LG Washer Dryer: smelly clothes
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.
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
- Empty washer drum
- Run the Tub Clean (if available) or Sanitary cycle with washing machine cleaner per LG instructions
- Wipe down drum and gasket after cycle finishes
- Leave door open to dry thoroughly
Clean Door Gasket and Drum Manually
- Open washer door and inspect gasket for residue
- Wipe inside gasket folds thoroughly
- Wipe drum interior with cloth and cleaning solution
- Run an empty hot cycle afterward
Reduce Detergent and Improve Ventilation
- Use correct amount of high‑efficiency detergent
- Ensure washer door is left open to air out between uses
- Do not leave damp clothes in washer
Next step
Choose the next step for smelly clothes
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Door Gasket
Creates a watertight seal around the door to prevent leaks during operation.
- Typical part-only price
- $45 - $110
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 30-60 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Model-compatible Washer Dryer parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
Helps remove routine lint buildup from an accessible dryer vent path. It does not diagnose or repair an E-code or failed component.
Lint Trap Cleaning Brush
A narrow brush for routine cleaning around an accessible lint screen and housing.
Dryer Vent Hose Kit
A replacement exhaust duct option for visibly crushed or damaged external venting. Check diameter, length, local code, and installation clearance.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Deep Interior Cleaning by Technician
When to Call a Professional
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?
How do I fix LG Washer Dryer smelly clothes myself?
How much does it cost to fix smelly clothes?
When should I call a technician for smelly clothes?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Reduce the amount of detergent used, especially if using high-efficiency detergent. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for load size and detergent use.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
clothes smell mildewy
Check drain hose installation and run a clean cycle.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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