How to Fix a Washing Machine That Leaves Clothes Smelling Musty

If your freshly washed clothes come out smelling musty or mouldy, the problem is almost always your washing machine rather than your clothes. The good news is this is a very fixable problem and usually requires no technical skills or replacement parts.

Why Does a Washing Machine Smell Musty?

The musty smell comes from mould and mildew growth inside the machine. This is particularly common in front-loading washing machines due to their sealed drum design. Contributing factors include:

• Residual moisture that cannot evaporate when the door is closed
• Detergent residue that provides nutrients for mould
• Fabric softener buildup in the drum and drawer
• Low-temperature washing cycles that do not kill bacteria
• Leaving wet clothes sitting in the drum after the cycle

Step 1: Clean the Door Seal (Gasket)

The rubber door gasket on a front loader is the most common site of mould and mildew growth. It has folds and crevices that trap moisture, lint, detergent residue and debris.

How to clean it:

1. Open the door and pull back the rubber gasket
2. Remove any visible debris, lint or foreign objects from the folds
3. Wipe thoroughly with a cloth soaked in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water
4. For visible mould, use a small amount of bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach in 1 litre water)
5. Wipe dry with a clean cloth
6. Leave the door open to air dry

Step 2: Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle

Most washing machines have a dedicated drum clean or hygiene cycle. If yours does not, run the hottest available cycle (60–90°C) with either:

• A proprietary washing machine cleaner (available at hardware and grocery stores)
• 500 ml of white vinegar added to the drum
• Half a cup of bicarbonate of soda in the drum plus the hottest cycle

Do not combine vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in the same cycle — they neutralise each other.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Detergent drawers accumulate black mould in their crevices, particularly in the fabric softener compartment.

1. Remove the drawer (most pull out completely with a release button)
2. Soak in hot water with a small amount of white vinegar or bleach
3. Scrub with an old toothbrush or small brush
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry before reinserting

Step 4: Clean the Filter

Front-loading washing machines have a small access panel at the lower front of the machine covering a filter and drain hose. This filter collects lint, coins, hair and debris. If blocked, water drains slowly and residual moisture increases.

1. Locate the access panel (usually at the bottom front)
2. Place a towel and a shallow tray or bowl underneath
3. Open the small drain hose and drain residual water
4. Unscrew the filter (counterclockwise)
5. Remove debris and rinse under running water
6. Reinsert and screw closed firmly

Step 5: Prevent Future Odour Build-Up

• Always leave the door slightly ajar after each wash to allow the drum to dry
• Remove clothes promptly when the cycle ends — do not leave wet clothes sitting in the drum
• Use the correct amount of low-suds detergent — excess detergent leaves more residue
• Run a hot cycle or drum clean cycle monthly
• Wipe the door seal dry after the last wash of the day
• Reduce fabric softener use — it leaves a residue that promotes mould

When the Problem Persists

If you have cleaned everything thoroughly and the smell persists, the mould may be deeper in the machine's internal drainage system or the drum bearing seal area. This typically requires a technician or may indicate the machine is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

Find Quality Replacement Washing Machines at Oceania Appliances

If your washing machine is beyond cleaning and needs replacement, we stock quality secondhand washing machines at our Wetherill Park showroom. Free Sydney delivery, 3–6 month warranty on every machine. Open 7 days, 10 am to 8 pm.