{"id":881,"date":"2021-11-23T11:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T19:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=881"},"modified":"2021-11-29T11:38:03","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T19:38:03","slug":"how-to-fix-a-washing-machine-that-smells-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/how-to-fix-a-washing-machine-that-smells-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix a Washing Machine That Smells Bad"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Get a whiff of something bad when you open your washer door? Laundry not as fresh or bright as it could be? Most likely, your washing machine isn\u2019t broken–it just needs a thorough cleaning. Luckily, you don\u2019t need any fancy soaps to kill the mildew and bacteria that have set up shop in your washer, just time, common household products, and a bit of elbow grease.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll cover why washers get smelly and how to stop the stink and prevent it from happening again. Keep reading!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

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Why Does My Washer Stink?<\/span><\/h2>\n

So, there are a couple of different reasons why your washing machine may smell funky. What that odor smells like and what type of washer you have (front loading vs top loading) can help you determine the source of your unwanted stink.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Your Washer Smell Mildew-y or Musty?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Heat, moisture, and darkness are pretty much the universal recipe for mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. Over time, built up remnants like soap scum and lint can create a breeding ground for all the things that make foul odors. If your washer has a musty or rotten egg smell, it\u2019s likely because of a mildew or bacterial bloom.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this can happen regardless of the type of washer you have, it\u2019s significantly more common in front loaders — to the point that it\u2019s often listed as one of the few cons when compared to top loading models. Front loaders are so efficient in their water and energy use that using the wrong type or amount of detergent can stop your washer from adequately rinsing clothes, leaving behind excess soap scum and grime from your laundry, which then, you guessed it, leads to those nasty smells.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Rotten Eggs?<\/span><\/h3>\n

As above, this smell is most likely caused by bacterial growth and can be solved by a thorough cleaning of the tub. However, there is a <\/span>small chance <\/b>that this could be because of a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies add sulfur to create that rotten egg smell. <\/span>If you suspect the smell could be a gas leak, contact your gas company immediately.<\/b><\/p>\n

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Sewage?<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is more prevalent in top-load washers. Though it probably just means you need to clean out the washer\u2019s tub, it could also be a plumbing issue, which may be a more serious problem. If there is a clog or other plumbing issue allowing sewer gas into your home, that could be potentially dangerous. Sewer gas is both bad for your health and flammable.<\/span><\/p>\n

To check if it\u2019s a problem in your pipes, first open a window to create some ventilation and then take a careful sniff around the drain pipe (you may have to pull your washer away from the wall for this). If the smell is definitely localized at the pipes, it is probably a plumbing issue. If you do not have plumbing experience and are not confident that you can safely fix a clog or replace a P-trap, now may be the time to call in a professional plumber to fully identify and fix the issue. Fixing clogs and other problems in your washer\u2019s drain pipes may require the use of specialized tools and machinery.<\/span><\/p>\n

How To Fix A Washing Machine That Smells Bad<\/span><\/h2>\n

No matter what smells you\u2019re dealing with, you\u2019re probably going to need to clean your washer\u2019s drum to completely get rid of any lingering smells. Luckily, it\u2019s not too hard. You may very well have everything you need at home!<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleaning Your Washing Machine With Vinegar And Baking Soda<\/span><\/h4>\n

While it does take a bit of elbow grease, cleaning your washing machine isn\u2019t all that difficult, and it can be done with tools you have around your house. Before you begin, make sure you have the following things handy:<\/span><\/p>\n