Washing machine smells bad

What is actually happening

This is nearly always a build-up of detergent residue and biofilm rather than a broken part, and it is the one common complaint most people can fix themselves. Low-temperature washing with liquid detergent leaves a film that never gets hot enough to break down, and it collects in the door seal folds, the drawer and the drum outer.

The usual causes

• Biofilm in the door seal folds and detergent drawer from repeated low-temperature washes
• A blocked or slow drain letting waste water stand
• Too much detergent or fabric conditioner, which feeds the residue
• A pump filter that has never been cleaned

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.

1. Wipe right inside the door seal folds with a cloth — most of it is usually there
2. Run an empty 90°C cycle with no detergent, or a proper machine cleaner
3. Take the drawer out and wash it, and clean the drawer housing behind it
4. Clean the pump filter, and leave the door and drawer ajar between washes

Common questions

Why is my washing machine smells bad?

A musty or drain-like smell from the drum or the door seal. This is nearly always a build-up of detergent residue and biofilm rather than a broken part, and it is the one common complaint most people can fix themselves. Low-temperature washing with liquid detergent leaves a film that never gets hot enough to break down, and it collects in the door seal folds, the drawer and the drum outer.

Can I fix a washing machine smells bad myself?

Wipe right inside the door seal folds with a cloth — most of it is usually there. Run an empty 90°C cycle with no detergent, or a proper machine cleaner. Take the drawer out and wash it, and clean the drawer housing behind it. Clean the pump filter, and leave the door and drawer ajar between washes. This one usually clears with those checks and rarely needs an engineer at all.

How much does it cost to repair a washing machine smells bad?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Other washing machine faults

• washing machine not draining
• washing machine not spinning
• washing machine leaking water
• washing machine making a loud noise
• washing machine not heating the water
• washing machine door will not open
• washing machine will not turn on
• washing machine tripping the electrics

Repairs we cover near you

• Washing Machine Repairs — what we charge and how it works
• Washing Machine Repairs in Nottingham
• Washing Machine Repairs in Arnold
• Washing Machine Repairs in Beeston
• Washing Machine Repairs in Bulwell
• Washing Machine Repairs in Carlton

Written by our own engineers from their repair notes. If your appliance is showing a code as well as this fault, our error-code guides cover 708 codes across 24 makes.