A musty smell is one of the most common complaints about washing machines. Many homeowners in Walnut Creek experience this issue. Whilst it is unpleasant, it is rarely due to a failure of the washing machine itself.
Most commonly, this is caused by moisture getting trapped in the washing machine. Water, soap and lint build up and cause mould and bacteria to grow. Most commonly this can be easily resolved, taking around an hour. This guide covers why your washing machine is smelling mouldy, how to clean it and when to call out a technician.
Why Is My Washing Machine Smelling Mouldy?
The washing machine provides the perfect environment for mould to grow. It is warm, dark and moist. After every wash, a little water is left in the machine. This plus any leftover soap and body oil from your clothes creates a breeding ground for mould.
This can leave your towels, bed-linen and gym clothes smelling. Many people will increase the amount of soap they are using. However, this usually makes it worse!
Common Causes
Most machines will be experiencing a combination of these issues.
- Door Seal: Front loaders have a rubber seal which collects water, hair and lint.
- Too Much Soap: Excess soap can leave a film on the drum.
- Fabric Softener: Thick and sticky. Can cause build-up in the dispenser.
- Closed Door: No air can enter the drum so will be left damp.
- Dirty Drain Pump Filter: Can cause a smell as lint, coins and old water can build-up.
Identifying What Is Causing The Smell
Not all bad smells will be due to mould. The below table can help identify the issue.
| Smell | Likely Cause | First Step |
|---|---|---|
| Musty (like a damp basement) | Mould in the door seal or drum | Wipe the door seal and run a hot wash |
| Sour (like expired milk) | Build-up of soap and softener | Reduce amount of soap used and clean the dispenser |
| Rotten Egg / Sewage | Drain issue or standing water | Check drain filter and hose |
| Burnt / Electrical | Motor or belt issue | Unplug the washing machine |
Why Front Loaders Can Smell
Front loading washing machines are efficient and clean well, however they can trap moisture. They have a rubber seal and after every wash will trap a small amount of water. The door is often closed straight after. This can cause black slimy build-up in the folds of the seal.
Top loaders can also suffer from this. Mould can get trapped under the agitator and between the inner and outer tub. The high efficiency machines do not rinse as well so soap can become trapped. If your front loader is still smelling after a few good cleans, you may want to consider front loader washing machine repair in Walnut Creek. A technician can check to see if water is trapped.
Walnut Creek Specific Issues
Many homes in Walnut Creek have hot dry summers and a wet winter. If there is a long period of rain, the air can become more humid inside. This can cause the washing machine to take longer to dry. This can cause issues with machines in garages, laundry rooms and condos where there is little air flow.
Low usage can also be an issue. If the drum is sitting closed and damp for days it can create the perfect environment for mould to grow. Usually, the ventilation and how you use the door will be the main issues causing the mouldy smell in your washing machine.
How To Clean A Mouldy Washing Machine
No special products are needed. Check your manufacturers manual for information. Some machines have a cleaning cycle built in. A few do not recommend using vinegar.
- Wipe The Door Seal: Lift up the rubber seal and wipe away any slimy build-up, hair and lint with a cloth and warm soapy water.
- Clean The Soap Dispenser: Soak in hot water and clean the hole with an old toothbrush.
- Hot Wash With Vinegar: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the empty drum and run on the hottest and longest cycle.
- Hot Wash With Bicarbonate Of Soda: Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the drum and run another hot wash.
- Clean The Drain Pump Filter: Most front loaders have a small panel on the bottom front. Place a towel down as water will come out.
Tips For Prevention
Whilst a one off deep clean will not prevent this issue from happening again, a few simple changes can really help.
- Open the door and drawer after each wash.
- Use the correct amount of soap. Usually less is needed if using HE soap.
- Avoid using liquid fabric softener or only occasionally.
- Run a hot wash cycle every couple of months.
- Wipe the door seal at the end of the day.
This issue can happen with other appliances. Regular servicing can also help avoid small issues becoming larger. If your laundry still feels damp after a wash, your dryer may be struggling. Consider dryer repair.
When Cleaning Does Not Help
Sometimes after a good clean the smell remains. This is usually a sign of a deeper issue. Water can become trapped in the hoses or outer tub. Your drain pump may not be emptying fully.
If there are other signs of an issue, such as leaking, not draining quickly, loud noises or clothes not cleaning properly, a technician can open up the machine and identify the issue. Many homeowners will look into washing machine repair in Walnut Creek at this point. Generally, if the washing machine is under 10 years old and the cost of repairs is less than half the price of a new one, it makes sense to repair.
How To Fix The Smell Completely
Whilst it is annoying to have a mouldy smelling washing machine, it isn’t due to anything you have done. Washing machines have water in them and mould will grow where there is moisture. Simply wiping the door seal, having a hot wash and leaving the door open will resolve the issue for most people.
If the smell is not going away, having a quick inspection can save you a lot of guess work. Most washing machine repair in Walnut Creek CA will be due to an issue with the filter, hose or seal. Often this will be a small job.
Washing Machine Still Smells After Cleaning?
If your washing machine is still smelling mouldy, Zuta Appliance Repair can come out and check the drains, pump, hoses and seals. We can offer same day or next day service in Walnut Creek. Contact us today and we can fit you in at a convenient time.





