Wondering why your Bosch washer smells bad? While front-load washers are known for their efficiency and cleaning power, persistent odors can be an unwelcome downside. One reason for the odor can be using too much detergent. When you do, it leaves behind suds that can form smelly bacteria. Learn more about the reasons your front-load Bosch washer smells and the right cleaning tips to banish odor.

Eliminating Odor When Your Bosch Washer Smells Bad

As part of this article, we will detail how proper use and maintenance, as well as regular cleaning of the gasket and drum, can help keep odors at bay. But what causes it in the first place? 

Why Does My Bosch Washing Machine Smell?

The gasket on a front-load washer door provides a tight seal, keeping detergent and water safely contained. Front-loaders also use less water to wash and rinse clothes and require specially formulated HE detergent in smaller amounts.

While these factors contribute to greater efficiency and cleaning performance, they also contribute to the odor of Bosch washing machines. Using regular detergent instead of HE detergent, or even too much of the right detergent, can leave behind excess suds. If the warm, moist environment of the enclosed washer drum isn’t cleaned regularly, these suds can quickly develop smelly mold and mildew. 

How to Clean a Bosch Washer Gasket

A Bosch front-load washer gasket is a common catch-all for dirt, residue, and detergent suds. While wiping down the gasket after every wash load keeps this residue from accumulating, it requires a deeper clean to remove smelly bacteria.

Here’s how to clean mold from a front-load washer gasket:

  1. Open the door and peel back the rubber gasket to expose the interior.
  2. Remove any foreign objects such as buttons, coins, or hair.
  3. Spray the gasket with a commercial mildew cleaner or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Wipe down with a clean cloth.
  4. For persistent mold, scrub the affected areas with a toothbrush dipped in a 10% bleach solution.

How to Clean a Bosch Washing Machine Drum

A front-load washer’s reduced water usage can mean that suds, dirt, and residue don’t always get rinsed away. If your Bosch washing machine smells like rotten eggs, mold, or mildew, it is likely that a dirty buildup has developed. Cleaning the washer drum regularly can help remove dirt, mold and prevent odors. If your washer won’t drain water, cleaning the drum after the draining issue is resolved can also remove residue from dirty wash water.

Refer to your user manual to determine if your Bosch washer has a Drum Clean setting with specific instructions.

If there are no specific cleaning instructions or settings, follow these steps to clean your 

Bosch front-load washer drum:

  • Sprinkle ⅓ cup of baking soda inside an empty washer drum.
  • Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent tray.
  • Set a regular wash cycle with hot water and allow it to run to completion.
  • For stubborn stains and odor, pour 2 cups of bleach into the bleach dispenser and run a second regular cycle with hot water.
  • Run an empty rinse cycle to rid the washer of any bleach residue.

Ways to Prevent Front-Load Washer Smells

Fortunately, you can prevent mold and odor in front-load washers with regular maintenance, proper use, and care.

The following tips can prevent front-load washer smells:

  • Use the right detergent in the right amounts: Always use HE detergent and add the least recommended amount to reduce suds.
  • Perform regular cleanings: Deep clean the drum and gasket every month and wipe down the gasket after each wash load.
  • Allow for air circulation: Remove wet clothes as soon as possible to reduce interior moisture. When not in use, leave the washer door open to promote airflow.

If your Bosch washer still smells bad after these DIY fixes, a professional service may need to assess the washing machine for repair. For questions and assistance, contact Appliance Parts King to figure out the next steps.