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

Wet laundry left inside and a closed door prevent drying, leading to mildew buildup. Remove loads promptly, leave the door open, and run a Clean Washer cycle with hot water.

How do I fix Maytag 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 Maytag appliance with this error showing?

Usually not. Maytag 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 Maytag Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix?

The parts that most often fix Maytag 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 Maytag 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.

Maytag Washer Smells Like Mildew - Causes & Fix

Maytag Washer Smells Like Mildew — What’s Happening

A mildew smell in a Maytag washer is not a fault code. Maytag treats it as an odor condition caused by moisture, residue, and airflow issues rather than an electronic error signal. The smell usually points to biofilm and mildew buildup in wet areas of the machine, not a specific electronics or control fault.

Maytag’s odor guidance says a washer can smell like mildew when wet clothing is left inside too long, the door is closed before the interior dries, or the machine is repeatedly run in cool water without periodic cleaning. The odor comes from bacteria and mold growing on damp surfaces inside the drum, gasket, dispenser, or drain system.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

Wet load left in basket after cycle Leaving damp laundry inside the washer after the cycle finishes traps moisture and creates mildew growth conditions.
Door or lid kept closed between uses Closing the door or lid immediately after use prevents the interior from drying and allows mold to grow on wet surfaces.
Frequent cold-water-only washing Running the machine only on cool water cycles leaves more detergent and soil residue behind, which feeds bacteria and mildew.
Dirty door seal or gasket on front-load models Moisture collects in the rubber door seal folds and creates a breeding ground for mildew if not wiped down regularly.
Detergent or soil residue in dispenser and drum Buildup in the detergent drawer, dispenser cavity, agitator, or drum traps moisture and promotes odor-causing bacteria.
Clogged drain filter or pump area Trapped debris and stagnant water in the filter or pump housing can produce a persistent mildew smell.
Drain hose blockage or standing water A kinked, clogged, or improperly positioned drain hose can hold stagnant water that smells and feeds back into the drum.

How to Diagnose and Fix

Verify the complaint by checking whether the odor is present in the basket, door gasket, detergent dispenser, drain area, or clothing after wash.
Inspect user-caused moisture conditions first by confirming whether loads are left in the washer, whether the door or lid is shut immediately after use, and whether the machine is mostly run on cold cycles.
Remove the detergent dispenser drawer per the owner’s manual, wash it with warm water and mild soap, rinse, dry, and reinstall.
On front-load models, wipe the rubber door seal and gasket thoroughly, including all folds and hidden moisture pockets where mildew collects.
On top-load agitator models, wipe the agitator exterior and, if equipped, remove the cap and clean inside it.
Check and clean the drain filter or pump area if equipped, removing trapped debris and stagnant water that can cause odor.
Inspect the drain hose for kinks, blockage, or poor positioning, and verify it is not sitting in standing water.
Run the Clean Washer cycle or a Normal cycle with hot water and a washing machine cleaner added directly to the drum, then run a rinse cycle afterward to flush loosened residue.
Advise the customer to leave the door or lid open after use and to remove damp laundry promptly to prevent recurrence.

Parts You Might Need

Part	Notes
Door gasket or boot seal (front-load)	Amazon \| Replace if mildew has penetrated the porous rubber and cleaning does not eliminate the odor.
Detergent dispenser drawer	Amazon \| Replace if permanently contaminated or cracked and cannot be cleaned fully.
Drain filter or pump filter	Amazon \| Replace if clogged, damaged, or retaining debris that causes persistent odor.
Drain hose	Amazon \| Replace if contaminated, kinked, damaged, or retaining stagnant water inside.

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

When to Call a Pro

Call a pro if the odor persists after running multiple Clean Washer cycles, cleaning the dispenser and gasket, and checking the drain system. A technician can inspect the pump, internal hoses, and tub for hidden mold or mechanical issues like a failing door latch that prevents proper drying. If the drain pump or internal plumbing is contaminated beyond simple cleaning, professional disassembly and part replacement may be needed.