Maytag washer smells bad

A washer that smells musty or sour has residue and moisture left inside: detergent and softener buildup, a damp door seal, a dirty drain filter, or water sitting in the tub. Running the clean washer cycle, drying the seal and leaving the door open clears a residue odor; a sewer smell points to the house drain.

Quick checks first

• Run the Clean Washer (or Tub Clean) cycle with a washer cleaner tablet or bleach as the owner's manual directs.
• Wipe the door seal, including inside the folds, and the door glass after the last load of the day.
• Leave the door or lid open between loads so the drum can dry.
• Remove wet clothes promptly and use only HE detergent in the recommended amount.
• On front-load models with an owner-accessible drain filter, clean it as the manual describes.
• Clean the detergent and softener dispenser drawer or cups.

Clean washer reminders Owner check

Applies to: Front-load washer

Newer front-load models count wash cycles and flash a clean washer reminder after a set number, as described in the service documentation; the light stops flashing after a few more cycles if ignored. The reminder exists because residue builds slowly on the outer tub where you cannot see it. Running the cleaning cycle regularly, with an empty drum, keeps odor from returning.

Detergent and softener residue Owner check

Overdosing detergent, using regular detergent in an HE washer and heavy fabric softener use leave a film that feeds bacteria and mold. Cold-water-only washing makes it worse because the film never dissolves. Signs are a gray or black coating in the dispenser, on the seal, or on the underside of the top-load basket rim. Cut the dose, use hot water for the cleaning cycle, and clean the dispenser.

Door seal and trapped water (front-load) Owner check

Applies to: Front-load washer

The front-load door boot holds water and lint in its lower fold. Closing the door right after a cycle traps humidity, and mildew grows on the seal and the door glass. Wiping the fold and leaving the door ajar dries it. A seal that is already stained black deep in the rubber may keep smelling and may need replacement.

Drain filter and standing water Owner check

Lint, hair and bits of fabric collect at the drain pump inlet and stay wet. On front-load models with an access door, cleaning the drain filter removes this source. Water that remains in the tub between cycles, because the washer drains slowly, also smells quickly; if you see standing water after a cycle, treat it as a drain problem.

Sewer smell from the drain Owner check

A sewage smell rather than a musty one points to the household drain. A drain hose sealed airtight into the standpipe, a dry or missing trap, or a blocked plumbing vent can pull drain gases back toward the washer. The hose should sit loosely in the standpipe. If the smell is strongest at the standpipe, a plumber is the right call.

Buildup inside the tub Technician

When cleaning cycles do not help, residue may be packed on the outside of the inner basket, the outer tub and internal hoses. Removing it means opening the washer, and on front-loaders it is also a moment to check the tub seal and bearings, since a leaking seal can cause odor and rust under the drum.

Error codes linked to this problem

If your Maytag washer shows one of these codes, start with its page:

• F0E1
• F0E7

Repair cost

Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.

When to call for diagnosis

Call for service if odor returns quickly after cleaning cycles, if water stays in the tub after draining, or if you see rust or water under the drum.

Model-specific information

Causes and codes differ by platform. Look up your model for its exact fault-code list, or start from a popular model:

• MFW7020RF
• MFW7020RU
• MFW7020RW
• MTW5205TW
• MTW5600RU
• MTW5600RW
• MTW5605RU
• MTW5605RW
• MVW4505MW
• MVW5035MW
• MVW5430MW
• MVW5430PBK