns immediately after cleaning. |
| Smell of stagnant water. | Clean the filter and trap, ensuring all debris is removed. | If the filter is clean but the machine still isn't draining properly. |
| Persistent, strong "rotten egg" or sewage smell. | Check the standpipe and U-bend for obvious blockages. | If the smell continues after you’ve cleared the accessible pipes. This indicates a deeper plumbing issue. |
| Machine makes unusual gurgling noises and smells bad. | Perform all the standard cleaning steps first. | If cleaning doesn't stop the noise or smell, as it could signal a failing drain pump. |
If you've followed the cleaning guides and the smell is still there, it's best to get it checked out. Booking a qualified Go Assist engineer ensures a safe, professional diagnosis and a lasting repair.
Common Questions About Smelly Washing Machines
Here are some of the most common queries we get from homeowners.
How Often Should I Clean My Washing Machine?
Aim for a deep maintenance clean at least once a month. This means running an empty cycle on the hottest setting with a proper washing machine cleaner or white vinegar. On top of that, wipe down the door seal and leave the door open after each load to let it air dry.
Why Does My Machine Smell Even Worse After I've Cleaned It?
This usually means the cleaning cycle has dislodged hidden gunk but hasn't flushed it all away. The heat from the wash then makes this loosened sludge smell more potent. If the smell is still there after a second cleaning cycle, you likely have a stubborn blockage in the filter or drain hose that needs to be dealt with directly. If mould is a concern, it may be worth investigating the best air purifiers for mold.
If you’ve tried everything and that nasty smell just won’t budge, it could be a sign of a deeper mechanical issue. The expert engineers at Go Assist can diagnose and fix the fault quickly. Book your repair online today for a fast, reliable service.
