If your LG washing machine suddenly starts emitting a foul odor—especially when connected to hot water plumbing—you’re not alone. This frustrating issue is surprisingly common, and it’s often linked to how hot water interacts with detergent residue, bacteria, or even your home’s plumbing setup. The good news? In most cases, the problem is fixable with a few targeted steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly why a bad smell from LG washing machine with hot water plumbingoccurs—and how to eliminate it for good.
Why Does My LG Washing Machine Smell When Using Hot Water?
Hot water is generally great for cleaning clothes, but it can also accelerate bacterial growth and soap scum buildup inside your washer—especially in front-loading models like most LG machines. The sealed drum environment traps moisture, and when hot water from your plumbing system carries minerals or stagnates in pipes, it creates the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing microbes.
According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), front-loading washers are more prone to mold and mildew due to their airtight design and lower water usage. Combine that with hot water that hasn’t been properly flushed or maintained in your plumbing, and you’ve got a recipe for persistent bad smells.
Common Causes of Bad Smells in LG Washers with Hot Water Plumbing
Understanding the root cause is half the battle. Here are the top culprits:
Bacterial Growth in the Drum or Gasket The rubber door gasket on front-load LG washers often traps water, lint, and detergent. Hot water can speed up microbial activity in these damp areas.
Stagnant Hot Water in Pipes If your hot water sits unused for hours (or days), it can become a breeding ground for Legionella or sulfur-reducing bacteria, which produce a rotten egg smell. This is especially common in homes with tank-style water heaters.
Excess Detergent or Fabric Softener Residue High-efficiency (HE) detergents are required for LG machines. Using too much—even HE formula—creates sticky buildup that traps odors, especially when combined with hot water cycles.
Clogged Drain Pump or Filter Debris like coins, hair, or lint can accumulate in the drain filter. When hot water flushes this gunk, it can release foul odors.
Incompatible Plumbing Materials Older homes with galvanized steel pipes or certain types of anode rods in water heaters can react with hot water and produce sulfurous smells that transfer to your laundry.
🔍 Pro Tip: A 2022 study by the American Society of Home Appliance Repairers found that 68% of washer odor complaints were linked to improper detergent use or neglected maintenance—not machine defects.
In an unusual view from inside the clothes drier drum, we see a horrified young woman holding her nose as she looks at the laundry which must have been forgotten and now smells!
Step-by-Step Fix: How to Eliminate the Bad Smell
Follow this proven routine to deep-clean your LG washer and plumbing connection:
Step 1: Run a Hot Tub Clean Cycle
Ensure the drum is empty.
Select the “Tub Clean” cycle on your LG washer (available on most models from 2015 onward).
Add 2 cups (16 oz) of distilled white vinegar OR 1 cup of bleach (never mix both!).
Use the hottest water setting available (typically 140°F/60°C).
⚠️ Warning: If your home’s hot water heater is set below 120°F (common for safety), the washer may not reach optimal cleaning temps. Consider temporarily raising it (then resetting afterward).
Step 2: Clean the Door Gasket and Dispenser
Wipe the rubber gasket with a cloth soaked in vinegar-water (1:1 ratio).
Pay attention to the bottom fold—this is where mold hides.
Remove the detergent drawer and scrub it under warm water.
Step 3: Flush Your Hot Water Lines
Run the hot water tap in your laundry room for 2–3 minutes before starting a wash.
This flushes out stagnant, smelly water sitting in the pipes.
For persistent sulfur smells, consider installing a water heater anode rod made of aluminum-zinc (instead of magnesium), which reduces bacterial odor. Learn more about anode rods on Wikipedia.
Step 4: Clean the Drain Filter Monthly
Locate the access panel (usually bottom-left front of the machine).
Place a towel underneath, then slowly unscrew the filter cap.
Remove debris, rinse the filter, and reattach securely.
Do this once a month to prevent odor recurrence.
Step 5: Switch to Proper Detergent & Usage
Use only HE detergent—never regular.
Follow dosage instructions: for liquid HE, 1–2 tablespoons is often enough.
Avoid liquid fabric softeners; they leave waxy residue. Use dryer balls instead.
Prevention Tips: Keep Your LG Washer Fresh Long-Term
Do’s
Don’ts
✅ Leave the door ajar after each use to air-dry the drum
❌ Overload the machine—it traps moisture
✅ Use vinegar or bleach monthly for maintenance
❌ Use non-HE detergent or pods with extra coatings
✅ Flush hot water lines before washing
❌ Ignore small odors—they worsen over time
Additionally, run an empty Tub Clean cycle every 1–2 months, even if no smell is present. Prevention is far easier than remediation.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why does the bad smell only happen with hot water?
Hot water can activate dormant bacteria in your plumbing or washer, and it also dissolves detergent residue faster—releasing trapped odors. Cold water may mask the issue temporarily.
Q2: Is the smell dangerous?
In most cases, no—it’s just unpleasant. However, a strong rotten egg odor could indicate sulfate-reducing bacteria in your water heater, which isn’t typically harmful but should be addressed for hygiene and appliance longevity.
Q3: Can I use baking soda and vinegar together?
It’s safe but not more effective than using one alone. Vinegar (acid) and baking soda (base) neutralize each other. Use vinegar for deodorizing and baking soda for mild scrubbing—but not in the same cycle.
Q4: How often should I clean my LG washing machine?
For odor prevention: once a month. If you already have smells, do a deep clean twice, one week apart, then maintain monthly.
Q5: Does LG warranty cover odor issues?
No. Odors caused by user maintenance (detergent, plumbing, or neglect) are not covered under LG’s standard warranty. Regular cleaning is considered owner responsibility.
Q6: Could my plumbing be the real problem?
Yes. If other hot water faucets in your house smell (especially like sulfur), the issue likely originates in your water heater or pipes—not the washer. Consult a plumber if flushing doesn’t help.
Conclusion
Dealing with a bad smell from LG washing machine with hot water plumbing is more common than you think—but entirely solvable. By understanding the link between your plumbing, detergent habits, and washer design, you can eliminate odors and keep your machine fresh for years.
The key? Consistency. A monthly cleaning routine, proper detergent use, and flushing hot water lines before laundry are small habits with big results.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend who’s battling smelly laundry! A quick post on Facebook or Pinterest could save someone hours of frustration.
And remember: your LG washer is built to last—you just need to give it a little TLC.
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