Kenmore Washer Smells Bad? Here's How to Remove the Odor

So, is your Kenmore washer smelling bad?

I know it is frustrating when clean laundry picks up a musty smell. I often start by asking you to look for damp residue around the tub, seal, drawer, and drain, since trapped moisture and too much detergent can make the smell return.

How to Remove Mold Smells From a Kenmore Washer

Begin with the safe checks. To clean a smelly Kenmore washer, air the tub, wipe damp areas, run the cleaning cycle, clear old water, and reduce detergent buildup.

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

Wipe Away Soap Film

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

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

The simple signs around this seal area is easy to miss before the next test.

Stop Detergent Residue Returning

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

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

The Kenmore may gives you a useful clue around this detergent buildup while the washer is empty.

Follow the Model Cleaning Instructions

However, run the Kenmore 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.

Before touching anything, never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner. Extra product does not clean better and may leave more residue.

There is usually a few clues around the Kenmore cleaning cycle as you check the simple causes.

Check Why Dirty Water Remains

Further, standing water can make the Kenmore 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.

Besides this, 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.

These drain path is also worth your attention before you try a harder repair.

Stop Moisture From Sitting Inside

Also, take wet laundry out of the Kenmore 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.

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

Conclusion

The simple checks above should help you get a fresher tub or decide whether the Kenmore needs service.

• Wipe Away Soap Film
• Stop Detergent Residue Returning
• Follow the Model Cleaning Instructions
• Check Why Dirty Water Remains
• Stop Moisture From Sitting Inside