GE Washer Smells Bad? Here's How to Clean It

Is your GE washer still smelling bad?

I often find that trapped moisture and too much detergent can make the smell return. I would look for damp residue around the tub, seal, drawer, and drain before you book a repair.

Simple Cleaning for a Musty GE Washer

In most cases, to clean a smelly GE washer, air the tub, wipe damp areas, run the cleaning cycle, clear old water, and reduce detergent buildup.

Further, these checks show how to get rid of mold when the GE washer smells like mildew, and where to look if it smells like rotten eggs.

Measure Detergent for Every Load

However, use the detergent type and amount listed for the GE washer. Too much soap leaves a film that traps lint, moisture, and odor.

Further, if the drawer is stuck, wet, or leaving soap behind, follow the full steps for a GE washer that is not dispensing detergent. That guide explains how to clean a smelly washer drawer without forcing it.

The detergent buildup on your GE often show a useful clue as you check the simple causes.

Run an Approved Tub Clean

Also, run the GE cleaning cycle with an empty tub and only the cleaner or bleach amount allowed in the manual. If there is no named cleaning cycle, follow the model's regular cleaning directions.

To stay safe, never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner. Extra product does not clean better and may leave more residue.

A few minute spent on the GE cleaning cycle can be useful before you try a harder repair.

Keep the Empty Washer Ventilated

In many cases, take wet laundry out of the GE washer soon after the cycle. Wipe visible moisture and leave the door or lid open when the machine is unused, as long as children and pets cannot get inside.

At this point, a closed damp tub lets a mildew smell return quickly. Giving it time to dry can clear a light odor and slows new growth.

On a GE washer, this damp tub are easy to overlook while you look over the machine.

Inspect the Hose and Pump Filter

So, standing water can make the GE washer smell like rotten eggs. If the manual shows a user accessible pump filter, unplug the machine, prepare for water, and clean it as directed.

Further, straighten the drain hose and check for a reachable blockage. If the smell is strongest at the wall drain or other fixtures, ask a plumber to inspect the household drain.

One of these drain path check can reveal what changed as you inspect it.

Clean Around the Lid and Drum

At this point, use a soft cloth and a cleaner approved for the GE washer. Wipe reachable seal folds on a front loader, or the tub rim, lid, and reachable wash plate area on a top loader.

Also, wear gloves and never scrape a seal with a sharp tool. A cracked or deeply molded seal should be replaced by a technician.

Conclusion

Start with the easiest GE checks for a fresher tub, and stop if the machine becomes unsafe.

• Measure Detergent for Every Load
• Run an Approved Tub Clean
• Keep the Empty Washer Ventilated
• Inspect the Hose and Pump Filter
• Clean Around the Lid and Drum