A washing machine is supposed to leave your clothes smelling fresh, but what if your Speed Queen washer smells musty instead? If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew consistently, lingering moisture and detergent residue may be to blame. A mildew smell in your washer can indicate mold growth, bacteria buildup, or detergent residue, which may transfer to your clothes if left untreated. Musty washing machine odors and mold buildup are common culprits. Understanding the causes and knowing how to eliminate the smell will help restore freshness to your Speed Queen washer.
Why Your Speed Queen Washer Smells Like Mildew
If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew, it could be due to moisture, detergent buildup, poor drainage, or infrequent cleaning. Leaving wet clothes inside too long can also contribute to mildew odors. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the drum and detergent dispenser monthly and running a deep cleaning cycle every few weeks, helps prevent unpleasant smells.
Common Causes and Solutions
Here are some common causes and the solutions to your Speed Queen washer smelling like mildew.
Using the Wrong Detergent
Using the wrong detergent can create excessive suds and residue, encouraging mold and mildew growth. Speed Queen washers, especially high-efficiency (HE) models, are designed for low-sudsing detergents.
How to Fix It:
-
Always use HE detergent if your model requires it.
-
Avoid using too much detergent, as excess soap traps moisture and bacteria.
-
Regularly clean the detergent dispenser to prevent buildup.
Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
Leaving damp clothes in the washer for too long traps moisture and creates a musty smell. If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew after a cycle, lingering dampness may be the cause.
How to Fix It:
-
Remove clothes immediately after the cycle finishes.
-
Run a rinse cycle with vinegar if clothes have been left too long.
-
Leave the washer door open to allow moisture to evaporate.
Excess Detergent Buildup
Even when using the right detergent, overuse can leave behind residue that encourages mildew. If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew, detergent buildup could be a contributing factor.
How to Fix It:
-
Measure detergent carefully based on manufacturer recommendations.
-
Run a rinse cycle with hot water and vinegar to dissolve residue.
-
Wipe down the interior drum regularly to remove excess detergent.
Poor Drainage or Clogged Drain Hose
A slow-draining washer can leave behind standing water, leading to mildew odors. Over time, lint, detergent residue, and debris can clog the drain hose, restricting water flow. If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew, poor drainage could be a factor.
How to Fix It:
-
Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages.
-
Flush the hose with warm water to clear buildup.
-
Ensure your washer is draining properly at the end of each cycle.
Hard Water Deposits
If your home has hard water, mineral buildup in your washer can trap soap residue, creating an environment where mold and bacteria thrive.
How to Fix It:
-
Use a water softener if hard water is an issue.
-
Regularly run a cleaning cycle with vinegar to break down mineral deposits.
-
Wipe the drum and detergent dispenser frequently to remove buildup.
High Humidity in the Laundry Room
A humid laundry room can contribute to moisture buildup in your washer, increasing the likelihood of mildew odors.
How to Fix It:
-
Improve ventilation by using a dehumidifier or fan.
-
Keep the washer door open between loads to allow air circulation.
-
Store detergent and cleaning products in a dry area to prevent excess humidity.
How to Clean a Speed Queen Washer
Regular cleaning prevents odors and extends the life of your washer. Follow these simple steps to keep your machine fresh. If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew, thorough cleaning can help eliminate the odor.
Materials Needed
-
White vinegar
-
Baking soda
-
Tea tree essential oil
-
Lemongrass essential oil
-
Clean toothbrush (for cleaning only)
-
Sponge or cloth
Steps to Clean Your Washer
-
Run a hot wash cycle: Add 2 cups of white vinegar to an empty washer and run the hottest cycle.
-
Scrub the interior: Use a cloth and baking soda to clean the drum, focusing on corners where residue builds up.
-
Clean the detergent dispenser: Remove and rinse thoroughly to eliminate soap scum and mold buildup.
-
Clean seals and gaskets (front-load models only): Spray a vinegar solution around the rubber seal, let it sit, then scrub with a toothbrush to remove trapped moisture and mildew.
-
Leave the lid or door open: Allow air circulation after each wash to prevent moisture buildup.
How to Prevent a Speed Queen Washer from Smelling
Preventative care keeps your washer fresh and odor-free. If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew regularly, adopting these habits can help:
-
Leave the lid or door open after each wash to allow air circulation.
-
Use the correct amount of detergent to avoid residue buildup.
-
Clean the detergent dispenser monthly to prevent trapped soap scum.
-
Wipe down the drum and gaskets regularly to remove excess moisture.
-
Perform a deep cleaning cycle every month with vinegar or a washer cleaner.
Top Load vs. Front Load: Which Stays Fresher?
Speed Queen washers come in both top-load and front-load models, each with unique maintenance needs.
-
Top-load washers: Easier to keep dry, less prone to odor buildup, but still require regular cleaning.
-
Front-load washers: More efficient with water and detergent but need frequent gasket cleaning to prevent mold.
For a full comparison, check out top load versus front load pros and cons to find the best option for you.
Call the Professionals
If your Speed Queen washer smells like mildew persistently or you’re experiencing other issues, professional service may be necessary. Stubborn odors, drainage problems, or mechanical failures require expert diagnosis and repair.
For expert Speed Queen washer repairs, trust the washer repair experts at Caesar’s Appliance Service to restore your machine’s performance and eliminate persistent washing machine odors.