If your washing machine smells like sewage, the odor may be coming from the washer itself, the drain hose, or the plumbing connected to it. Common causes include detergent and dirt buildup, a dirty pump filter, stagnant water, a poorly installed drain hose, or sewer gas entering through the drain.
The important thing is to determine where the smell is coming from before trying random cleaning methods.
A washer that smells slightly musty after being closed is different from one that smells strongly like sewage or rotten eggs. The latter can indicate a drainage or plumbing problem that cleaning the drum alone will not solve.
First: Where Is the Smell Coming From?
Before cleaning anything, take a moment to locate the odor.
Check these areas:
Inside the washing machine drum
Around the rubber door gasket
Near the detergent drawer
Around the drain filter
Behind the washing machine near the drain hose
At the wall drain where the washer hose connects
A useful test is to smell the empty drum and then smell near the drain connection.
If the drum smells bad but the drain connection does not, buildup inside the washer is more likely.
If the strongest smell is coming from the wall drain or drain hose, the plumbing may be responsible.
If the odor smells strongly like rotten eggs or sewage and returns quickly after cleaning, don't assume the washing machine itself is dirty.
Common Reasons Your Washing Machine Smells Like Sewage
1. Detergent, Dirt and Bacteria Buildup
A washing machine stays warm and damp for long periods. Small amounts of detergent, fabric softener, body oils, lint and dirt can accumulate inside the drum and other parts of the machine.
Over time, microorganisms can grow in this residue and produce a foul or musty odor.
This is particularly common when:
Too much detergent is used
Low-temperature cycles are used almost exclusively
The door is kept closed between washes
The machine is rarely cleaned
Using extra detergent does not necessarily make clothes cleaner. Excess detergent can leave more residue behind.
2. A Dirty Drain Pump Filter
Many front-loading washing machines have a drain pump filter designed to catch objects and debris before they reach the pump.
Depending on the model, the filter may collect:
Lint
Hair
Coins
Small pieces of fabric
Other debris
If this material remains wet inside the filter for a long time, it can develop an unpleasant smell.
Not every washing machine has a user-accessible pump filter, so check your owner's manual before opening any panel.
3. Water Is Not Draining Completely
If water remains inside the washer after a cycle, it can become stagnant and develop an unpleasant odor.
Possible causes include:
A blocked drain filter
A kinked drain hose
A partially blocked drain hose
A drainage pump problem
A plumbing restriction
Look for standing water inside the drum after the machine has finished draining.
If there is consistently more water than your machine normally leaves behind, the drainage system needs attention.
4. The Drain Hose Is Installed Incorrectly
The washing machine drain hose needs to be installed according to the manufacturer's requirements.
If it is pushed too far into the standpipe, positioned incorrectly, or connected in a way that allows wastewater to flow back toward the machine, unpleasant odors and drainage problems can occur.
The exact required height and installation method vary by washing machine and plumbing configuration, so check your appliance's installation instructions rather than relying on a universal measurement.
5. Sewer Gas Is Coming Through the Plumbing
Sometimes the washing machine is not the source of the sewage smell at all.
The washer drains into your home's plumbing system. If there is a problem with the drain trap, venting, or drainage system, sewer gases can potentially enter the laundry area.
This becomes more likely when:
The smell is strongest around the wall drain
The washer itself is clean
Other nearby drains also smell
The smell returns quickly after cleaning
You hear unusual gurgling from the drain
If you suspect a plumbing problem, cleaning the washing machine repeatedly will not solve the underlying cause.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Smells Like Sewage
Work through these steps from easiest to more involved.
Step 1: Clean the Washing Machine Drum
Start by running the machine's dedicated tub-clean, drum-clean or washer-clean cycle, if it has one.
If your manufacturer recommends a particular cleaning product, use that product according to the instructions.
Some washing machines specifically recommend chlorine bleach or a commercial washing-machine cleaner, while others have different requirements.
Do not automatically add vinegar or other household chemicals without checking the manufacturer's instructions.
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals.
Step 2: Clean the Rubber Door Gasket
For front-loading machines, carefully pull back the rubber gasket and inspect the folds.
Look for:
Sludge
Hair
Lint
Detergent residue
Mold-like buildup
Small objects
Wipe the gasket thoroughly with a suitable household cleaner or the cleaning method recommended by your manufacturer.
Pay particular attention to the bottom of the gasket, where water and debris often collect.
After cleaning, wipe it dry.
Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer
Remove the detergent drawer if your machine allows it.
Rinse away:
Detergent residue
Fabric softener buildup
Slime
Mold-like deposits
Also clean the compartment where the drawer sits.
A dirty detergent drawer can contribute to a persistent smell even when the drum looks clean.
Step 4: Check the Drain Pump Filter
If your machine has a user-accessible drain pump filter:
Turn off and unplug the washing machine.
Check the owner's manual for the filter location.
Place towels and a shallow container underneath if the manufacturer indicates water may drain out.
Open the filter carefully.
Remove trapped debris.
Clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Reinstall it securely.
Be careful because water may remain inside the machine.
If you cannot locate the filter or your machine does not have a user-serviceable filter, don't remove panels simply to find one.
Step 5: Check the Drain Hose
Inspect the visible portion of the drain hose.
Make sure it is:
Not kinked
Not crushed
Properly secured
Installed according to the manufacturer's instructions
If the hose is partially blocked or damaged, it may need cleaning or replacement.
If you're unsure how the hose should be connected, check the installation manual for your specific washing machine.
Step 6: Check the Wall Drain
If the washing machine itself appears clean but the smell is strongest around the drain connection, the problem may be in the plumbing.
Check for:
Sewage odor from the drain
Gurgling sounds
Slow drainage
Water backing up
Similar smells from nearby drains
At this point, repeatedly cleaning the washer is unlikely to solve the problem.
A plumber may need to inspect the drain, trap, venting or sewer connection.
What If the Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs?
A strong rotten-egg odor deserves more attention than an ordinary musty washer smell.
Hydrogen sulfide and sewer gases can produce a rotten-egg odor, but the smell alone cannot tell you exactly where the problem originates.
If the odor is strong, persistent, or clearly coming from the plumbing:
Stop trying random chemical treatments
Ventilate the area
Check whether other drains have the same odor
Inspect for obvious drainage problems
Contact a qualified plumber if the smell persists
If you suspect a gas or sewer-related hazard rather than ordinary washer odor, don't ignore it.
Why Does the Smell Come Back After Cleaning?
If your washing machine smells fresh immediately after cleaning but the sewage smell returns within a day or two, there may be an unresolved source.
Common possibilities include:
Water remaining in the machine
A dirty drain filter
Drainage problems
Incorrect drain-hose installation
Plumbing odors entering through the drain
Excess detergent buildup
A hidden leak
This is why identifying the location of the odor is more useful than simply repeating a cleaning cycle.
How to Prevent Washing Machine Odors
A few simple habits can make a significant difference.
Leave the washer door or lid open between loads when safe to do so.
Remove wet clothes soon after the cycle finishes.
Use the amount of detergent recommended for your machine and water conditions.
Don't routinely overload the washer.
Clean the detergent drawer regularly.
Wipe the rubber gasket after washing, especially on front-load machines.
Clean the pump filter according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Run the manufacturer's recommended washer-cleaning cycle regularly.
Check hoses and connections periodically for leaks.
The goal is to keep the machine clean, drained and able to dry between cycles.
When Should You Call a Plumber or Appliance Technician?
A persistent sewage smell does not always mean you need a new washing machine.
Consider professional help if:
The smell continues after cleaning the washer
The odor is strongest at the wall drain
Other drains smell like sewage
The washer drains slowly
Water backs up from the drain
The machine repeatedly leaves standing water
The drain hose or plumbing connection appears incorrect
You notice leaking around the plumbing
A plumber is generally the better choice when the odor appears to originate from the household drainage system.
An appliance technician is more appropriate when the problem appears to be inside the washing machine itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my washing machine smell like sewage after a wash?
The smell may come from bacteria and residue inside the washer, stagnant water, drainage problems, or sewer odors entering through the drain. Check both the machine and the drain connection rather than assuming the drum is the only source.
Why does my washing machine smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten-egg smell can be associated with sulfur compounds or sewer gases. If the odor is strong or comes from the drain area, investigate the plumbing rather than simply cleaning the washer again.
Can a dirty washing machine make clothes smell bad?
Yes. Residue, bacteria and trapped moisture inside the machine can transfer unpleasant odors to freshly washed clothes.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Follow the cleaning schedule recommended by the manufacturer. If your machine has a tub-clean or drum-clean cycle, use it according to the owner's manual.
Should I leave my washing machine door open?
Leaving the door or lid open between loads can help the interior dry and reduce moisture buildup. Make sure this is safe for your household, especially if children or pets can access the machine.
Is sewage smell from a washing machine dangerous?
A persistent sewage odor should not be ignored because it can indicate a plumbing problem or exposure to sewer gases. If the smell is strong or accompanied by other plumbing problems, have the source investigated.
Final Thoughts
A washing machine that smells like sewage can have several causes, and the washer itself is not always responsible.
Start by checking the drum, rubber gasket, detergent drawer and drain filter. Then inspect the drain hose and pay attention to where the odor is strongest.
If the smell continues after the washing machine has been properly cleaned, especially when it comes from the wall drain or is accompanied by gurgling or drainage problems, the plumbing system may need professional attention.
The best long-term solution is not simply to mask the smell. Find the source, correct the drainage or moisture problem, and keep the washer clean and dry between loads.
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