Shopping Guides · Guide

Washing Machine Smells: How to Clean Away Mould and Odours

Leave the door open, clean the seal and filter, run a hot maintenance wash and use less detergent: stop smells before they spread to your clothes.

A cheap appliance is the most expensive one the day it dies.

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • Wipe the seal and leave the door open.
  • Clean the filter and drawer.
  • Maintenance wash monthly.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-07Updated 2026-10-072 min read
On this page01. What to look for before you buy02. Where these figures come from03. Best prices in stock today04. Why buy from Qyvea05. FAQ
Washing Machine Smells: How to Clean Away Mould and Odours
Quick answer

Smells come from damp rubber seals, detergent residue and lint in the filter. Wipe the door seal, clean the detergent drawer and filter, run a maintenance or hot wash with a descaler or machine cleaner, use the right amount of detergent and leave the door open between washes.

Real products, live prices, in stock now
See the actual productsLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all machine cleaners →

Key takeaways

  • Wipe the seal and leave the door open.
  • Clean the filter and drawer.
  • Maintenance wash monthly.
  • Do not overuse detergent.

01What to look for before you buy

  1. 01
    Wipe the door sealRemove hair, lint and slime.
  2. 02
    Clean the drawer and filterRinse and dry.
  3. 03
    Run a maintenance washUse a machine cleaner or descaler on a hot cycle.
  4. 04
    Use less detergentResidue feeds mould.
  5. 05
    Dry outLeave the door open after each wash.

02Where these figures come from

Figures are indicative and change often; confirm with a written quote. Sources checked October 2026: Samsung: washing machine door does not open, drain or spin; Sears Home Services: washing machine won't drain.

03Best prices in stock today

Today's deals on machine cleanersLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all machine cleaners →
Machine cleaners and descalersLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all machine cleaners →
Washing machinesLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all washing machines →

Prices update live from the Qyvea store. Tap any product to see full specs, stock and delivery options, or ask us on WhatsApp for a recommendation.

04Why buy from Qyvea

Why Kenyans buy from Qyvea

  • Genuine branded products sold with the manufacturer's warranty (typically 6–24 months, varies by product)
  • 7-day returns and exchanges; damaged or wrong item? Report it within 48 hours for a free replacement or full refund
  • Pay with M-Pesa, bank transfer or card; refunds go back the same way
  • Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000, and delivery across Kenya
  • Delivered to your door, dispatched once payment is confirmed, rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews (bought from us? leave a review)
  • Talk to a person on WhatsApp 0113 301 244, usually within 30 minutes

Full details: return & refund policy.

05Frequently asked questions

Does hard water make it worse?

Scale and residue build up faster; descale regularly.

Is vinegar safe?

Check your manual; some makers advise against it.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

Related articles

Shopping Guides · Guide
Front-Load or Top-Load Washing Machine: Which Suits a Kenyan Home?
Front loaders use about a third of the water; top loaders are cheaper and often cheaper to run on cold washes. Water pressure, hard water and budget compared.
2 min readREAD FULL ARTICLE →
Shopping Guides · Guide
Washing Machine Not Draining: Filter, Hose and Pump Checks
Water left in the drum usually means a clogged filter, kinked hose or a failed pump: safe checks in order, with towels ready.
2 min readREAD FULL ARTICLE →
Shopping Guides · Checklist
Laundry Day, Made Easy: The Complete Laundry Essentials Checklist
Turn laundry day from a whole Saturday into an hour.
2 min readREAD FULL ARTICLE →
← PreviousWashing Machine Prices in Kenya: Top Load vs Front Load vs Twin TubNext →Water Dispenser Prices in Kenya: Hot & Cold, Bottom Load & Table Top

Want help choosing?

Send us your budget on WhatsApp and we'll suggest what's in stock, with delivery across Kenya.

Chat with us — 30 min response