Speed Queen Washer Smells Bad? Here's How to Clean It

Have you noticed that your Speed Queen washer is smelling bad?

I would suggest starting with the checks you can do safely. I think you should look for damp residue around the tub, seal, drawer, and drain, because trapped moisture and too much detergent can make the smell return.

How to Clean a Smelly Speed Queen Washer

First, check the simple causes. To clean a smelly Speed Queen washer, air the tub, wipe damp areas, run the cleaning cycle, clear old water, and reduce detergent buildup.

Next, these checks show how to get rid of mold when the Speed Queen washer smells like mildew, and where to look if it smells like rotten eggs.

Air the Washer After Each Load

So, take wet laundry out of the Speed Queen washer soon after the cycle. Wipe visible moisture and leave the door or lid open when the machine is unused, as long as children and pets cannot get inside.

However, a closed damp tub lets a mildew smell return quickly. Giving it time to dry can clear a light odor and slows new growth.

A few minute spent on the Speed Queen damp tub can be useful as you inspect it.

Wipe the Seal and Tub Edges

However, use a soft cloth and a cleaner approved for the Speed Queen washer. Wipe reachable seal folds on a front loader, or the tub rim, lid, and reachable wash plate area on a top loader.

Further, wear gloves and never scrape a seal with a sharp tool. A cracked or deeply molded seal should be replaced by a technician.

On a Speed Queen washer, this seal area are easy to overlook during your first check.

Run the Washer Cleaning Cycle

Further, run the Speed Queen cleaning cycle with an empty tub and only the cleaner or bleach amount allowed in the manual. If there is no named cleaning cycle, follow the model's regular cleaning directions.

With safety in mind, never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner. Extra product does not clean better and may leave more residue.

One of these cleaning cycle check can reveal what changed while you look for the cause.

Clear Old Water From the Drain

Remember, standing water can make the Speed Queen washer smell like rotten eggs. If the manual shows a user accessible pump filter, unplug the machine, prepare for water, and clean it as directed.

Next, straighten the drain hose and check for a reachable blockage. If the smell is strongest at the wall drain or other fixtures, ask a plumber to inspect the household drain.

The drain path on your Speed Queen often show a useful clue before you decide on service.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Besides this, use the detergent type and amount listed for the Speed Queen washer. Too much soap leaves a film that traps lint, moisture, and odor.

Next, if the drawer is stuck, wet, or leaving soap behind, follow the full steps for a Speed Queen washer that is not dispensing detergent. That guide explains how to clean a smelly washer drawer without forcing it.

Conclusion

Try the safe Speed Queen checks first for a fresher tub, then leave internal repairs to a technician.

• Air the Washer After Each Load
• Wipe the Seal and Tub Edges
• Run the Washer Cleaning Cycle
• Clear Old Water From the Drain
• Use the Right Amount of Detergent