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[LG Washing Machine] Troubleshooting Musty Odors

Troubleshooting Washing Machines 10/29/2025

Does your drum or laundry smell musty?

Causes and Symptoms

  • Laundry has been left in the drum.
  • The washer door and detergent drawer are closed after washing.
  • Too much detergent or fabric softener is being used.
  • The drain hose is inserted into the drainpipe.

Let's find out more.

Front-load washer doors are designed to create a watertight seal during washing and spinning. Keeping the door closed between washes can trap moisture and detergent residue, creating an environment for odor-causing microbes.

Try this.

Is laundry left in the drum? Are the washer door and detergent drawer usually closed?

<acc aria-label="Remove laundry promptly after the spin cycle completes. Keep the drum empty and leave the washer door and detergent drawer open to allow for proper ventilation and drying." tabindex="0" role="text">

➔ Remove laundry promptly after the spin cycle completes. Keep the drum empty and leave the washer door and detergent drawer open to allow for proper ventilation and drying.

</acc>

Ensure proper ventilation in the drum and detergent drawer after each wash cycle. This is especially important during humid weather.

<acc aria-label="Wait! Here are more tips." tabindex="0" role="text"> Wait! Here are more tips. </acc>
Use a separate laundry basket to prevent odors. Leaving laundry in the washer drum can promote microbial growth and lead to musty smells. Wash towels and damp clothes immediately or dry them thoroughly before placing them in the washer.
<acc aria-label="Caution!" tabindex="0" role="text"> Caution! </acc> <acc aria-label="To prevent accidents, supervise children and ensure they do not play inside the washer while the door is open for ventilation." tabindex="0" role="text">
※ To prevent accidents, supervise children and ensure they do not play inside the washer while the door is open for ventilation.
</acc>

Has it been a while since you cleaned the drum?

<acc aria-label="Clean the drum with a drum cleaner on the Tub Clean cycle 1-2 times a month." tabindex="0" role="text">

➔ Clean the drum with a drum cleaner on the Tub Clean cycle 1-2 times a month.

</acc>

Using a washing machine cleaner, available at supermarkets and online retailers, can easily remove microbes and detergent residue that cause odors.

<acc aria-label="Running the Tub Clean Cycle" tabindex="0" role="text"> Running the Tub Clean Cycle </acc> <acc aria-label="Add an oxygen-based drum cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using chlorine bleach or acidic cleaners on the Tub Clean cycle can discolor or corrode the inside of the machine." tabindex="0" role="text">
① Add an oxygen-based drum cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using chlorine bleach or acidic cleaners on the Tub Clean cycle can discolor or corrode the inside of the machine.
</acc> <acc aria-label="Select Tub Clean on the display panel. 'tcl' (Tub Clean) will appear on the screen." tabindex="0" role="text">
② Select Tub Clean on the display panel. 'tcl' (Tub Clean) will appear on the screen.
</acc> <acc aria-label="Press Start/Pause to begin the drum cleaning cycle." tabindex="0" role="text">
③ Press Start/Pause to begin the drum cleaning cycle.
</acc>
<acc aria-label="Caution!" tabindex="0" role="text"> Caution! </acc>

Do not put laundry in the washer when running the Tub Clean cycle. This cycle is designed to be run with an empty drum.

Has it been a while since you cleaned the detergent drawer?

<acc aria-label="Use the recommended amount of detergent and fabric softener. Clean the detergent drawer weekly." tabindex="0" role="text">

➔ Use the recommended amount of detergent and fabric softener. Clean the detergent drawer weekly.

</acc>

Using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave residue and cause buildup. According to the LG Electronics washer development team, natural detergents like laundry soap can promote microbial growth. Using HE detergent designed for front-load washers is recommended. To remove detergent and fabric softener residue, clean the detergent drawer. Open the drawer, press the PUSH button, gently pull the drawer out, and clean it with a brush.

※ For more detailed instructions Washing machine care tips
<acc aria-label="Cleaning the TROMM Detergent Drawer" tabindex="0" role="text"> Cleaning the TROMM Detergent Drawer </acc> <acc aria-label="Cleaning the TROMM Plus Detergent Drawer" tabindex="0" role="text"> Cleaning the TROMM Plus Detergent Drawer </acc>

This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.

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