How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine: Easy Tips & Tricks

That musty washing machine smell is a clear sign of build-up inside. The good news is that the solution is usually straightforward. It involves cleaning key areas like the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and filter, then running a hot maintenance wash to flush out any hidden mould, mildew, and grime.

Why Your Washing Machine Smells Musty

Before tackling the problem, it helps to know what you're up against. Understanding the root cause is the first step towards a long-term solution.

More often than not, that unpleasant scent comes from one of these culprits:

• Mould and Mildew: Your machine’s rubber door seal is the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. It’s dark, damp, and often traps moisture after a wash.
• Detergent and Softener Residue: Over time, leftover liquid detergents and fabric softeners create a sticky film inside the machine, which is a magnet for bacteria.
• Hard Water Limescale: Common in UK homes, limescale deposits create a rough surface that traps dirt and provides a home for mould.
• Trapped Debris: If your machine isn't draining correctly, stagnant water gets left behind. If you suspect this is the case, it’s worth investigating why your washing machine is not draining properly.

Get Your Cleaning Kit Ready

You don't need expensive, chemical-laden cleaners. The best weapons for tackling that musty smell are probably already in your kitchen cupboards. These simple household staples are effective at cutting through grime and killing the bacteria that cause odours.

Your Natural Cleaning Essentials

First on your list should be white vinegar. It's a natural acid that dissolves limescale and soap scum. Next, you'll want bicarbonate of soda. It acts as a gentle scrubbing agent and a natural deodoriser. Finally, a few microfibre cloths and an old toothbrush are essential for getting into the nooks and crannies of the rubber door seal and detergent drawer.

For a quick reference, here's a breakdown of your natural cleaning toolkit:

With these items, you’re equipped to get your washing machine smelling fresh. For other gentle cleaning alternatives, you might find this guide to hypochlorous acid cleaning spray useful.

Your Deep Cleaning Action Plan

This plan targets the key areas where grime, mould, and smelly bacteria hide.

First, tackle the filter. You might be surprised by the trapped lint, old coins, and gunk lurking there. From there, move on to the detergent drawer, another common culprit for slimy, soapy residue.

Next is the rubber door seal. This is a prime spot for hidden mould, so get into every fold and crevice to clear it out.

Finally, finish with a powerful two-part cleaning cycle. This sanitises the drum and pipes from the inside, flushing out any remaining nasties. For a detailed breakdown of this final stage, see our guide on how to clean your washing machine drum. Following these steps in order is the most effective way to eliminate those smells for good.

Keeping Future Smells Away

Now that your machine is clean, the trick is keeping it that way. Preventing musty smells is about building simple habits into your laundry routine.

One of the easiest changes is to leave the door and detergent drawer slightly ajar after every wash. This lets air circulate and dry the interior, stopping the damp conditions where mould thrives.

Another great habit is a monthly 'maintenance wash'. Simply run an empty, hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar. This flushes out early signs of grime and soap scum before it builds up. Think of it as protecting your investment. With UK households spending more on appliances, finding simple ways to extend their lifespan is more important than ever. Discover more on UK appliance expenditure trends.

When Cleaning Is Not Enough

So, you've scrubbed the seal, cleaned the filter, and run a hot vinegar wash, but the musty smell is still there. When a deep clean doesn't work, it's a clue that the issue is lurking somewhere you can't reach.

A persistent smell could be down to a clog in your drain hose or an issue with the pump itself. This traps stagnant water deep inside the machine's internal parts, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. While you can check the drain hose for obvious blockages, diagnosing a pump fault is much trickier.

If you’ve tried every cleaning trick and the smell won’t budge, it’s a strong sign the problem is mechanical, not just surface-level grime.

This is when it’s smartest to call a professional. If you're not sure, it’s worth knowing the key signs your washing machine needs a professional repair. Our expert engineers can quickly find underlying faults and have your machine running (and smelling) perfectly again.

Common Questions About Machine Odours

Let's go over a few common questions about smelly washing machines.

How Often Should I Clean My Machine?

A deep clean every one to three months is a solid rule of thumb. However, if you live in a hard water area or have a large family, a monthly clean is best to keep smells from returning.

Can I Use Bleach Instead of Vinegar?

While bleach is a powerful disinfectant, it can be harsh on the rubber seals and gaskets inside your machine, causing them to degrade. White vinegar is a safer, natural alternative that still does a fantastic job of killing mould and mildew without damaging your appliance's parts.

If you’ve tried all the cleaning tricks and the smell won't budge, or if you suspect a more serious problem, it’s best not to hesitate. For reliable, professional appliance repairs, book an engineer with Go Assist and we'll get it sorted for you.