Smell in washing machine — where from and how to remove

When opening door you smell musty, swampy or rotten odor. Laundry after wash also smells bad — odor absorbs into fabric.

Smell intensifies in heat or after long idle. Sometimes visible black coating (mold) in door seal folds, detergent drawer or rubber.

Rubber door seal — ideal place for mold. Water and dirt accumulate in lower folds, don't dry → black mold.

Fix: after each wash wipe seal with dry cloth (especially lower part). Once a week — soft sponge with baking soda or vinegar (1:1 with water).

If mold penetrated deep — seal replacement from ~180,000–300,000 UZS. But often thorough chlorine cleaning is enough (Domestos, Bleach — for 15 minutes, rinse).

Detergent drawer clogs with powder, softener residue — they form sticky mass, mold and stink.

Fix: pull out drawer (usually press button/tab inside), wash with hot water and brush. Clean drawer channel inside machine — dirt accumulates there too.

Rinse drawer once per 2–4 weeks. Use liquid detergent or gel — they leave less residue.

Drain pump filter (bottom front, under cover) collects coins, hair, debris. If not cleaned — water stagnates, rots, gives smell.

Fix: unscrew filter (put cloth — ~0.5 L will pour out), rinse under tap, clean from hair and dirt. Check once per 2–3 months.

Also check drain hose — water can stagnate due to improper connection (hose loop below connection level to sewer).

Powder, softener, dirt residue settles on tank walls, heating element — goes rancid and smells. Scale can also give smell when heated.

Fix: run «Drum clean» (if mode exists) or empty wash at 90°C with 100g citric acid or 200ml vinegar. Once per 1–2 months.

Don't use too much detergent — excess doesn't rinse out. Follow dosage on package.

Closed door after wash — main mistake. Moisture doesn't evaporate, inside becomes «swamp» → mold and smell.

Fix: always leave door and drawer ajar after wash — at least 1–2 hours, better constantly (if no kids/pets).

Avoid «Eco» modes with low temp (30–40°C) constantly — they don't kill bacteria. Once a month wash at 60–90°C for disinfection.