Running a Whirlpool washer seems like it should be a simple task. We put dirty clothes in and within a matter of minutes, we are able to take clean clothes out. That is why it is sometimes so stressful when we have an odor problem with our Whirlpool washer.
The most common reason why your Whirlpool washer smells bad is due to dirt, mold, soap, or other debris being built up in the washer itself. It can be in the tub or it may be hiding in some crevice or even behind the door gasket.
Of course, this is only scratching the surface of why you may be experiencing problems with Whirlpool washer smells. Throughout this article, we will discuss some of those specific smells, why they occur, and how you can remove them.
Suffice to say, one of the most important and beneficial things you can do is to include your Whirlpool washer in your weekly cleaning routine. You don’t need to clean it like you were spring cleaning it every week, but simply wiping the drum down and paying some attention to difficult spots, such as the gasket, can prove to be very beneficial.
If you are going to do any work on the washer aside from simply wiping it down, it is best if you unplug the washer. You may even need to turn off the circuit breaker if you are doing any internal repairs.
For washing down the Whirlpool washer, however, it is not always necessary to go too far but unplugging it can help. Accidentally turning on the washer and causing it to start spinning while you have your arm in it can be dangerous.
Let’s consider some of the different types of odors that can happen in your Whirlpool washer and what we can do in order to get the issue corrected as easily as possible.
Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Burning
Are you experiencing a burning smell in your Whirlpool washer? This is not something that should be neglected.
A common reason why a burning smell happens with a Whirlpool washer is the drain pump is seized. The drain pump needs to turn and if it becomes seized, a burning smell will be evident. Otherwise, it may be coming from a belt that is now slipping.
Burning smells are among some of the most stressful issues that we experience with our Whirlpool washers. Our mind automatically goes to the thought that it is some type of fire hazard.
In reality, you may not be far from the truth in many cases. A burning smell should never be neglected or ignored because it is a sign of a bigger problem.
Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons why you may be experiencing a burning smell from your Whirlpool washer. We will also look into some options for correcting the problem.
Top Causes Of Whirlpool Washer Burning Smell
As you will see, there is always more than one reason why you are experiencing some type of odor from your washing machine. Sometimes you just need to test to see which one is the problem for you.
Here are some common reasons why you may have a burning smell in your Whirlpool washer:
1. Drain Pump
The most common reason why Whirlpool washers experience a burning smell is because of a seizure in the drain pump. The drain pump turns to force the water out of the washing machine. If it is seized, it will emit a burning smell and your water will not likely drain.
There may also be times when the drain pump is seized but it is still working enough that the water is draining. It may be draining slowly, however, and that is an indication that there is a problem with this mechanism.
2. Belt
Not all Whirlpool washers have belts but those that do may be experiencing problems with the belt slipping. When this happens, the belt will remain somewhat motionless but the pump pulley will be turning underneath it. This can create a burning smell.
As you will see, a problem with the belt can also cause issues that smell more like burnt rubber than an electrical or fire type of burning smell. It can do either, however, so it is good to look into.
3. Lint
One important factor for keeping your Whirlpool washer running smoothly is to clean it on a regular basis. If there is a built-up of lint on the filter or in hidden areas of the washing machine, it can result in a burning smell.
4. Thermostat
The thermostat keeps the washer from getting too hot. If the thermostat is not working and your washer is getting too hot, it can also cause a burning smell.
How To Fix Whirlpool Washer Burning Smell
We discussed some of the more common reasons why you may have a burning smell in your Whirlpool washer. What are the primary ways to fix the issue?
A burning smell from your Whirlpool washer can often be fixed by replacing the drain pump. It is a relatively easy fix and you can test the drain pump by removing it and trying to turn it manually.
Although the drain pump is the most common issue, it is by no means the only fix that may be necessary. If the burning smell is coming from a belt, you have to replace the belt.
As the belts continue to turn and drive the washing machine, they can stretch, and eventually, they are too loose to turn effectively. The pump will simply spin underneath it but putting on a new belt will help to correct the issue.
Finally, if lint is a problem, it is imperative that you clean your washer right away. Lint buildup is more than a problem that can cause a burning smell, it can actually cause a fire. Make cleaning your washer a part of your routine maintenance around the home.
Whirlpool Washer Smells Musty Or Moldy
Have you been detecting a moldy or musty smell in your Whirlpool washer? This isn’t an unusual occurrence but it is one that should be corrected as soon as possible.
The most common reason why a Whirlpool washer will smell like mold is because of a buildup of bacteria. It can occur inside of the drum or it may be hiding behind the gasket or in some nook or cranny that is difficult to check.
Obviously, if you are having a problem with a mold or mildew smell, it is more than an issue that occurs when you open your washer door. In many cases, that smell will be transferred to your clothes.
This is especially true if you have someone in your family that is sensitive to mold or mildew. The spores of mold or mildew may be dead because of the heat of the dryer but even dead mold spores can cause allergic reactions in most people.
As we look down through the different reasons why you may have this type of smell in your Whirlpool washer, it will become obvious that there is one particular option that is right for every Whirlpool washer.
Top Causes Of Whirlpool Washer Smells Musty Or Moldy
There could be numerous reasons why your Whirlpool washer smells like mold or mildew. Getting to the root of the problem is often a matter of going through a process of elimination.
When bacteria or mildew accumulate on the inside of the washing machine, it results in a moldy smell. It may not be actual mold that is causing the problem but the smell is unmistakable. This odor will often be evident when you open the door after running a load but you may smell it on your clothing as well.
Let’s consider some of the top reasons why you may have a musty or moldy smell coming from your Whirlpool washer:
1. Bacteria/Fungi
We live in a world where bacteria is a constant part of our lives. If it builds up inside of the washing machine, however, the wrong type of bacteria or fungi can lead to a moldy or musty smell.
2. Soap
Although we use soap to clean our clothes and to get them smelling fresh, if soap scum builds up inside of the washing machine, it can result in a moldy or musty smell.
3. Slime
This is not always an evident problem but sometimes, slime can accumulate in unseen areas of the washing machine. It is often a buildup of lint that gets wet and then causes the slime that can accumulate bacteria.
4. Mold
Sometimes, a moldy smell from your Whirlpool washer is just a problem with mold. Moisture from the washing machine and organic compounds from your clothing make the washing machine an ideal environment for mold to grow. It may be hiding behind your gaskets.
How To Fix Whirlpool Washer Smells Musty Or Moldy
Now that we have pinned down the possibility of where the moldy smell may be coming from, it’s a good idea to fix the issue.
The best thing you can do if you have a mold or mildew smell from your Whirlpool washer is to clean the inside of the washer. You may need to run a cleaning cycle with no laundry using either vinegar or bleach. When cleaning the washer, pull the gasket away from the edge and clean behind it.
Cleaning your washing machine on a regular basis is the best way to keep mold and mildew smells from occurring. You might also have to take things a step further, however, if there are other issues causing this.
If you have a buildup of soap scum in the washing machine, it may be because you are using the wrong type of soap or are using too much soap. Be sure you use a soap that is appropriate for your washing machine.
One of the big issues is the use of high-efficiency (HE) detergent in a washing machine that is not made for that type of detergent. This type of soap can build up in the washing machine over time and cause the moldy or mildew smell you are experiencing.
Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Sewer Gas, or Sulfur
If you open your Whirlpool washing machine and smell a rotten egg smell, it can be very stressful. What can cause this type of sewer gas odor to occur?
The most common reason why your Whirlpool washer smells like rotten eggs or sewer gas is due to using too much detergent. This can either be an issue associated with adding too much to the laundry or using too little water.
As you will see, there are actually a few different reasons why you may be experiencing a rotten egg smell. One thing is certain, if your clothing is coming out smelling like sewer gas, it is something that needs to be corrected.
Top Causes Of Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Sewer Gas Or Sulfur
We will take a look at some of the top reasons why you may have that sulfur or sewer gas smell on your clothing. It is often evident as soon as you open the door to your Whirlpool washer.
A common reason why your washing machine smells like rotten eggs is because of the buildup of bacteria. Some of the bacteria may have a rotten egg smell to it and others may develop that smell as it begins to decay.
Let’s take a look at the top reasons why you have a rotten egg or sewer gas smell in your Whirlpool washer:
1. Soap
This is perhaps one of the issues that take people by surprise more than any other. Using too much soap in your washing machine or running it on a load that uses too little water can cause a soap scum build-up that smells like sewer gas.
2. Bacteria
As we discussed, a buildup of bacteria in the washing machine can lead to sulfur or rotten egg smell. The bacteria may be hiding in areas that are difficult to access.
3. Sewer Gas
Sometimes, a problem with a sewer gas smell is caused by sewer gas. If the gas is somehow getting from the sewer pipes into your washing machine, then it is bypassing the traps in the plumbing that are meant to stop it.
4. Water
If your drain hose is inserted too far into the drain, it could be pulling water back into the washing machine. That water may have a sewer or sulfur smell because it sits in the drain hose too long.
How To Fix Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Sewer Gas, or Sulfur
Now that we have discussed some of the possible reasons why your Whirlpool washer smells like sulfur, it’s time to fix the problem.
The most important thing to do if your Whirlpool washer smells like a sewer is to clean the inside of the washer. This is more than simply wiping out the drum, you need to clean it thoroughly with vinegar, making sure to pay attention to the hidden areas and behind the gaskets.
The sulfur smell may not be hiding in plain sight. You sometimes need to really dig in and clean it thoroughly in order to get it done.
At times, even self-cleaning with bleach or vinegar will do the trick. Just make sure you don’t self-clean your washing machine with clothing in it.
If cleaning the Whirlpool washer doesn’t work, then check to see if there may be sewer gas backing up into the machine somehow. Check the drain line and if necessary, call a plumber.
Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Oil
Most of us don’t typically associate oil with a Whirlpool washer. The fact of the matter is, however, it is part of the machine and at times, it can be a problem that causes an odor.
If you’re experiencing an oil odor in your Whirlpool washing machine, it is likely that the machine has to be fixed. Oil is somehow getting from one of the parts that are typically sealed and entering into an area that is causing the odor to be evident.
Sometimes, the oil smell may also be accompanied by oil stains on your clothing. If that is the case, then it is apparent that something needs to be fixed.
Top Causes Of Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Oil
Aside from the general recommendation that you fix your Whirlpool washer, it’s also a good idea to think about the other reasons why you may have an oil smell. Sometimes, it may come from your clothing.
If you are cleaning clothing that has oil on it, the smell may be transferred to the inside of your washing machine and could eventually be transferred to other pieces of clothing.
Let’s consider the top reasons why your Whirlpool washer smells like oil so we know how to correct the problem:
1. Leaking Parts
Many parts within the washing machine may have oil that keeps it lubricated. This can include the transmission and gear mechanisms. If those are having problems, you may also have oil on your clothing.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 13, 2022.
2. Oily Clothing
If you are washing clothes that have oil on them, the oil can be transferred to the inside of your washing machine.
How To Fix Whirlpool Washer Smells Like Oil
Now that we know there is more than one reason why you may have an oil smell in your Whirlpool washer, how do you fix it?
The best way to fix a Whirlpool washer that smells like oil is deep cleaning the interior. This can be done by spraying down the inside of the drum with vinegar. You can also wipe down the gaskets, paying attention to the back of the gaskets if accessible.
After spraying down the inside of the drum with vinegar, allow it to sit for up to 15 minutes, and then run a self-cleaning cycle. Make sure you do so without clothing in the dishwasher.
If the oil smell is still a problem or if you have oil spots on your clothing, you may need to fix the motor or replace it.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 13, 2022.
If you have an odor problem in your Whirlpool washer, it may be coming from the gasket around the door. The rubber seal can often hide bacteria and other objects that will eventually cause the odor to occur. Make sure you wipe down the seal weekly and check behind the gasket for any issues.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on August 13, 2022.