Why Does My Samsung Washing Machine Smell Bad?
Run an empty 60°C or 90°C drum-clean cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet or 250ml of white vinegar — this kills the bacteria and mould causing the smell in most cases (takes about 30 minutes).
Fault description
A bad smell coming from your Samsung washing machine is one of the most common complaints owners report, and it almost always comes down to biological build-up inside the drum, door seal, or detergent drawer. The odour is typically described as musty, damp, or sour — similar to mildew — and it can cling to freshly washed clothes, making the problem hard to ignore.
Modern washing machines, including Samsung front-loaders, are designed to be highly water-efficient. While this is great for your bills, lower water volumes and cooler wash temperatures mean residue from detergent, fabric softener, body oils, and lint is not always fully flushed away. Over time this residue becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
The good news is that in the vast majority of cases this fault requires no replacement parts and no specialist tools — just a bit of cleaning and a change in washing habits going forward.
Causes
- Mould and bacteria on the door seal (gasket) — The rubber door seal on a front-loading Samsung machine has deep folds that trap water, lint, and detergent residue after every wash. This warm, damp environment is ideal for black mould and odour-causing bacteria to grow rapidly.
- Residue build-up inside the drum and sump hose — Detergent and fabric softener that is not fully rinsed away coats the inner drum and collects in the sump hose at the bottom of the machine. This residue ferments over time and produces a sour or sewage-like smell.
- Blocked or dirty detergent drawer — The detergent dispenser drawer and its housing can accumulate thick deposits of undissolved powder or softener. These deposits go mouldy quickly, especially if the drawer is left closed and damp between washes.
- Washing consistently at low temperatures — Washing at 30°C or 40°C is energy-efficient but does not get hot enough to kill bacteria inside the machine. Over months of low-temperature washing, microbial colonies establish themselves throughout the drum and pipework.
- Leaving the door closed between washes — When the door is kept shut after a cycle finishes, moisture cannot escape and the drum stays damp for hours. This is one of the single biggest contributors to recurring mould and musty smells in front-loading machines.
- Using too much detergent or the wrong detergent type — Excess detergent — or using regular detergent instead of HE (high-efficiency) detergent — creates excessive suds that leave a thick film on internal surfaces. This film is difficult to rinse away and feeds bacterial growth.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Clean the door seal thoroughly
Pull back the folds of the rubber door gasket and wipe away any visible mould, lint, or grime using a cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. For stubborn black mould spots, apply a small amount of bicarbonate of soda paste, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush and rinse clean. Do this before running any cleaning cycle so loosened debris is flushed away.
- 2
Remove and clean the detergent drawer
Pull the drawer out fully — on most Samsung models press the release tab at the back of the softener compartment while pulling. Soak the drawer in warm soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub all compartments with a brush to remove mould and residue. Also clean inside the drawer housing in the machine using a damp cloth or bottle brush, as mould often grows on the roof of this cavity.
- 3
Run a drum-clean or hot maintenance cycle
Place a washing machine cleaner tablet (such as Calgon or a Samsung-branded drum clean tablet) directly into the drum — not the drawer — and run the hottest available cycle, ideally 90°C or the dedicated Drum Clean programme if your model has one. Alternatively, pour 250ml of white vinegar into the drum and 100g of bicarbonate of soda into the drawer and run the same cycle. This kills bacteria and dissolves residue throughout the machine's internal pipework.
- 4
Clean the pump filter
The pump filter (located behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine) traps fluff, coins, and debris. A clogged filter retains dirty water and is a significant source of bad smells. Place a shallow tray and towel under the panel, unscrew the filter cap slowly to let water drain, then remove and rinse the filter under a tap. Refit it firmly to prevent leaks.
- 5
Check the drain hose position and condition
A drain hose inserted too far into the standpipe, or one that sags and holds standing water, can allow sewer gases to be drawn back into the machine. The hose end should sit no more than 15cm into the standpipe and the hose should have a high loop (at least 60cm from the floor) before entering the drain. Inspect the hose for any cracks or kinks that could trap water.
- 6
Leave the door and drawer ajar after every wash
Once the cycle is complete, open the door a few inches and pull the detergent drawer out slightly. This allows air to circulate through the drum and dispenser, drying out residual moisture before mould can form. This single habit change dramatically reduces the chance of the smell returning.
- 7
Run a hot cycle once a month going forward
Even if the smell has gone, schedule a monthly empty hot wash (60°C or above) with a cleaning tablet to prevent future build-up. If your Samsung model displays a 'Drum Clean' reminder notification, do not dismiss it — it is the machine telling you this maintenance is due.
When to call a service technician
If the smell persists after completing all the cleaning steps above — particularly if it is a sharp chemical or burning odour rather than a musty one — there may be an underlying issue with the drain pump, a blocked sump hose that cannot be accessed without dismantling the machine, or a fault with the heater element that is causing residue to scorch. These are not straightforward DIY repairs.
You should also contact a service technician if you notice standing water remaining in the drum after a cycle, the machine is vibrating excessively, or if any error codes appear on the display alongside the smell. A technician can inspect the full drainage path and internal components safely and without risk of voiding your warranty.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced when a bad smell becomes a persistent problem are the door seal (gasket), which can harbour mould too deeply embedded to clean, the pump filter housing if it has cracked and is retaining water, and the detergent drawer assembly if the compartments have become permanently stained or warped. Replacing the door seal is a straightforward job that most confident homeowners can do with basic tools and a compatible Samsung part.
To find the correct door seal, pump filter, or detergent drawer for your specific Samsung washing machine model, use the parts search below — enter your full model number (found on the label inside the door frame) to see compatible parts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung washing machine smell even after I've cleaned it?
If the smell returns quickly after cleaning, the most likely cause is a habit that is allowing mould to regrow — most often leaving the door closed between washes or consistently using low-temperature cycles. Try leaving the door ajar after every wash and running a 60°C or 90°C cycle at least once a month. If the smell never fully went away, the door seal may need replacing rather than just cleaning.
Can too much detergent cause a bad smell in a washing machine?
Yes. Using more detergent than recommended — or using non-HE detergent in a high-efficiency Samsung machine — creates excess suds that coat the drum, seal, and internal hoses with a residue that bacteria feed on. Always use the amount specified on the detergent packaging for your water hardness level, and choose an HE-rated detergent for front-loading machines.
Is the smell harmful to my family or clothes?
The musty smell itself is caused by mould spores and bacteria, which can transfer to laundry and may aggravate allergies or sensitivities in some people, particularly children or those with respiratory conditions. It is worth resolving promptly. The smell does not indicate any electrical hazard unless it is a burning or chemical odour, in which case stop using the machine and call a service technician.
How often should I run a drum-clean cycle on my Samsung washing machine?
Samsung recommends running the Drum Clean programme approximately once a month, or every 40 wash cycles. Many Samsung models will display a reminder when this is due. If you wash frequently at low temperatures or use a lot of fabric softener, cleaning more often — every two to three weeks — will help prevent odour build-up.
Will a washing machine cleaner tablet work better than vinegar and bicarbonate of soda?
Both approaches are effective for routine maintenance. Proprietary washing machine cleaner tablets are formulated to descale and disinfect in one step and are convenient for monthly use. White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are a cost-effective alternative and work well for an initial deep clean. For severe mould build-up, a dedicated cleaner tablet or a specialist mould remover product may give faster results.