Washing Machine Smells Bad: Causes and How to Get Rid of the Odor

A musty smell when you open the washing machine, or an unpleasant scent in freshly washed laundry, is one of the most common household complaints. The good news: in almost every case, the machine itself isn't broken — the cause is moisture, detergent residue and bacteria, and a few simple habits can fix it for good.

Why does my washing machine smell bad?

The main reason is almost always the same: standing moisture. Closing the washing machine right after every cycle gives mould and bacteria exactly the warm, damp climate they need to grow. The rubber door seal and the detergent drawer are especially vulnerable, where detergent residue, fabric softener and lint combine into what's known as a biofilm. Washing mostly at 30–40°C makes the problem worse, since these temperatures aren't hot enough to reliably kill germs.

Cleaning your washing machine: the most effective quick fix

According to the German consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale), a single wash cycle is usually enough to fix an acute smell: an empty cycle at 60°C with a powder detergent for whites. The oxygen-based bleach it contains kills the fungi and bacteria that form the biofilm — a special washing-machine cleaner isn't necessary. Alternatively, a 40°C cycle with 50g of baking soda in the detergent drawer works well too, followed by thoroughly cleaning the detergent drawer by hand.

One warning first: vinegar is not suitable for cleaning a washing machine, even though it's often recommended as a home remedy — the acid attacks rubber seals and can make them leak over time.

The rubber seal and detergent drawer: the problem areas

After every wash, it's worth a quick look into the folds of the rubber seal around the drum opening, where lint, hair and moisture collect fastest. A damp cloth is usually enough to wipe it dry. On most models, the detergent drawer can be pulled out completely and cleaned under running water with an old toothbrush before going back in.

How to prevent odours for good

The best prevention doesn't need chemicals, just new habits:
– Leave the door and detergent drawer open after every cycle until everything is completely dry.
– Take laundry out right after the programme finishes, rather than leaving it in the closed drum for hours.
– Run a 60°C cycle at least once a month, even if you usually wash on cooler settings.
– Don't use too much detergent: overdosing leaves exactly the residue that ends up smelling later.
– Empty the lint filter regularly — check your model's manual for where it sits and how to open it.

When is it time for a new washing machine?

If the smell persists despite thorough cleaning, the cause can run deeper: a blocked drain hose, a faulty pump, or a heavily limescaled heating element that can no longer reliably reach 60°C. In such cases, it's often worth comparing repair costs against a new machine, especially with an older appliance in a poor energy efficiency class. You'll find an overview of current models with low water and power consumption in our washing machine range. For questions about the right size or installation, our service team is happy to help.