What does LG Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix mean?

Usually caused by residue and trapped moisture in the gasket, drum, or detergent drawer. Run monthly Tub Clean cycles and leave the door open after use.

How do I fix LG Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix?

Work through the step-by-step fix below. Start with the quick reset and the most common cause, then check the specific part this guide points to. Most fixes need only basic hand tools and the right replacement part.

Can I keep using my LG appliance with this error showing?

Usually not. LG appliances show this error when a part or safety circuit is out of range, so running it can stop the cycle or make the problem worse. Diagnose and clear the error before normal use.

What part is most commonly replaced for LG Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix?

The parts that most often fix LG Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix are listed in the parts section of this guide. Match the part to your exact model and serial number before you buy.

Is LG Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Many fixes are DIY-friendly with basic tools, such as door switches, drain pumps, water inlet valves, thermostats, heating elements, and filters. Sealed-system, refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage work should go to a licensed technician for safety.

LG Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix

LG Washer Smells Like Mildew — What’s Happening

When your LG washer smells like mildew, it is typically an odor and buildup condition rather than a component failure or error code. LG describes this as moisture and detergent residue accumulating in the drum, door gasket, detergent drawer, or drain system. Over time, that trapped moisture allows mold and mildew to grow, especially when the door and dispenser are kept closed after use.

The smell is not caused by a failed part in most cases. Instead, it signals that laundry habits, ventilation, or drainage are allowing water and soap to sit inside the machine. LG notes that too much detergent, fabric softener buildup, a clogged drain pump filter, or a drain hose inserted too far into the drainpipe can all trap odor-causing residue and prevent the washer from drying properly between loads.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

Door and detergent drawer kept closed after use LG states that leaving the door and drawer closed traps moisture inside the drum and dispenser, preventing ventilation and allowing mold to grow.
Residue buildup in the door gasket Detergent, fabric softener, and dirt collect in the folds of the rubber gasket, retaining water and creating mildew if not wiped down regularly.
Too much detergent or fabric softener Excess soap does not rinse away completely and leaves a film on the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer that traps moisture and odor.
Clogged drain pump filter LG notes that a clogged filter can leave standing water in the drum after a cycle, which turns stagnant and causes mildew smell over time.
Drain hose inserted too far into drainpipe When the hose is pushed deep into the standpipe, sewer gas or trapped water can back up into the washer and create odor.
Laundry left sitting in the drum LG identifies wet clothes left in the closed washer as a common source of mildew smell that transfers to the drum and gasket.

How to Diagnose and Fix

Inspect the door gasket for slime, mold, or foreign objects trapped in the folds, and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Remove and clean the detergent drawer with a brush to remove soap and fabric softener residue from the compartment and the drawer cavity.
Check the drain pump filter for debris, hair, or coins that can block drainage and leave water standing in the tub.
Run LG’s Tub Clean cycle with an approved washer cleaner, and repeat monthly or more often if odor persists.
Verify that the drain hose is not inserted more than a few inches into the drainpipe, and check for kinks or slime inside the hose.
Confirm the customer is using the correct amount of HE detergent and leaving the door and detergent drawer open after every load to air out.
Run a second Tub Clean cycle if the first does not eliminate the smell, and inspect the gasket and drawer again for remaining residue.
If the odor continues after multiple cleanings, schedule a service call because LG states that severe mildew buildup may require professional cleaning or part replacement.

Parts You Might Need

Part	Notes
Door gasket (bellows)	Amazon \| Replace if mold has penetrated the rubber or cleaning does not remove the odor.
Detergent drawer assembly	Amazon \| Replace if residue buildup is severe or the drawer does not clean effectively.
Drain hose	Amazon \| Replace if the hose is slime-coated inside, kinked, or retaining odor after cleaning.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

If you have run multiple Tub Clean cycles, wiped down the gasket and drawer, cleared the drain pump filter, and left the door open to dry, but the mildew smell still persists, contact LG service or a qualified appliance technician. LG states that severe mildew buildup that cannot be removed with industrial tub cleaner may require professional cleaning or replacement of the door gasket, detergent drawer, or drain components. A technician can also verify proper drain hose routing and check for hidden residue in the drum or dispenser cavity that home cleaning cannot reach.