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Why does my front-load washer smell?
Front-load washers smell because water, soap residue, and lint stay trapped in the rubber door gasket, the drum, the detergent drawer, and the drain filter. Mold and bacteria grow in those damp spots and cause the musty odor.
Front-loaders seal tightly to save water, which is one reason they are efficient. The ENERGY STAR clothes washer guide explains how much water and energy they save. The tradeoff is that moisture stays inside unless you let it out.
Where does the smell come from?
- The door gasket. The folds of the rubber seal hold water, hair, and lint.
- The detergent drawer. Leftover soap and softener build up and grow mold.
- The drum. Residue builds up on the outer tub, behind the drum you can see.
- The drain pump filter. Lint and small items rot in the standing water behind it.
- The drain. A slow house drain can send odors back into the washer.
How do you clean a smelly front-load washer?
Clean the door gasket, the detergent drawer, and the drain filter, then run a hot tub clean cycle with a washer cleaner. Leave the door and drawer open afterward so everything dries.
- Wipe the gasket. Pull back the folds and wipe them with a cloth and a mild cleaner. Remove hair and lint.
- Clean the detergent drawer. Remove it, soak it in warm water, and scrub away buildup.
- Clean the drain filter. Unplug the washer, place towels and a pan below, and open the filter at the bottom front.
- Run a tub clean cycle. Use the hot clean cycle with a washer cleaner, or the method in your manual.
- Dry it out. Leave the door and drawer open for a few hours.
Mold needs moisture to grow. The CDC's mold information page explains how mold can affect health, and the EPA's mold guide says controlling moisture is the best way to stop it.
Smell keeps coming back or water stays in the drum? Call us and a technician can check the drain and pump.
How do you keep the smell from coming back?
- Use HE detergent and the right amount. Too much soap leaves residue.
- Take wet clothes out soon after the cycle ends.
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open between loads.
- Wipe the gasket after the last load of the day.
- Run a tub clean cycle about once a month.
When is a smelly washer a repair problem?
If water stays in the drum, the smell returns within days of cleaning, or the gasket is torn, the washer may need a repair. A washer that does not drain fully is a common cause. Read our guide on washers that won't drain for the checks, or call our washer repair service. You can also find answers to common questions in our repair FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my front-load washer smell?
Front-load washers seal tightly. Water, lint, and soap residue stay in the door gasket, drum, and drain filter, and mold and bacteria grow there. That causes the musty smell.
How often should I clean my washer?
Wipe the door gasket after the last load of the day, and run a tub clean cycle about once a month. Clean the drain pump filter every few months.
Can a smelly washer mean it needs repair?
Sometimes. If water stays in the drum after a cycle, the washer may not be draining fully. Standing water makes odors much worse and points to a clog or failed pump.
