How to clean a smelly washing machine - Which? advice

0:00 Intro
0:09 Run a service wash
0:39 Clean the door seal
0:59 Wash out the detergent drawer
1:18 Clean the filter
1:49 Leave the door and detergent draw open
2:09 Check the waste pipe
2.25 Sourcing professional help


Got a bad smell coming from your washing machine? We'll show you the probable causes and how to deal with them, and also reveal why a service wash is so important.

1. Run a service wash

To stop odours building up in the drum, run a service wash every month. This is a very hot wash without any clothes in the drum that washing machine manufacturers recommend.

We tend to wash clothes at low temperatures, and while 40° is hot enough to clean most clothes, it won’t completely rid your machine of bacteria or mould. Check your manual to find out which programme to wash on.

2. Clean the door seal

Mould can grow in the rubber seal around the door. So, give the seal a quick wipe clean with a damp cloth every week.

If the mould is established, as well as smelly, it could damage the seal too. If this happens, it would be best to hire a professional to replace the door seal.

3. Wash out the detergent drawer

The detergent drawer and the area around it can get smelly. Once you’ve run your service wash, remove the draw and give it all a wipe clean, including its housing.

4. Clean the filter

The filter on a washing machine can also harbour nasty smells. It’s usually found at the front of the machine, at the bottom right hand side.

Flip off the cover and drain any excess water using the hose - you’ll need a shallow tray or towel to catch the water. Once you’ve done this, unscrew the filter and give it a clean.

It’s likely to be caked in gunk and this can be very smelly. But, cleaning it in some warm water should help reduce any smells.

5. Leave the door and detergent draw open

Another tip to keep your machine odour free is to leave its door open after washing. This allows air to circulate around the drum, which helps to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.

And it’s also worth leaving your machine's detergent drawer partially open for the same reason.

6. Check the waste pipe

If you’ve checked all of this and the smells still persist, they might be coming from your waste pipe, which is where waste water from your machine empties. If you think there could be a blockage, try some drain unblocker.


If after all of this, you can’t fix the problem yourself try Which? Trusted Traders to find a local trader who has been assessed and checked by Which? experts.

And if you find it’s time to get a new machine, join Which? To compare all our reviews: which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/ho…

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