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ErrBase

Whirlpool Washer Smells Musty: Clean Washer Cycle, Door Boot, and Affresh

Quick Answer

Whirlpool front-load washers develop musty odor from mold in the door boot seal fold. Whirlpool recommends using Affresh cleaning tablets monthly with the Clean Washer cycle. Alternative: 2 cups white vinegar in the drum, run Clean Washer or hottest cycle. CRITICAL: after every wash, wipe the boot seal fold dry and leave the door OPEN.

Whirlpool front-load washers develop musty odor from mold in the door boot seal fold. Whirlpool recommends using Affresh cleaning tablets monthly with the Clean Washer cycle. Alternative: 2 cups white vinegar in the drum, run Clean Washer or hottest cycle. CRITICAL: after every wash, wipe the boot seal fold dry and leave the door OPEN. The boot fold on Whirlpool Duet and WFW models has a particularly tight lower section that collects water even when the door is open. Whirlpool top-loaders: Clean Washer cycle with Affresh or vinegar monthly. Clean the fabric softener dispenser (pull out, soak in hot water - mold grows in the siphon).

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Screwdriver

What Does the SMELLS Code Mean?

Whirlpool washer smells: use Affresh or 2 cups vinegar in Clean Washer cycle monthly.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Mold in door boot seal folds45%
Detergent residue buildup25%
Dirty drain pump filter20%
Excess detergent use10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Whirlpool Washer Smells Musty: Clean Washer Cycle, Door Boot, and Affresh

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the SMELLS code?

Unplug 60 sec.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterScrewdriver

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Follow guide above.

Follow guide above.

2

Check error codes.

3

Professional if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost?
$100-400.
DIY?
Many fixes DIY.
Worth it?
Under 10 years usually yes.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026