LG Washing Machine: odor issue

Possible Causes

Mold and mildew growth inside the drum or door gasket

How to Identify: Musty smell especially after use or sitting idle; visible black or grey residue on gasket; smell stronger near door seal.

Part: Drum interior and rubber door seal/gasket

Detergent or fabric softener residue buildup

How to Identify: Sticky or powdery residue inside detergent dispenser; smelly residue visible in drawer or corners; odor stronger after cycles with heavy detergent use.

Part: Detergent drawer, drum surfaces

Drainage-related problems (standing water, drain clog, sewer smell backflow)

How to Identify: Sewage-like odor rather than musty; slow draining or water pooling; smell persists after cleaning drum.

Part: Drain hose, standpipe, trap

DIY Solutions

Clean Drum and Gasket

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: soft cloth, old toothbrush, mild detergent or wash cycle cleaner

1. Open washer door and inspect rubber gasket.
2. Wipe gasket thoroughly with a damp cloth removing debris, hair, residue.
3. Run a hot wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner or appropriate detergent without laundry to remove internal mold/buildup.

⚠️ Safety First: Avoid harsh chemicals on gasket that may damage rubber.

Clean Detergent Drawer

Easy 15 minutes

Tools Needed: warm water, brush

1. Remove detergent drawer per manual instructions.
2. Soak and scrub drawer parts to remove buildup.
3. Rinse and reinstall, then run a short rinse cycle to flush residue.

Ensure Proper Drying After Use

Easy ongoing habit

1. After each wash, leave door open to air dry drum and gasket.
2. Wipe dry visible moisture around door seal.

Next step

Choose the next step for odor issue

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

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

Optional: enter your model number

Apply

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.

Find a part that fits my model

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.

Possible related component

Drain Hose

Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.

$15 - $30 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price

Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine 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.

Find a part that fits my model

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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.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Drainage System Inspection and Cleaning

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Deep Internal Cleaning Service

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Persistent sewer-like smell after DIY cleaning

Machine not draining properly

Visible mold inside inaccessible parts or water pooling

Preventive Maintenance

• Run monthly cleaning cycle or tub clean cycle: Mold and residue buildup causing bad odors
  Frequency: monthly
• Leave door open after use: Moisture buildup and mildew growth
  Frequency: Every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine odor issue?

Common causes include mold and mildew in the drum, detergent residue buildup, and drainage problems.

How do I fix LG Washing Machine odor issue myself?

You can clean the drum and gasket, detergent drawer, and ensure proper drying after each use.

How much does it cost to fix odor issue?

Professional repairs for odor issues typically range from $100 to $350 depending on the service.

When should I call a technician for odor issue?

Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if drainage problems persist.

References & Sources

• LG Washer - Troubleshooting Odor / Buildup Official

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Buildup of mold or mildew in the gasket (1 mentions)
• Residual odors from previous loads (e.g., cigarettes) (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Running heavy vinegar washes and tub cleans with affresh

2. Using anti-microbial materials, running empty loads with bleach, adding borax powder, eliminating liquid fabric softener

Community Discussions

gasket on the washer smells gross

Use anti-microbial materials, run empty loads with bleach, add borax powder, eliminate liquid fabric softener.

DIY View on Reddit →

strong smell of cigarettes

Running heavy vinegar washes and tub cleans with affresh helped reduce the smell.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair