A musty or sour smell from the washing machine is one of the most common laundry complaints — and it's almost always fixable at home. Here's what causes it and how to get your machine smelling fresh again.
Why it happens
- Biofilm build-up: detergent residue, fabric softener and grease form a film that harbours odour-causing bacteria.
- Low-temperature washes: always washing cool never gets hot enough to clear that build-up.
- A damp door seal: water and gunk collect in the rubber gasket and go musty.
- Leaving wet washing sitting in the drum.
How to fix it
- Run a hot maintenance wash: an empty 90°C cycle (or a dedicated drum-clean programme) clears biofilm. Do this monthly.
- Clean the door seal: wipe the rubber gasket, getting into the folds where water sits.
- Clean the detergent drawer: remove and wash off mould and residue.
- Clean the filter: the pump filter (behind the flap at the front) traps lint and coins — empty it regularly.
Keep it fresh
- Leave the door and drawer ajar between washes to dry out.
- Use the right amount of detergent — too much leaves residue.
- Run an occasional hot wash even if you mostly wash cool.
Final thoughts
A monthly hot maintenance wash plus a quick seal-and-drawer clean keeps odours away for good. If your machine is past its best, browse washing machines online or ask in any of our 60+ stores.
