Why Does My Front-Load Washer Stink?

Too much detergent can cause smelly buildup in your front-load washer.

Pulling clean laundry out of your front-load washer and smelling its fresh scent is one of life's simple pleasures. If your washer stinks, though, not only is that pleasure ruined, but your clothes could also smell bad.

Smells

Your front-load washer might smell unpleasant and earthy, or musty like a damp basement. The smell could come from inside the washer, or you might notice it wafting up from the back or sides. Your washer could also smell of rot, or like something that's spoiled.

Causes

A musty smell is caused by mold, which could be growing on the side of your front-load washer. If you overload your washer with clothing or detergent, you could have mold growing inside your washing machine. Overloading can also lead to buildup of organic material inside the washer, which can attract bacteria that feed on it and give off an odor of rot.

Solutions

You can clean mold off your washer using a solution of a half cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Also, installing an exhaust fan in your laundry area will reduce moisture levels in the air. Clean away mold or bacteria inside your washer using that same bleach-and-water solution. You can also run an empty load with hot water and add bleach to it. In the future, use less detergent and run smaller loads.

References

• "Green up your Cleanup"; Jill Schoff; 2008
• "Fungi and Molds"; Jennifer Viegas; 2004