Washer Smells Like Sewer? Simple Fixes for Pet Homes

Bottom line: a sewer smell from your washing machine usually comes from trapped gunk, a dry or blocked drain, or buildup in the drum and gasket. Start with the easy steps: clean the gasket, run a hot cleaning cycle, check the filter, and leave the door open so the machine can dry. If the smell keeps coming back, or if you see water around the machine, call a plumber or appliance repair tech.

Why pet homes get this problem more

If you share your home with a dog, your washer works harder than most. Dog beds, towels, blankets, and toys carry in hair, dirt, and drool, and that fur can clump up in the filter and the drain. At the same time, wet hair and soap scum settle into the rubber seal, and over time that mix starts to smell.

The good news is that most of these smells can be fixed with regular cleaning, and you do not need any fancy tools to do it.

Step 1: Find where the smell is coming from

Before you start, sniff around the machine to figure out where the smell is strongest. If it is strongest inside the drum or near the door seal, buildup inside the machine is the most likely cause. If it seems to come from behind the washer, near the drain pipe, the drain or trap may be dry or blocked. And if the whole laundry room smells, there may be a plumbing issue that needs a pro.

Step 2: Clean the door gasket

On front-loading washers, the rubber seal around the door is one of the top spots for smells. Pull back the folds and take a look, because you may find hair, lint, coins, and dark gunk hiding inside.

1. Put on a pair of gloves.
2. Wipe out loose hair and lint with a paper towel.
3. Mix warm water with a little dish soap.
4. Scrub the folds with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush.
5. Dry the seal with a clean towel.

If you wash a lot of pet items, plan to do this about once a week.

Step 3: Run a hot cleaning cycle

Most washers have a “clean washer” or “tub clean” setting, which you should run with a washing machine cleaner made for your type of washer. Follow the label as well as your washer’s manual.

If your machine does not have a cleaning setting, run the hottest, longest cycle with an empty drum and a cleaner. Never mix different cleaning products, because some mixes can give off harmful fumes.

Step 4: Clean the drain pump filter

On a lot of front-load washers, a small drain filter hides behind a panel low on the front of the machine. This is where hair, socks, and other small items get trapped, and your manual will show you where to find it.

1. Put a towel and a shallow pan on the floor.
2. Open the small door and slowly unscrew the filter.
3. Let the water drain into the pan.
4. Pull out the filter and rinse away the hair and gunk.
5. Screw it back in tightly.

Pet owners are often surprised by how much fur they find in here.

Step 5: Check the drain and standpipe

The pipe behind your washer has a U-shaped bend called a trap, which holds a little water to block sewer gas from coming back up. If that trap dries out or gets clogged, smells can drift into the room. If you are not comfortable checking pipes yourself, this is a great job to hand off to a plumber.

Step 6: Dry it out

Smells grow best in damp, closed spaces, so drying is half the battle. After each load, leave the washer door open and pull the detergent drawer out a little. Wipe the seal with a dry towel whenever you remember, and move wet laundry to the dryer right away.

Habits that keep smells away

A few simple habits will keep the smell from coming back. Shake out or vacuum dog beds and blankets before they go in the wash, and use a pet hair catcher or lint bag for fuzzy items. Measure your detergent carefully, since using too much leaves a residue that feeds odors.

It also helps to run a cleaning cycle about once a month. If you wash pet items often, clean the filter every few weeks as well.

Washing dog bedding the smart way

Big dog beds can put a lot of strain on your washer, so check the bed’s label first. If it fits, wash it on a gentle setting with an extra rinse, and if it is too big, a laundromat with large machines may be the easier choice. Removing as much hair as you can before washing will help protect your drain.

When to call a pro

Some problems are bigger than a cleaning cycle can fix. If the smell stays after a full cleaning, if water leaks or pools around the washer, or if the machine does not drain well, it is time to call a plumber or appliance tech. The same goes if you smell sewer gas in other rooms of the house, since that can be a sign of a bigger plumbing problem.

Quick questions owners ask

Does bleach fix the smell? Some washers allow bleach in a cleaning cycle, but check the manual first, and never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners.

Is a top-loader less smelly? Top-loaders can get smelly too, often under the rim and in the agitator, and the same cleaning steps apply.

How do I clean the detergent drawer? Pull it out, rinse it in warm water, and scrub the slots with an old toothbrush.

Will pet hair damage my washer? Lots of hair can clog filters and drains over time, so removing hair before washing helps protect the machine.

Wrapping up

A washer that smells like sewer is annoying, but it is often an easy fix. Clean the seal, run a hot cleaning cycle, empty the filter, and let the machine air out, and remember that pet hair makes these steps even more important. For more detail on causes and cleaners, read these washer sewer smell fixes. If the smell will not go away, a pro can find the source.