Washing Machine Smells? Here's How to Fix It

A washing machine that smells musty, mouldy, or like dirty socks is a common problem — especially with front loaders. The good news is that it's almost always fixable without calling a technician. Here's why it happens and exactly how to fix it.

Why Does a Washing Machine Smell?

Front loaders are more susceptible to odour than top loaders because:

• The door seal (gasket) traps water and debris in its folds after each wash
• The door is sealed shut, reducing air circulation between washes
• Lower-temperature washes (popular for energy saving) don't kill bacteria as effectively as hot washes
• Excess detergent that doesn't rinse fully feeds bacteria and mould growth

Step 1: Clean the Door Seal (Gasket)

The rubber door seal is the main source of mould in front loaders. Pull back the rubber folds around the entire circumference of the seal — you'll likely find black mould, grey slime, or trapped debris.

How to clean it:

1. Mix 1 part bleach and 9 parts water (or use undiluted white vinegar for a bleach-free option)
2. Dip a cloth in the solution and thoroughly wipe inside all the seal folds
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub black mould patches
4. Rinse with clean water
5. Dry with a clean cloth

For severe mould, spray a dedicated mould remover directly onto the seal, leave for 10–15 minutes, scrub, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Run a Drum Cleaning Cycle

After cleaning the seal, run a hot drum clean cycle to disinfect the drum interior:

• Option A: Use a commercial drum cleaner (Dettol, Dr Beckmann, or Finish washing machine cleaner) — add to the drum and run on the hottest cycle (60°C or higher)
• Option B: Add 500ml of white vinegar to the drum and run on the hottest cycle. Follow up with ½ cup of bicarbonate soda in the drum on a short hot cycle. (Never mix these two in the same cycle.)

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the dispenser drawer and soak in warm water. Scrub all compartments and the drawer housing. Mouldy residue in the dispenser travels directly into every wash.

Step 4: Clean the Pump Filter

The pump filter (small panel at the bottom front of most front loaders) traps debris and can develop a terrible smell when neglected.

1. Place towels and a tray beneath the filter
2. Unscrew slowly to release trapped water
3. Remove all debris
4. Clean the filter mesh under running water
5. Screw back firmly

Preventing Odour From Coming Back

• Leave the door open: After every wash, leave the door ajar for at least 30 minutes to allow moisture to escape
• Wipe the seal: After each wash, give the door seal a quick wipe with a dry cloth
• Use less detergent: Over-dosing is the #1 cause of residue buildup. Use HE detergent for front loaders and use less than you think you need
• Run a hot wash weekly: At least one hot wash (60°C) per week helps kill bacteria that lower temperatures miss
• Monthly drum clean: Run a drum cleaning cycle once a month as routine maintenance

When the Smell Won't Go Away

If the drum itself has a persistent smell that cleaning doesn't fix, the drum bearings or drum seal may be contaminated, or mould may have penetrated into the rear of the drum. At this point, a professional service or replacement may be needed.

Oceania Appliances stocks quality used washing machines from $200, all tested and carrying a 3–6 month warranty. Free delivery across Sydney. Call 0481 243 211 or browse online.