Washing settings guide
Washing Machine Smells After Wash: What Setting Should You Use?
Use this guide when laundry smells damp, stale, or musty after a wash cycle.
First establish whether the smell is in the laundry or in the empty washer. Use the fabric’s normal care instructions for laundry; clean the washer with the empty maintenance procedure specified in its manual.
Last updated: 22 September 2026
Quick answer
Best washing machine setting
Program
Laundry care or empty maintenance cycle, as appropriate
Temperature
Use the relevant textile or washer instructions
Spin
Laundry: follow textile limits; drum cleaning: follow the manual
Why: An empty drum-clean cycle and a laundry wash serve different purposes.
Safe tip: Do not continue running a leaking washer or one with electrical symptoms.
Step-by-step setup
- 1.Remove and dry laundry promptly. Check whether the empty machine also smells.
- 2.Check detergent dosing and load size before rewashing.
- 3.If the machine needs cleaning, follow its manual for accessible drawer, seal and drum care.
- 4.Run only the prescribed empty maintenance cycle, using the approved product and dose.
- 5.If water remains or a fault appears, stop routine rewashing and use the drainage guide.
Related problems and error codes
Drainage code references — use only if the matching code appears
Hoover Washing Machine E03
The washing machine is not draining water on models using Hoover's E03/E3 mapping
Bosch Washing Machine E36
A drainage warning whose full suffix matters
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
Waste-pipe blockage or pump problem
Hotpoint Washing Machine F11
Pump-circuit fault
Indesit Washing Machine F11
Pump-circuit fault
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
Water-drainage error
Samsung Washing Machine ND
No-drain error
Samsung Washing Machine SE
No-drain error
When to use this setting
- Routine musty odour with no leak, electrical symptom or active fault.
When not to use it
- Standing water, a leak or an active fault needs investigation first.
- A burning smell or tripping electrics requires service rather than another wash.
Common mistakes
- Trying to cure a machine problem by making every laundry wash hotter.
- Adding more fragrance or detergent instead of checking residue.
- Putting laundry in an empty-drum cleaning programme.
Related guides
Best Washing Machine Setting for Towels
For suitable cotton towels, Cottons or a dedicated Towels programme can be appropriate. Follow the towel label: 40°C may suit routine washing, while 60°C is only an option for textiles and programmes that permit it.
Washing Machine Leaves Residue on Clothes
White marks or a soapy feel can have several causes. Check detergent instructions, load space and rinsing before assuming a fault; poor drainage is one possible contributor.
Washing Machine Not Cleaning Properly
Separate a completed wash with poor results from an interrupted wash or a machine that cannot rinse or drain. The next step depends on which symptom actually occurs.
Why Your Washing Machine Won't Drain
Record the complete code and whether water remains. Inspect only the permitted filter and visible hose route, with controlled draining and hot-water precautions.
Frequently asked questions
Which setting removes musty smells?+
There is no single setting for every cause. Distinguish textile care from machine cleaning and use the appropriate instructions.
Can I use vinegar or bleach?+
Use only cleaning products and quantities approved for your exact washer. Do not mix products or improvise a chemical-cleaning cycle.
What if the smell returns?+
Check the manufacturer’s maintenance and drainage guidance or arrange service. Smell alone does not identify a failed part.
Sources and limits
Programme names, load limits and permitted settings vary. Follow the item’s care label and the instructions for your exact machine.
- Beko UK: cleaning a washing machineDescribes residue and odour build-up, cleaning accessible areas and empty maintenance cycles. The exact model manual determines procedure and cleaning product. Checked 22 September 2026.
- Persil UK: washing-machine dos and don’tsSorting, care labels, load space, detergent placement and prompt unloading. Cleaning chemicals and maintenance procedures must follow the appliance manual. Checked 22 September 2026.