Why Does My Washing Machine Smell — And What Actually Gets Rid Of It For Good?: Questions Answered

Question 1

Why does my washing machine smell like rotten eggs?

Accepted Answer

A sewage smell is usually a plumbing issue rather than a dirty machine, as the odour is coming from the drain rather than the drum itself. You need to check the drain trap or filter to see if a blockage is allowing sewer gases to escape back into your home.

Question 2

How do I get rid of the smell in my washing machine?

Accepted Answer

The smell is caused by biofilm forming in areas that stay damp, such as the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and drain filter. You can usually fix this by cleaning these specific parts with warm water and washing-up liquid rather than relying on a service wash alone.

Question 3

Why does my washing machine smell even after I run a hot wash?

Accepted Answer

A hot wash on an empty cycle rarely solves the problem because the smell is often trapped in the rubber seal or detergent drawer, not the drum. These areas collect moisture and residue that normal washes do not fully remove, requiring a targeted clean of the seal and drawer.

Question 4

How do I clean the black mould from the rubber seal?

Accepted Answer

Black mould grows in the folds of the rubber seal because it stays damp and collects residue from every wash. You should pull the seal back and wipe the underside with a cloth and washing-up liquid, using a cotton bud or toothbrush for stubborn bits.

Question 5

Do washing machine cleaner tablets actually work?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning tablets can help with mild odours caused by detergent residue, but they are often less effective on stubborn smells that have already built up in the seal or filter. The honest answer depends on what you are trying to fix, as a deep clean of the machine parts is usually more reliable.

Question 6

Why do my clothes smell musty after washing?

Accepted Answer

If the machine is clean but the clothes still smell, the problem is likely residue trapped in the fabric fibres rather than a dirty appliance. This can happen when detergent, fabric softener, or body oils build up in synthetic clothes over time.

Question 7

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Accepted Answer

You should clean the rubber seal and detergent drawer regularly to prevent mould and biofilm from building up, especially if you wash at low temperatures. A deep clean of the filter and seal is usually required when a musty smell first appears.

Question 8

What is the best way to clean the detergent drawer?

Accepted Answer

The detergent drawer often looks clean from the front but can have a slimy film and residue at the bottom. You need to pull it out fully and clean the plastic tray and the recess behind it to remove trapped crumbs and grime.

Question 9

Why does the smell come back so quickly?

Accepted Answer

The smell returns quickly because moisture and residue are constantly being left behind in the seal and drawer between washes. Leaving the door closed or washing at low temperatures encourages mould to grow again almost immediately.

Question 10

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

Accepted Answer

While bleach can kill mould, it is not always necessary to clean the seal and drawer, and it can sometimes damage rubber parts over time. A simple wipe with warm water and washing-up liquid is often enough to remove the biofilm causing the smell.

Question 11

Why is there a smell coming from the bottom of the machine?

Accepted Answer

A smell coming from the bottom of the machine usually indicates that water is collecting in the base around the drain filter. This stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould if it is not cleared out regularly.

Question 12

What is biofilm and why is it causing the smell?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm is a slimy layer of bacteria and mould that feeds on trapped moisture and detergent residue in the machine. It builds up in places like the rubber seal and detergent drawer and is resistant to normal washing cycles.