The short answer
Run an empty 90°C cycle with 500g of soda crystals or a machine cleaner monthly, scrub the door seal and detergent drawer, and clean the filter every three months. Leave the door ajar between washes.
If clean laundry smells musty, the machine is the problem. Three parts hold all the grime.
Step by step
- Pull the detergent drawer out fully and scrub it in hot soapy water.
- Wipe inside the drawer housing with a bottle brush.
- Fold back the rubber door seal and clean the trapped water channel — this is where the smell lives.
- Open the filter hatch at the front bottom, drain into a shallow tray, and clear it.
- Run an empty cycle at 90°C with soda crystals or a proprietary cleaner.
- Leave the door and the drawer open between washes so it can dry.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Soda crystals | $3–$6 |
| Machine cleaner tablets | $8–$15 |
| Repair call for a blocked pump | $100–$200 |
Common questions
Why does my laundry smell?
Low-temperature washing plus liquid detergent builds biofilm. Run a hot cycle monthly.
Powder or liquid?
Powder with bleach controls biofilm better; liquid is gentler on colours. Alternate.
Too much detergent?
Extremely common. Overdosing leaves residue that feeds the smell.