Washing machine emits unpleasant smell

Issue

• The washing machine emits an unpleasant smell
• Mouldy smell from the washing machine, how to remove it?
• How to clean the washing machine?
• Rubber seal on washing machines develops dark or black mould spots
• Washing machine maintenance wash

Applies to

• Front loader washing machines (integrated and freestanding)
• Top loader washing machines
• Washer dryers

Resolution

1. Check if the drain hose is correctly connected to the siphon, or if your waste installation is equipped with a siphon.

2. Dispense the correct amount of detergent, avoid using only cold cycles, and run hot cycles/wash regularly.

3. Dispense the correct amount of detergent and fabric softener according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Always leave the door ajar/slightly open after every wash and, if possible, open the dispenser drawer slightly at the same time so that the machine can dry out between washes. Ensure that the appliance is installed in a room with good ventilation.

5. Check whether the washing machine heats up by starting a very hot wash.

The door should remain warm during the cycle (can be checked after about half to one hour).

6. Check if the drum is clean and run a maintenance wash once a month.

A maintenance wash not only cleans the drum but will help to prevent bacterial growth inside it, which can cause bad odours and mildew.

If your machine does not have a maintenance program, run a cotton programme at a high temperature (90 degrees) with an empty drum.

Some models indicate when it is time to perform a cleaning cycle (on average after 60 cycles) with an icon or text. To find out more about your specific model check your user manual.

For detailed procedures refer to the user manual supplied with your appliance.

We recommend specialized cleaning detergents available on our Webshop.

Regularly check if the drum if it is clean and occasionally clean it with a soft sponge. Do not use an abrasive stainless-steel cleaner or wire wool scouring pad, as this may damage the surface. Wipe it dry with a clean, soft cloth.

7. Clean the detergent dispenser:

• Remove any spillage or residue in each compartment by rinsing it under hot running tap water.

• Remove the dispenser and use a suitable brush (clean it with an old toothbrush) to remove any dirt and dried soap powder/liquid from each section

8. Clean the pump and fluff filter, including the pump blade (if the pump blade is visible, rotate it with a pencil and refit the filter).

Instructions:

Disconnect the machine from the main socket.

WARNING: Never remove the filter when the machine is operating. Don't clean the pump if the water is hot wait until the water cools down.

Open and remove the cover (the filter cover is usually located in the lower right corner of the appliance)

Place a shallow bowl (or oven tray) under the drain filter

Remove the filter and clear any fluff or objects and clean the filter under a running tap.

Put the filter back and turn clockwise. Make sure you tighten the filter correctly to prevent leakages. Close the drain cover.

The drain pump filter can look a little different from model to model. To ensure that you handle your drain pump the correct way, please look in the “Care and cleaning” section of your machine's manual or download your user manual here.

9. Clean the washing machine’s seal:

Rubber seals on washing machines often develop dark or black mould spots.

• You can remove the mould using sodium carbonate crystals, thick bleach, or dishwasher cleaner, which helps to dissolve any stubborn mould and soap powder residue.
• Be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective goggles during this cleaning operation.

10. Cleaning the washing machine externally:

• Use a cloth soaked in a mild universal detergent or washing-up liquid, because washing machines are often manufactured from baked-on enamel.
• Carefully wipe down the outside of the washing machine.
• You may find that fluff and splashes of washing powder have formed thick, greasy stains on the washing machine.
• A little warm water and a cloth are usually enough to clean up the area.
• Try cleaning in corners and edges using a cotton bud.

Contact an Authorized Service Center.

If the above suggestions did not solve the problem, we recommend requesting a visit by a service engineer.

Important: You should not call out an engineer for cleaning advice unless the appliance is displaying an error.