The best way to stop your washing machine from smelling like sewer is to clean it regularly with vinegar, baking soda, or bleach, and to check and fix any clogs or leaks in the drain hose, filter, or pump. A smelly washing machine can be caused by various factors, such as bacteria, mold, mildew, soap residue, or sewer gas. If left untreated, it can affect the quality and hygiene of your laundry, and even pose health risks. In this article, we will explain the common causes and solutions for a sewer-smelling washing machine, and how to prevent it from happening again.
There are several possible reasons why your washing machine smells like sewer, and they can be categorized into two groups: internal and external.
Internal Causes
Internal causes are related to the condition and maintenance of your washing machine. They include:
Bacteria, mold, and mildew. These microorganisms can grow inside your washing machine, especially in warm, moist, and dark areas, such as the drum, the door seal, the detergent drawer, or the filter. They can produce unpleasant odors that resemble sewer gas, and also stain and damage your clothes.
Soap residue. Excess detergent, fabric softener, or bleach can build up inside your washing machine over time, creating a sticky and slimy layer that traps dirt, hair, and other debris. This can also cause a foul smell, as well as reduce the efficiency and performance of your washing machine.
Water stagnation. If you do not use your washing machine frequently, or if you leave the door or lid closed after a wash cycle, the water inside the drum or the hoses can become stagnant and stale, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This can also lead to a sewer-like smell, as well as rust and corrosion.
External Causes
External causes are related to the plumbing and drainage system of your washing machine. They include:
Clogged or leaking drain hose. The drain hose is the pipe that connects your washing machine to the sewer line or the septic tank. If it is clogged by lint, hair, or other objects, the water cannot drain properly, and may back up into your washing machine, causing a sewer smell. If it is leaking, the water may drip onto the floor or the wall, creating a moist and moldy environment that also smells bad.
Faulty or missing P-trap or vent. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gas from entering your home through the drain. The vent is a pipe that allows air to flow in and out of the drain, maintaining the water pressure and preventing siphoning. If either of these components is faulty or missing, the sewer gas can escape and enter your washing machine, making it smell like sewer.
Blocked or damaged sewer line or septic tank. The sewer line or the septic tank is the final destination of the wastewater from your washing machine and other appliances. If it is blocked by tree roots, grease, or other substances, the water cannot flow out, and may back up into your washing machine, causing a sewer smell. If it is damaged by cracks, holes, or corrosion, the sewer gas can leak and enter your washing machine, making it smell like sewer.
Depending on the cause of the problem, there are different ways to fix a sewer-smelling washing machine. Here are some of the most effective and common solutions:
Clean your washing machine with vinegar, baking soda, or bleach. These natural or chemical cleaners can help remove bacteria, mold, mildew, soap residue, and other odors from your washing machine. To do this, you need to run a hot water cycle with one of these cleaners, and then wipe down the drum, the door seal, the detergent drawer, and the filter with a damp cloth. You can also add some essential oils, such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree, to enhance the smell and disinfect your washing machine. You should do this at least once a month, or more often if you use your washing machine frequently or heavily.
Check and fix any clogs or leaks in the drain hose, filter, or pump. You can inspect the drain hose, the filter, and the pump for any signs of blockage or damage, such as kinks, holes, or cracks. You can also detach the drain hose from the sewer line or the septic tank, and flush it with water or a plumber’s snake to clear any clogs. If you find any leaks, you can seal them with tape, glue, or a clamp, or replace the hose, the filter, or the pump if necessary. You should do this every few months, or whenever you notice a sewer smell or poor drainage from your washing machine.
Call a plumber to check and fix any issues with the P-trap, the vent, the sewer line, or the septic tank. If the problem is beyond your washing machine, you may need to contact a professional plumber to inspect and repair the plumbing and drainage system of your washing machine. They can check and fix any faults or defects with the P-trap, the vent, the sewer line, or the septic tank, and prevent sewer gas from entering your washing machine. You should do this as soon as possible, as these issues can pose serious health and environmental risks.
Prevention Tips for a Sewer-Smelling Washing Machine
To prevent your washing machine from smelling like sewer in the future, you can follow these simple tips:
Use the right amount and type of detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. Too much or too little of these products can cause soap residue and odor problems in your washing machine. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the best results. You should also use the appropriate type of detergent, fabric softener, and bleach for your washing machine, such as high-efficiency (HE) or low-sudsing products for front-loading or top-loading machines.
Leave the door or lid open after each wash cycle. This can help air out and dry your washing machine, preventing bacteria, mold, and mildew from growing inside. You can also wipe down the drum, the door seal, the detergent drawer, and the filter with a dry cloth to remove any moisture or dirt. You should do this after every wash cycle, or at least once a week.
Use your washing machine regularly. This can help flush out any stagnant water or debris from your washing machine, and keep it fresh and clean. You should use your washing machine at least once a week, or more often if you have a large family or a lot of laundry.
Keep your washing machine in a cool and dry place. This can help prevent your washing machine from overheating or becoming too humid, which can cause odor problems. You should avoid placing your washing machine near a heat source, such as a radiator, a fireplace, or a sunny window, or in a damp area, such as a basement, a bathroom, or a laundry room. You should also ensure that your washing machine has enough space and ventilation around it, and that it is level and stable on the floor.
A washing machine that smells like sewer can be a nuisance and a hazard for your home and your health. However, you can easily solve and prevent this problem by following the steps and tips we have outlined in this article. By cleaning your washing machine regularly, checking and fixing any clogs or leaks, and calling a plumber if needed, you can stop your washing machine from smelling like sewer, and enjoy fresh and clean laundry every time.
