11:41 25-10-2025

Why Your Washing Machine Smells — The Real Fix Experts Recommend

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Leaving the washer door open isn’t enough. Learn expert tips to prevent mold, eliminate odors, and keep your washing machine clean and fresh longer.

The Common Mistake Many Make

Most washing machine owners believe that keeping the drum door slightly open after a cycle is enough to keep the appliance dry and odor-free. But service technicians warn this is only a half measure—and often the very reason unpleasant smells develop in the first place.

Why Leaving the Door Ajar Doesn’t Work

When the door is open, air does circulate through the drum, but moisture remains trapped in other parts of the machine—especially in the detergent drawer and under the rubber door seal. These damp spots create ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Over time, this leads to a musty odor that’s hard to remove, even with deep cleaning.

Where Airflow Really Matters

According to experts, it’s not the drum door that should stay open but the detergent drawer. This small adjustment allows air to flow through internal channels, drying hidden areas and preventing moisture buildup. The result is a well-aired machine—from the drum to the inner components—where water and detergent residues no longer linger.

How to Remove Existing Mold

If mold and odor have already appeared, the first place to check is the rubber gasket around the door. This is where fungus tends to accumulate. Technicians recommend using hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of at least 9%. Apply it to a soft cloth and carefully wipe all reachable interior surfaces. Special peroxide-based cleaning tablets can also help: crush them into powder, place in the detergent drawer, and run an empty wash cycle at a temperature of 60 °C or higher.

Don’t Forget the Room Itself

Even a spotless washing machine can’t fight high humidity in its surroundings. If your appliance is in the bathroom, make sure the room is well ventilated—don’t keep the door shut all the time and let fresh air in regularly. This helps reduce overall humidity and stops mold before it starts.

The Golden Rule for a Fresh Machine

To prevent odors and extend your washing machine’s lifespan, focus on one simple habit: keep the detergent drawer open, not the drum door. Sometimes, small changes make the biggest difference—one glance at the drawer, and the dampness problem disappears for good.