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Help! My Washing Smells Mouldy – How to Fix a Smelly Washing Machine
Few things are more frustrating than doing a full load of laundry… only to discover your washing smells mouldy when it comes out of the machine.
It’s one of the most common laundry problems people search for online. Many people type things like:
- “Why does my washing smell mouldy?”
- “Why does my washing machine smell?”
- “Why does my washing smell like mildew after washing?”
And if we’re honest, it can feel a little embarrassing to ask friends about. But don’t worry — you are definitely not alone.
In most cases, the real problem isn’t your detergent or your clothes.
It’s your washing machine.
Why Your Washing Machine Smells
Most of us remember to clean the dishwasher occasionally… but the washing machine is often forgotten.
Over time, washing machines collect:
- detergent residue
- fabric softener build-up
- fluff and fibres from clothing
- stale water
- bacteria and mould
All of this creates the perfect environment for mildew and odours to develop.
When this happens, your washing machine may start to smell damp or musty — and unfortunately that smell transfers straight onto your clothes.
Check These Areas If Your Washing Smells Mouldy
If your laundry smells bad after washing, start by inspecting these key areas of your machine.
1. The Rubber Door Seal
Take a close look at the rubber seal around the washing machine door.
You may find:
- trapped fluff
- dirt
- stagnant water
- black mould spots
This area stays damp for long periods, making it an ideal place for mould and bacteria to grow.
If your machine smells, this is often the first culprit.
2. The Detergent Drawer
Next, pull out the detergent dosing drawer.
Many people are shocked by what they find underneath:
- thick detergent residue
- sticky fabric softener build-up
- black mould growing on the drawer or compartment roof
Liquid detergents and fabric softeners are particularly notorious for leaving gunky residue, which becomes a breeding ground for mould.
That mould can then circulate through the machine pipes and drum — and eventually onto your laundry.
3. The Washing Machine Pump Filter
This is one of the most overlooked parts of any washing machine.
Located at the bottom front of the machine, behind a small panel, you’ll find the drain pump filter.
Many people have never cleaned it — and some don’t even know it exists.
Inside you may discover:
- fluff and fibres
- coins from pockets
- calcium debris
- even small stones or mud
All of this collects in stale water, creating bacteria and unpleasant smells.
Tip:
Have some old towels and a shallow tray ready before opening the filter, as a little water will drain out.
Interestingly, washing machine manufacturers report that around 1 in 3 people never clean this filter before their machine develops problems.
Why Mould Causes Smelly Washing
Mould thrives in warm, damp environments — exactly the conditions inside a washing machine.
If mould is growing in the machine pipes or seals, tiny spores can land on your damp laundry at the end of a wash cycle.
Because clothes remain slightly warm and moist, those spores quickly multiply.
The result?
Laundry that smells musty even after being washed.
How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
If your washing machine smells, a thorough clean can usually fix the problem.
Step 1 – Clean the Detergent Drawer
Step 2 – Run a Hot Cleaning Wash
Clean the Drawer Regularly
Remove the drawer completely and scrub it thoroughly.
Use:
- warm water
- a cloth or old toothbrush
- a mild cleaner if needed
Don’t forget to clean the underside of the drawer compartment, where mould often hides.
Step 3 – Clean the Door Seal
Wipe around the rubber seal carefully.
White vinegar works well for removing mildew and residue.
If using bleach, rinse thoroughly afterwards to avoid damaging the rubber.
Step 4 – Clean the Pump Filter
Open the small panel at the bottom of the machine and remove the filter.
Rinse away any debris and wipe the compartment clean.
It may not be the most glamorous job – but it makes a huge difference to washing machine hygiene.
Run the washing machine empty on a hot cycle.
Use:
- normal washing powder
or - washing soda
Choose the hottest setting available (ideally 90°C).
This helps flush out residue and bacteria inside the machine.
Some people also use hydrogen peroxide, after this stage if there is any mould left. It is safer than bleach – breaks down into oxygen and water and helps kill mould and bacteria.
How to Stop Your Washing Machine Smelling Again
Once your machine is clean, a few simple habits will keep it fresh.
Leave the Door Open
Always leave the washing machine door slightly open between washes so moisture can escape.
Removing and rinsing the detergent drawer every few weeks prevents build-up.
Use Powder Instead of Liquid Detergent
Powder detergents tend to leave far less residue in washing machines.
Liquid detergents and fabric softeners can create sticky build-up that encourages mould growth.
This is one of the reasons we developed powder-based formulations at Distinctive Wash.
Powders circulate well, rinse cleanly and help keep machines fresher.
Final Tip for Fresh Laundry
If your washing smells mouldy, don’t panic — the solution is usually a good washing machine clean and better laundry habits.
A clean machine means:
- fresher laundry
- fewer odours
- longer machine life
- better washing results
And if you’d like to maintain a clean machine, switching to a high-quality powder detergent can make a real difference. Watch our easy videos on cleaning your washing machine
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