Lg Washer Dryer: smelly clothes

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are your clothes coming out of your LG washer dryer with a musty odor? This unpleasant smell can persist even after a full wash and dry cycle, indicating potential issues like microbial growth or trapped moisture. Understanding the root cause is essential for restoring freshness to your laundry.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG official support recommends using Tub Clean or Sanitary cycle and specific washing machine cleaner for odor issues

Possible Causes

Microbial growth (mold/mildew/bacteria) in washer drum or gasket

How to Identify: Musty or mildew-like smell on clothes and when opening drum; visible residue or discoloration around gasket

Part: Drum interior, door gasket

Leaving damp laundry in drum too long

How to Identify: Clothes smell strongly if left in machine after cycle completion; smell not present when promptly dried

Part: Washer drum contents

Detergent or fabric softener residue build‑up

How to Identify: Sticky or filmy residue inside drum or drawer; smell persists even after wash; heavy detergent use

Part: Drum and detergent drawer

Poor ventilation and trapped humidity

How to Identify: Smell worsens in humid environments or if door kept shut post‑wash

Part: Drum and door seal

DIY Solutions

Run LG Tub Clean or Sanitary Cycle

Moderate 60 minutes
Tools Needed: LG washer dryer, washing machine cleaner (commercial)
  1. Empty washer drum
  2. Run the Tub Clean (if available) or Sanitary cycle with washing machine cleaner per LG instructions
  3. Wipe down drum and gasket after cycle finishes
  4. Leave door open to dry thoroughly

Clean Door Gasket and Drum Manually

Moderate 30 minutes
Tools Needed: Microfiber cloth, Warm water and mild detergent or washer cleaning solution
  1. Open washer door and inspect gasket for residue
  2. Wipe inside gasket folds thoroughly
  3. Wipe drum interior with cloth and cleaning solution
  4. Run an empty hot cycle afterward

Reduce Detergent and Improve Ventilation

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Use correct amount of high‑efficiency detergent
  2. Ensure washer door is left open to air out between uses
  3. Do not leave damp clothes in washer

Professional Repairs

Deep Interior Cleaning by Technician

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Persistent odor despite thorough DIY cleaning and maintenance
Clothes still smell after applying all recommended cleaning cycles and procedures

Preventive Maintenance

  • Run cleaning cycle (Tub Clean or Sanitary) regularly: Microbial growth and odors
    Frequency: monthly
  • Leave door open between uses: Humidity build‑up and odor formation
    Frequency: after every wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washer Dryer smelly clothes?
Common causes include microbial growth in the drum, leaving damp laundry too long, and detergent build-up.
How do I fix LG Washer Dryer smelly clothes myself?
Run the Tub Clean cycle, clean the door gasket, and ensure proper ventilation by leaving the door open.
How much does it cost to fix smelly clothes?
Professional deep cleaning can cost between $100 and $300.
When should I call a technician for smelly clothes?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if the odor persists after cleaning.

References & Sources

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 moisture in the drum or door seal leading to mildew growth
  • Using too much detergent, causing buildup and odor
  • Blocked or dirty drain filter preventing proper drainage

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Run a cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Make sure to wipe down the door seal and drum after each use to prevent moisture buildup.

  2. Check and clean the drain filter. Remove any lint or debris that may be blocking it, and ensure the drain hose is properly installed and not kinked.

  3. Reduce the amount of detergent used, especially if using high-efficiency detergent. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for load size and detergent use.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Smelly clothes. 2 in 1 washer dryer

Community Discussions

clothes smell mildewy

Check drain hose installation and run a clean cycle.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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