Why Does My Washing Machine Smell? 7 Causes & Fixes
A smelly washing machine is one of the most common appliance complaints we hear at Oceania Appliances. The good news: it's almost always fixable without calling a technician. Here are the 7 most common causes and exactly how to fix each one.
Cause 1: Mould & Mildew in the Door Seal (Front Loaders)
How to identify: Black spots or dark residue in the rubber door gasket. Smell when you open the door.
Fix:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Spray the door seal thoroughly
- Wipe with a cloth, pulling back the rubber folds to clean underneath
- For stubborn mould: apply bicarbonate of soda paste, leave 20 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush
- Going forward: wipe the door seal dry after every wash and leave the door open between loads
Cause 2: Detergent Drawer Mould
How to identify: Dark residue in the detergent drawer. Soap scum build-up.
Fix: Remove the drawer completely (pull it out and press the release tab), soak in hot soapy water for 20 minutes, scrub with a brush, and clean the drawer cavity with a cloth and vinegar spray.
Cause 3: Mould in the Drum
How to identify: Clothes come out smelling musty even after a wash.
Fix: Run an empty hot cycle (60°C or higher) with either: (a) 2 cups of white vinegar added to the drum, or (b) a specialised washing machine cleaner tablet (available from supermarkets). Do this monthly.
Cause 4: Blocked or Dirty Lint Filter
How to identify: Front loaders have a small filter door near the bottom front. If you haven't cleaned it in months, it's the problem.
Fix: Place a towel down, unscrew the filter cap slowly (water will drain), remove the filter, rinse under running water, scrub with a brush, and replace.
Cause 5: Sulphur/Drain Smell
How to identify: Eggy or sewage-like smell, often worse after a cycle finishes.
Fix: This usually comes from the drain hose. Check it isn't kinked, and make sure it forms a U-shape (standpipe connection) so drain water doesn't siphon back. Pour 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda down the drain and follow with 1 cup of hot white vinegar.
Cause 6: Using Too Much Detergent
How to identify: Excess foam during wash. White residue on dark clothes.
Fix: Use less detergent — modern HE (high-efficiency) machines need only 1–2 tablespoons. Using standard detergent in an HE machine is a common mistake. Always use HE-rated detergent in front loaders. Run a hot empty cycle to flush out excess soap build-up.
Cause 7: Standing Water in the Machine
How to identify: Machine hasn't been used for a while. Water sitting in the drum or hidden in the pump.
Fix: Run a drain cycle, clean the filter as above, then run a hot wash with vinegar or washing machine cleaner.
Preventative Maintenance Routine
- Leave the door open between loads (front loaders especially)
- Wipe the door seal dry after every wash
- Clean the filter every month
- Run a hot empty cycle with vinegar or cleaner every 4–6 weeks
- Use the right amount of HE detergent
- Don't leave wet clothes sitting in the drum
Still Smelling After All This?
If your washing machine still smells after a thorough clean, it may have a faulty pump, blocked drain hose, or damaged door seal that needs replacing. Contact us at Oceania Appliances — we can help diagnose the issue or find you a quality replacement machine. Call 0450 700 001.