Top load washing machine smells like sewage: If you have a top load washing machine that smells like sewage, don’t worry – below, we will give you simple solutions to eliminate the unpleasant smell.
Previously, we have looked at what to do when your washer smells like burning rubber during spin cycles.
Now, in this article, we will look at why your top loader washing machine stinks. We shall also give you possible solutions, and how to prevent the problem from happening again.
Top load washing machine smells like sewage – Causes and how to remove the horrible smell
Usually, a sewer smell in top load washers indicates either there’s mold buildup inside the washer or a problematic drain hose connection.
Now, if your clothes are coming out of the washer with a bad smell, it is likely a washer problem. But, if the clothes come out fine, the drain hose is likely to blame.
That being so, here’s what to do…
Smelling washing machine home remedy – what to check/clean/replace
Now, since each cause has its own fix, we shall look at the causes (and their potential fixes) individually.
So, to eliminate the sewer smell, do the following…
Clean the washer
If the smell seems to come from inside the washer, start by cleaning it.
Yes, washing machines (including top loads) need regular cleaning.
Start by taking out the detergent box and cleaning it, followed by cleaning the seals around the lid and beneath the top rims of the drum.
Next, pour in some machine cleaner and run the hottest possible cycle – your washer’s manual should guide you on which cleaner to use, though most do recommend Affresh tablets.
Alternatively, you can use vinegar when running the hot cycle.
Pro tip: during the cleaning cycle, you may note that the water does not get high enough. To fix this, simply add hot water (and vinegar) from the laundry sink and let it sit in the washer for some time.
The steam from the hot water will help dislodge any layers of gunk that might be in the wash basket.
Once done, run a full hot water cycle.
When it’s finished, do the same thing again, but this time, add 2 cups of bleach instead of vinegar.
Pro tip: make sure not to mix bleach with vinegar or baking soda – doing so will produce lethal chlorine gas.
Top load washing machine smells like sewage – more tips to try
Clean the tub
This is mostly the case if your washer is an older model.
You see, sometimes, the smelly gunk might not be coming from inside the wash basket but inside the wash tub itself.
In this case, it could be that layers of filth have built-up over time underneath the basket.
So, be sure to also give the tub a good scrubbing more so under the agitator plate, and be prepared to find a lot of grossness if it’s been a while since you replaced the washer.
Clean the drain hose
Other times, it could be that the drain hose has layers of soap scum and dirty washing machine residue and this would be the source of the sewer smell.
Now, to clean the hose, fully disconnect it from the washer and get a pipe cleaner to scrub its insides.
Alternatively, you can tie a rag to a string and pull it through the hose several times.
Don’t forget to rinse the hose once done.
Check the drain hose connection
Also, it could be that the part of the drain hose going into the standpipe is too short. In turn, this would allow sewer gases from the sewer line to flow back into the laundry room.
Other than that, it could be that the drain hose is pushed too far down the standpipe making it bypass the P-trap.
This would create a siphon effect on the P-trap hence the hose draws water back into the machine and this would cause the sewer smell.
With that in mind, confirm that the drain hose is inserted no further than 8” into the standpipe. Typically, it should be anywhere between 4” and 8”.
Speaking of the P-trap…
Inspect the P-trap
Also, it could be that the P-trap is drying out.
You see, this part must always keep water in it to stop gasses from the sewer coming back up into the washer (and laundry room for that).
What to check – does pouring a cup (or two) of water into the P-trap, stop the smell?
If so, there’s a trap problem.
Now, keep in mind that you may have to swap out the entire P-trap if an improper drain hose connection is not to blame.
Check current washer P-trap prices
Swap out the drain hose
Finally, you might think you’ve cleaned and drained out all the nasty stuff inside the hose, but, there might still be some stuff embedded in there.
In such a scenario, it is perhaps best to replace the hose considering that it is not an expensive part – see washer drain hose prices.
Now that we have gotten rid of the smell, below are some maintenance tips you can follow to make sure the smell does not recur…
Preventative tips – what to do to prevent the smell from recurring
The easiest solution is to regularly (every month or so) run it on the hottest possible wash cycle. And, be sure to add some vinegar.
Another thing – make sure that after every wash cycle, you are leaving the lid open to air out the washer.
Also, make sure that you have properly connected the drain hose to the standpipe.
Top load washing machine smells like sewage – Recap
Repeated cold washing is the major cause of gunk buildup and washer odors.
So, wash your dark colors in cold, light colors in warm, and the whites in hot water – the hot water washes will keep the machine clean and odor free.
You can also use vinegar as a fabric softener in every wash load (your clothes won’t smell like vinegar).