A washing machine that smells musty, mouldy, or like rotten eggs is one of the most common appliance complaints we hear at Oceania Appliances. The clothes come out smelling worse than when they went in. The laundry itself starts to stink. The smell is impossible to ignore.
The good news: this problem is almost always fixable, and in most cases you can sort it yourself without a technician.
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?
Washing machines — especially front loaders — create ideal conditions for mould and bacteria: warm, damp, dark, with detergent residue as a food source. If the machine is not cleaned regularly, the odour builds up and transfers to clothing.
5 Steps to Eliminate Washing Machine Odour
Step 1: Clean the Door Seal
For front loaders, the rubber gasket around the door is the number one source of washing machine odour. Mould thrives in the folds. Pull back the seal and wipe thoroughly with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the folds. Dry with a cloth when done.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
Remove the drawer completely and soak in hot water. Scrub away any black residue. Use a toothbrush to clean the cavity it sits in — mould grows there too.
Step 3: Clean the Filter
Front loaders have a drain filter, usually behind a small cover at the bottom front of the machine. Unscrew it slowly (have a towel ready — water will come out) and remove any debris. Rinse and replace.
Step 4: Run a Hot Maintenance Wash
Run the hottest cycle available (usually 90C if your machine has it, otherwise 60C) with no clothes and no detergent. Add two cups of white vinegar directly to the drum. This kills bacteria and dissolves detergent build-up throughout the machine.
Step 5: Run a Baking Soda Cycle
Follow up with another empty cycle using half a cup of baking soda added to the drum. This neutralises remaining odours and cleans the drum surface.
Preventing the Smell from Returning
- Leave the door open after every wash — this allows the drum and seal to dry out
- Remove washing promptly — do not leave wet clothes sitting in the machine
- Use the correct amount of detergent — too much leaves residue that feeds mould
- Use a liquid detergent or one recommended for front loaders
- Run a maintenance wash monthly
When the Smell Comes from the Drain
If the smell is more like rotten eggs and seems to come from under the machine rather than the drum, it may be a drain system issue — a blocked or dry trap, or a drain pump that needs cleaning. This is worth having a technician check.
When to Replace
If your machine is over 8 years old, has recurring odour despite cleaning, or is also having mechanical issues, replacement may be better value. At Oceania Appliances, we stock tested refurbished washing machines from $249 — cleaned, warranted, and delivered free across Sydney. Visit us at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10 am to 8 pm.