Washing machine smells bad? How to clean it so your laundry is fresh again
A bad smell comes from detergent residue, bacteria and mold in the seal, drawer and filter. Half an hour of work and one cleaning wash are enough to get rid of it.
- Cause
- residue, mold and bacteria in the seal, drawer and filter
- Time
- 30 minutes + a 90°C program
- Cost
- 0–40 zł
Don't mix chlorine products with vinegar or other chemicals. Wear gloves when cleaning off mold.
Step by step
Clean the door seal
Pull back the fold and wipe it with a cloth and dish soap. Remove black mold spots with a mold remover (don't mix it with vinegar).
Wash the detergent drawer
Take the drawer out and wash it with warm water and a small brush. Also clean the drawer compartment inside the machine, because that's where most residue builds up.
Clean the pump filter
Leftover debris and standing water collect in the filter and smell bad. Clean it as described in the guide on draining the machine.
Run a cleaning wash
Empty machine, 90°C program (or the drum cleaning program), and a washing machine cleaner or a glass of vinegar in the drum.
Change your habits
Sometimes wash at 60°C and don't overdo the detergent and fabric softener. After washing, leave the door and drawer ajar so the machine can dry out.
- The smell is like burning or chemicals. That's not residue, it could be an electrical fault.
- The water doesn't drain completely even with a clean filter. Standing water is the source of the smell.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Washing machine cleaner | 10–40 zł |
| Door seal replacement (if mold has eaten into the rubber) | 200–440 zł |
| Washing machine cleaning at a repair shop | 140–270 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
This isn't a breakdown, just a matter of maintenance. Regular cleaning is enough. Replacing the seal only makes sense if mold has permanently discolored and damaged the rubber.
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Open the calculator →FAQ
How often should I run a cleaning wash?
Once a month if you mostly wash at low temperatures.
Is vinegar bad for a washing machine?
Occasional use is fine. Frequent use in large amounts can wear out the seals faster. Products made for washing machines are safer.
Why does my laundry smell even though the machine is clean?
Most often it's laundry left in the drum for several hours or dried in a damp room. Take the laundry out right after the program finishes.