Why does my washing machine smell?

Most smells come from detergent and fabric softener residue, trapped moisture in the door seal or dispenser, low-temperature washes that don’t kill bacteria, and clogged filters or drains that leave stagnant water.

How do I get rid of washing machine smells fast?

Clean the detergent drawer, scrub the door seal with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water, then run the hottest empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner or with baking soda in the drum and vinegar in the drawer. Finish by cleaning the drain filter and leaving the door open to dry.

What products work best to remove washing machine odours?

Popular options include dedicated machine cleaners such as Dr Beckmann Service-It, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner (lemon), Ecozone Washing Machine & Dishwasher Cleaner, HG Service Engineer Washing Machine Cleaner, and Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner. Use one monthly on an empty hot cycle.

Is vinegar safe to use in my washing machine?

Yes—white vinegar diluted with water is commonly used to cut residue and smells. Avoid excessive use and never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. If your manufacturer warns against vinegar for your model, follow their guidance.

Why does my washing machine smell musty even after cleaning?

Lingering odours usually mean hidden residue in the filter, drain hose, or under the door seal. Reclean those areas, run two back-to-back hot maintenance cycles, and check for drainage issues (kinked hose, poor trap). Persistent smells can indicate a worn gasket or plumbing problem.

How often should I run a maintenance wash to prevent smells?

Run an empty hot maintenance cycle about once a month using a washing machine cleaner or a baking soda/vinegar routine. Also wipe the seal and leave the door and dispenser drawer ajar after regular washes to ventilate.

What causes a rotten egg (sulfur) smell from the washer?

That odour often points to a drainage or plumbing issue such as a dry or faulty trap allowing sewer gas, or stagnant water in the drain hose or pump. Clean the filter, flush the hose, ensure proper trap function, and consult a plumber if the smell persists.

Do front-loaders smell more than top-loaders?

Front-loaders can be more prone because of their airtight door seals that trap moisture and residue. Regular seal/drawer cleaning, occasional hot cycles, and good ventilation prevent odours in both types.

Can fabric softener make my washing machine smell?

Yes. Overuse of softener leaves a waxy film that feeds bacteria and biofilm. Use the smallest effective dose or switch to alternatives for certain loads, and clean the dispenser regularly.

What’s a quick monthly routine to keep my washer fresh?

Week 1: Run a hot empty cycle with a machine cleaner. Week 2: Wipe the seal and dispenser. Week 3: Clean the drain filter. Week 4: Ventilate—keep door and drawer open after washes. Use correct detergent dose and add occasional 60–90°C cycles for hygiene.

Washing Machine Smells: Causes & Fixes (with Products) -

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There’s nothing worse than pulling fresh laundry out of the washer, only to notice that the clothes smell damp, musty, or just… off. Washing machines are supposed to make things cleaner, not stinkier. But if your washer smells bad, don’t worry — it’s a common problem and one you can absolutely fix.

Washing Machine Smells: Causes & Fixes (with Products)

In this guide, I’ll explain why washing machines start to smell, the exact steps to get rid of the odour, and how to stop it coming back. I’ll also share a few products that make the job easier and keep your machine fresh.

Why Does a Washing Machine Smell?

Bad smells usually creep up slowly. One day you notice a faint whiff, and before long your whole laundry room stinks. The main culprits are:

Detergent and softener residue

If you use too much detergent or softener, or the wrong kind, it can leave a sticky film inside the machine. That film traps lint and dirt, and before long bacteria start feeding on it.

Trapped moisture

Washing machines — especially front loaders — are designed to seal tightly. That’s great for stopping leaks, but it also means water can sit in the rubber door seal or detergent drawer. Damp + warmth = mold and mildew.

Too many cold washes

Modern detergents work at low temperatures, so lots of us wash at 30 or 40 degrees. But those lower temps don’t always kill bacteria. Over time, the bugs survive and multiply.

Blocked filters or hoses

If your drain filter is clogged with lint, hair, or coins, water can’t flow out properly. Stagnant water quickly starts to smell.

Worn parts

Sometimes old seals, hoses, or even the pump itself harbor grime and bacteria. If you’ve had your machine for years, this might be part of the issue.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Washing Machine Smells

Here’s a straightforward routine that works for most people. Give yourself an hour or so to do it properly.

Step 1: Clean the detergent drawer

Pull the drawer right out (most slide out completely). Soak it in hot water with washing-up liquid, then scrub every corner with an old toothbrush. Don’t forget to wipe inside the slot where the drawer sits too.

Step 2: Scrub the door seal

Pull back the rubber gasket around the door and look inside — you’ll probably see slimy black mold, lint, or even coins and hair clips hiding there. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the seal, scrub gently with a cloth or brush, and then dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.

Step 3: Run a hot cleaning cycle

Choose the hottest cycle your machine allows (usually 90–95°C) with no clothes inside. Add either half a cup of baking soda in the drum and two cups of white vinegar in the drawer, or use a dedicated machine cleaner (I’ll recommend some below). Let the cycle run in full.

Step 4: Empty the filter and pump

Check your manual to find the filter (usually at the bottom front of the machine). Open it carefully — have a towel or shallow tray ready, as water often spills out. Remove any lint, coins, or fluff. Give it a rinse under the tap before putting it back.

Step 5: Wipe everything down

When the hot cycle finishes, wipe the drum, door, and inside edges dry. Then leave the door and drawer open for a few hours to air out.

How to Stop the Washing Machine Smell Coming Back

Once you’ve given your washer a deep clean, the key is prevention. A few simple habits make a huge difference:

Use the right amount of detergent. More soap doesn’t equal cleaner clothes — it just leaves gunk behind.
Don’t overdose fabric softener. It’s basically waxy residue in liquid form.
Mix in some hot washes. Even if you normally wash at 30°C, throw in a 60°C or 90°C cycle once in a while to kill bacteria.
Ventilate. Leave the door and drawer ajar after each wash to let air circulate.
Wipe the seal. Quickly running a cloth around the gasket after each wash helps stop mold from forming.
Clean the filter regularly. Once every month or two is usually enough.

Products That Actually Work

Home remedies like vinegar and baking soda work well for maintenance, but sometimes you need something stronger. Here are some tried-and-tested products that target smells and grime:

1. Dr Beckmann Service-It Washing Machine Cleaner

A classic choice in the UK. It cuts through detergent residue and limescale. Use it once a month for best results.

2. Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner (Lemon Scent)

Not only does it clean the drum and pipes, but it leaves a fresh lemon smell. A good option if your washer smells musty.

3. Ecozone Washing Machine & Dishwasher Cleaner

An eco-friendly formula that avoids harsh chemicals. Great if you want to clean effectively while staying green

4. HG Service Engineer Washing Machine Cleaner

This one’s a heavy-duty cleaner designed to shift stubborn grease and bacterial buildup. Ideal if smells keep coming back.

5. Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner

A powdered cleaner that’s great at removing hair and lint buildup. Especially useful for households with pets.

Common Washing Machine Smells and What They Mean

Musty / mouldy: Probably mildew in the seal or drawer.
Sour / damp clothes smell: Detergent residue feeding bacteria.
Eggy / sulphur smell: Drainage issue — check the hose or plumbing.
Chemical smell: Too much detergent or leftover cleaning products.

A Simple Monthly Routine

Here’s a routine that keeps your machine fresh:

Week 1: Run a hot cycle with a machine cleaner.
Week 2: Wipe the door seal and drawer.
Week 3: Clean the filter.
Week 4: Do nothing — enjoy the break!

This way, you’re only spending a few minutes a week, but your washer stays fresh all year.

When to Call in Help

If you’ve cleaned everything and the smell still won’t shift, it could be:

A plumbing problem (sewer smells coming up through the drain).
A failing part inside the machine (pump, hose, or gasket).
A deeper mould issue in the walls of the drum.

In that case, it’s worth calling a repair engineer. Sometimes replacing an old gasket or hose is all it takes.

A smelly washing machine doesn’t mean you need a new one. In most cases, it just needs a good clean and a bit of regular care. By tackling the detergent drawer, gasket, drum, and filter — and using a reliable cleaner once a month — you’ll get rid of the stink and stop it coming back.

If you want my top pick, I’d go with Dr Beckmann Service-It for routine cleaning, and keep a bottle of Dettol Lemon Cleaner handy for quick refreshes.

With just a little effort, your washer will smell fresh, your clothes will come out clean, and laundry day won’t be ruined by that unpleasant musty odour again.