Washer Smells Bad – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
A foul, musty odor coming from your washing machine is usually caused by mold and mildew buildup inside the drum, door gasket, or detergent dispenser. Front-loading washers are especially prone to this problem because their door seal traps moisture. While regular cleaning can help, a worn or moldy door gasket may need to be replaced entirely.
Common Causes
- Mold and mildew buildup in door gasket
- Residue buildup in detergent dispenser
- Clogged drain pump trapping stagnant water
- Using too much or wrong type of detergent
- Worn or moldy door boot seal (front-loaders)
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Run a cleaning cycle with two cups of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda on the hottest water setting. After the cycle, wipe down the door gasket and inside of the drum. To prevent future odors, leave the washer door open after each load to let it dry out, and always use HE detergent in high-efficiency washers—regular detergent creates excess suds that promote mold growth.
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Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to PartsDiscount.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.