Odour guide

Musty Washing Machine Smell

Persistent damp odours often involve trapped moisture, detergent/softener residue, door-seal folds, dispenser residue, filters or drainage.

Safe starting points

  • Leave the door/lid and dispenser open to dry when the manufacturer permits.
  • Clean user-accessible dispenser, seal surfaces and filter as described in the owner manual.
  • Use the manufacturer cleaning/tub-clean programme and approved cleaner if specified.
  • Confirm the drain hose/standpipe installation follows the manual.

What to do next

If odour is accompanied by sewage backup, leaking, overheating or electrical symptoms, treat the underlying problem rather than masking the smell.

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