Frigidaire Washing Machine: odor in clothes, mold buildup

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a musty or moldy smell in your clothes after washing? Your Frigidaire washing machine may have mold buildup, often found around the rubber gaskets and seals. This issue typically arises from trapped moisture and detergent residue, leading to unpleasant odors and visible mold growth inside the washer.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

Frigidaire support recommends cleaning the drum, gasket, and detergent dispenser; use proper HE detergent; check filter regularly; and run monthly maintenance cycles.

Possible Causes

Mold and mildew buildup in the drum and door gasket/seals

How to Identify: Musty or mildew odor when opening door; visible black/gray mold spots on door gasket; clothes smell even after washing

Part: Drum interior and rubber gasket/door seal

Residue buildup from detergent, fabric softener, and soil

How to Identify: Slimy or sticky residue visible in detergent drawer and drum; odor persists despite normal use

Part: Detergent dispenser, drum surfaces

Poor ventilation and trapped moisture

How to Identify: Machine door kept closed after use; interior stays damp long after cycle

Part: Drum/door area

Clogged or dirty filter/drain components causing lingering water

How to Identify: Slow drainage, standing water, smell even after cleaning surfaces

Part: Drain pump filter, hoses

DIY Solutions

Deep clean the washer drum and gasket

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: white vinegar, baking soda, soft brush/toothbrush, microfiber cloth

Wipe down drum and rubber gasket with a cloth soaked in a vinegar/water solution.
Sprinkle baking soda on moldy areas and scrub gently with brush.
Run a hot wash cycle empty with a cup of vinegar or washer cleaner to flush out residue.
Leave door open after cycle to air dry.

⚠️ Safety First: Do NOT mix bleach and vinegar (toxic fumes).

Clean detergent dispenser and vents

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: warm water, soft brush

Remove detergent tray and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Use a brush to remove built-up residue in drawer and dispenser tubes.
Dry completely and replace before next use.

Improve drying/ventilation practices

Easy 1 minute per cycle

After each wash, leave the washer door slightly open to allow interior to dry.
Wipe gasket and drum dry with a towel after heavy loads.

Professional Repairs

Replace worn/mold-damaged gasket

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 (part)

Service drain/filter system

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Mold persists despite thorough DIY cleaning

Drainage issues or standing water remain after cleaning

Preventive Maintenance

Run a monthly cleaning cycle empty with hot water and vinegar/washer cleaner: Mold and odor buildup
Frequency: monthly
Leave door open after each wash: Trapped moisture and mold growth
Frequency: every cycle
Wipe gasket and drum dry after use: Surface moisture that fosters mold
Frequency: after heavy loads

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Washing Machine odor in clothes, mold buildup?

Common causes include mold and mildew buildup, detergent residue, and poor ventilation.

How do I fix Frigidaire Washing Machine odor in clothes, mold buildup myself?

Deep clean the drum and gasket, clean the detergent dispenser, and improve ventilation practices.

How much does it cost to fix odor in clothes, mold buildup?

Professional repairs can cost between $50 to $150 for gasket replacement or $100 to $250 for servicing the drain/filter.

When should I call a technician for odor in clothes, mold buildup?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if there's extensive mold damage, it's time to contact a technician.

References & Sources

Mouldy Washing Machine Gasket? How to Prevent and Clean It! Community

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

Residual detergent buildup in the drum and dispensers
Poor ventilation and humidity in the washing machine environment
Using cold water cycles frequently without proper cleaning

User Suggested Solutions

Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner or vinegar. Empty the washer, add the cleaner to the drum, and run a hot water cycle. Afterward, wipe down the drum and dispensers with a cloth.
Ensure proper ventilation by leaving the door of the washing machine open after use to allow air circulation. This helps reduce moisture buildup.
Regularly clean the detergent dispenser and rubber door seal with a mixture of water and bleach to remove mold and mildew. Pay special attention to crevices.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
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Community Discussions

clothes with odors, mold buildup on the bellow, buildup on the outer part of the metal drum

Run a clean cycle with 8 cups of disinfecting bleach and use mold remover gel on the boot.