A musty smell in an Electrolux front-load washer is among the most common complaints we hear in Houston. Warm air, high humidity and a tightly sealed door give mildew an easy place to grow.
Where the smell comes from
- The rubber door boot, where water and lint collect in the folds.
- The detergent drawer and the recess behind it.
- The drain pump filter, on models that have one.
- Residue from too much detergent or fabric softener.
A cleaning routine
- Pull back the door boot and wipe every fold with a cloth and a mild cleaner. Remove any trapped socks or lint.
- Remove the detergent drawer if it comes out, wash it and clean the opening.
- Open the drain pump filter, following your guide, and clear it. Have a towel and a shallow pan ready for water.
- Finish with the washer’s cleaning cycle, or a hot wash with a washer cleaner.
Habits that prevent it
- Prop the door open between loads so the drum dries out.
- Dry the boot after your last load each day.
- Measure high-efficiency detergent; extra soap leaves residue rather than cleaner clothes.
- Remove wet clothes promptly.
If the smell keeps returning
A smell that comes back within days of cleaning, a drum that is slow to drain, or water pooling around the boot may mean a leak, a failing drain pump or a damaged boot. We cannot tell from the smell alone, so we inspect the boot, the pump and the hoses.
Older washers
Front-load washers that are 8 to 15 years old often have worn boots and bearings. We repair them, and we tell you if the cost approaches a replacement.
Our washer repair page covers boots, pumps and drains on front-load models. Phone us or send the contact form, and say whether the smell returns after cleaning. Your technician arrives within a three-hour window we confirm at booking, and the repair price is written out for your approval before the work.