FixPlainly

Washer smells musty

Washer smells come from moisture and leftover detergent that never dry out. The fix is mostly habit: dry the drum out, use less detergent and run a cleaning cycle regularly.

7 checks, quickest firstAbout 93 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: washer smells musty

Work through the checks below, in order.

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Before you start

  • Anything beyond the quick checks: unplug the washer first.
  • Touching hoses: turn off both water valves behind the washer.
  • After a hot cycle, give the water time to cool. Samsung suggests about an hour.
  • Have towels and a shallow tray ready whenever a step may release water.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Unload as soon as it finishes

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Wet laundry left in a closed drum traps moisture.

    1. Take clothes out as soon as the spin finishes.
    2. Don’t store damp laundry in the washer before a wash.

  2. Let it air out between washes

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    A closed door and drawer hold moisture inside.

    1. Leave the door or lid and the detergent drawer open after each wash, especially in humid weather.

  3. Use the right amount of detergent

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Too much detergent or softener leaves residue that smells.

    1. Use HE detergent at the recommended dose.
    2. Go easy on fabric softener.

  4. Run a tub-clean cycle

    Safe to tryAbout 60 min

    A cleaning cycle clears residue you can’t see.

    1. Empty the drum and run the Tub Clean or Clean Washer cycle with a washer cleaner.
    2. LG recommends doing this once or twice a month with an oxygen-based cleaner, not chlorine bleach or acidic products. Follow your own manual for your washer.

  5. Clean the detergent drawer

    Safe to tryAbout 5 min

    Old detergent and softener collect in the drawer.

    1. Remove the drawer, scrub it with a brush and rinse it. LG suggests weekly.

  6. Clean the door seal

    Safe to tryAbout 5 minFront-load only

    Debris and moisture sit in the folds of the rubber seal.

    1. Fold back the seal and remove hair, threads and grime.

  7. Clean the pump filter

    Take careAbout 20 minFront-load only

    A clogged filter holds dirty water.

    1. Unplug the washer, lay towels down and put a tray under the filter door. Water will come out.
    2. Unscrew the filter, clean it and screw it back in firmly. Samsung suggests monthly or every 40 washes.

    Open the guide: Washer won’t drain

When to call a technician

  • It smells like burning or hot plastic. Stop the washer, unplug it and have it checked.
  • The smell returns quickly even after cleaning, along with drainage problems.

Error codes that point here

If your washer shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Samsung SUdToo many sudsLG SudToo many suds (front-load)Whirlpool SudToo many suds

Questions

Can I use chlorine bleach to clean my washer?

Check your manual. LG specifically says to use an oxygen-based cleaner for Tub Clean, not chlorine bleach or acidic products.

Does natural laundry soap cause smells?

LG lists natural laundry soap as something that can encourage microbe growth in the washer.

Sources

  1. LG washing machine troubleshooting: musty odors, LG USA Support
  2. Samsung washing machine is leaking, Samsung US Support
  3. Error Codes in Front Load Washers, Whirlpool Product Help
Last checked against its sources on