Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?
A washing machine that produces musty, sour or mildew smells is one of the most common appliance complaints we hear at Oceania Appliances. The good news is the cause is almost always the same, it's easily preventable and usually simple to fix without calling a technician.
The Primary Cause: Moisture and Biofilm Build-Up
Modern front-load washing machines are very well-sealed — that's what makes them water efficient. The flip side is that the drum, gasket, detergent drawer and door seal trap moisture after every cycle. Over days and weeks, this damp environment grows mould, mildew and bacteria — what you smell as the 'washing machine smell.'
The Rubber Gasket Is the Main Culprit
The rubber door seal (gasket) on a front-loader has folds and crevices that trap water, lint and detergent residue. It's dark, damp and rarely cleaned. Left untreated, it grows black mould that produces a persistent musty smell — and that smell transfers to your clean laundry.
Fix: Wipe the gasket thoroughly with a damp cloth after every few washes. For existing mould, use a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 10 parts water) and scrub the folds. Dry with a cloth afterwards.
The Detergent Drawer
Liquid detergent and fabric softener leave a residue in the drawer that builds into a mould-friendly sludge over time. Remove the drawer completely (most pull out easily — check your manual), rinse it under hot water, scrub with a small brush and return it clean.
Too Much Detergent
Excess detergent doesn't rinse out completely, leaving a residue in the drum that feeds mould. If you use more detergent than the machine's program is calibrated for, you'll see this problem develop quickly. Use the amount recommended on the packaging for your water type — or less for soft water.
Low-Temperature Washes
Cold and 30°C washes are great for energy saving but don't kill bacteria or dissolve detergent residue effectively. If you mostly wash at low temperatures, run a 60°C cycle once a fortnight to flush the system.
Keeping the Door Closed Between Washes
Many people close the washing machine door immediately after removing the laundry. This traps moisture inside and accelerates mould growth. Leave the door ajar between washes to let the drum air out. It makes a significant difference.
Using a Machine Cleaner
Dedicated washing machine cleaners (such as Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, Finish Machine Cleaner or similar) are designed to dissolve biofilm, detergent residue and mineral deposits from inside the drum, pipes and seals. Run a cleaning cycle with one of these monthly if you wash at low temperatures frequently.
Drum Self-Clean Programs
Many modern washing machines have a Drum Clean or Machine Clean program that runs hot water and high-spin speeds to flush the interior. If your machine has one, run it monthly. If you use CleanPower mode (Samsung) or Tub Clean (LG), use a machine cleaner with it for best results.
Summary Checklist
- Leave door open between washes
- Wipe the door gasket regularly
- Clean the detergent drawer monthly
- Use the correct detergent amount
- Run a 60°C wash fortnightly if you mostly wash cold
- Run a drum clean cycle monthly
Looking for a washing machine that's easier to maintain or upgrading from an older front-loader? Visit Oceania Appliances in Wetherill Park or shop online — quality second-hand and refurbished washing machines with free Sydney delivery and a 3–6 month warranty.