Most washing machine smells come from mould and bacteria growing in damp, hidden parts of the machine. Clean the rubber door seal, wash out the detergent drawer and its housing, empty the filter, then run an empty hot service wash at 60°C or above with a washing machine cleaner or your machine’s drum-clean programme. Afterwards, leave the door and drawer open so it dries. A rotten egg smell that survives all of this usually points to the drain, not the machine.
Cooler, energy-saving washes are better for bills and clothes, but they also let residue build up where water sits. If your laundry smells as soon as it comes out of the drum, the machine is the place to start. This guide is part of our wider advice on fresh, clean laundry in the UK.
What Is That Smell?
| Smell | Likely source | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Musty or mouldy | Mould and bacteria in the seal, drawer or drum | The full clean below |
| Sour or stale | Old detergent and fabric conditioner residue | Drawer, then a hot service wash |
| Rotten eggs or sewage | Residue or a partial blockage in the standpipe or drain | Step 6 |
| Burning or electrical | A possible fault | Stop using it, switch off at the wall and call an engineer |
How to Clean It, Step by Step
Have a bowl of warm water with a little washing up liquid, a microfibre cloth, an old toothbrush, old towels and a shallow tray ready. Check your instruction manual for anything specific to your model.
- Door seal. Pull back the rubber folds and wipe out hair, fluff and grey slime with the soapy cloth. Use the toothbrush gently on stubborn spots, then wipe dry. Mould that has soaked deep into the rubber may not come out, and the seal may need replacing.
- Detergent drawer. Most drawers pull out after pressing a release tab. Soak it in hot water, scrub away gunk and fabric conditioner residue, and clean the housing it slides into, including the roof where the water jets are.
- Filter. It usually sits behind a small panel at the bottom front. Lay towels and a tray underneath, as water will come out, then unscrew it slowly, remove fluff, hair and coins, rinse it and screw it back firmly.
- Service wash. Run the machine empty on a hot cycle of 60°C or more, or the drum-clean programme if it has one, with a washing machine cleaner.
- Dry it out. Wipe the drum and seal, then leave the door and drawer open for a few hours.
- Standpipe. If an eggy smell remains, there may be a partial blockage in the waste pipe. A drain unblocker can help, and our guide to the best drain unblocker in the UK explains which type to use. Call a plumber if it persists.
This routine follows the advice from Which?, which explains that regular washes at 40°C or less will not fully clear mould and bacteria, and recommends a hotter service wash, ideally once a month.
What to Use, and What to Avoid
Washing Machine Cleaner
Designed for the job and the safest choice for a service wash. Follow the dose on the pack.
Drum-Clean Programme
Many newer machines have one. Your manual says whether to add a cleaner or run it empty.
Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda
Popular home remedies, but not a substitute for a hot service wash. Check your manual before using vinegar, as some manufacturers advise against it.
Neat Bleach
Best avoided. Which? warns undiluted bleach can damage the door seal and drum parts, may stain clothes, and might not be covered by your warranty.
How Often to Clean a Washing Machine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After every wash | Unload promptly, wipe the seal dry and leave the door and drawer ajar |
| Monthly | Hot service wash, plus a quick clean of the seal and drawer |
| Every few months | Clean the filter, or sooner if the machine drains slowly |
Use less detergent and conditioner. Overdosing leaves residue that feeds the smell. Our guide on how much detergent to use explains how to get the dose right for your load and water.
Shop Laundry Care
Detergents and laundry essentials to keep your washing, and your machine, fresh.
Shop Laundry CareFrequently Asked Questions
Why does my washing machine still smell after a hot wash?
A hot wash cleans the drum but not always the hidden parts. Clean the door seal, drawer housing and filter by hand, then repeat the service wash. If the smell is eggy, check the standpipe and drain.
Can I clean my washing machine with a normal detergent?
A hot empty wash with a little biological detergent helps, but a dedicated washing machine cleaner is designed to tackle residue and is the better choice for a monthly clean.
Should I leave my washing machine door open?
Yes, for a few hours after each wash. Air circulation dries the drum and seal and helps stop mould growing.
Sources: Which?, How to clean a smelly washing machine.