Electrolux's manual treats odor in the ELFW7637 as moisture and residue and gives a specific routine. Run the clean washer cycle once a month; the washer reminds you every 50 cycles by lighting the clean washer indicator. With the drum empty, put one cup of liquid chlorine bleach or one pouch of Tide Washing Machine Cleaner in the detergent compartment (not both) and press Start/Pause, then follow with a rinse and spin at max spin with no detergent or bleach. Dry the gasket fold after every wash, use the door stand ventilation feature for a few hours after use, use only HE detergent, remove the load promptly, and for severe odor pour one cup of liquid chlorine bleach into the standpipe and leave it for a day before flushing.
Differential
Likely causes of “Electrolux ELFW7637 front-load washer smells musty, sour or like mildew”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Moisture and a wet gasket
What separates it There is a musty smell and there are mildew stains at the gasket because of moisture and a wet gasket
How to confirm Dry the gasket fold after each wash; use door stand ventilation
- 2
Non-HE detergent or overdosing
What separates it There is residue and odor because of non HE detergent or overdosing
How to confirm Use only HE detergent at the recommended dosage
- 3
A wet load left in the washer
What separates it There is odor on the clothes and in the drum because a wet load was left in the washer
How to confirm Remove the load immediately; Extended Refresh keeps it fresh up to 12 hours
- 4
Cold water washes only
What separates it The detergent is not fully dissolved because only cold water washes were used
How to confirm Use warmer washes sometimes and run the clean washer cycle
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the smell is strongest, at the drum, gasket or clothes
- How often the clean washer cycle is run
- Whether the door is left open
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedEmpty the drum
ReversibleEmpty the drum, and remove all of the items before you clean, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Add bleach or cleaner
ReversibleOne cup of liquid chlorine bleach or one pouch of Tide Washing Machine Cleaner to the detergent compartment.
Run the clean washer cycle
ReversibleRun the clean washer cycle, by selecting it and pressing Start or Pause, and follow with a rinse and spin at max spin.
Scrub the gasket
ReversibleScrub the gasket, using a mildew stain remover and a brush if needed, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Ventilate
ReversibleVentilate, by using door stand ventilation for a few hours after use, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Aggressive cleaning in Electrolux's words
- In cases where the clean washer cycle and gasket care have not been done and severe odor or residue has developed, ensure the tub is empty, open the detergent drawer and pour eight cups of bleach into the Main Wash detergent compartment, then run the clean washer cycle; repeat if needed. For visible contamination on the front rubber seal, scrub with a bleach cleaner on a brush or sponge, always wearing rubber or latex gloves.
- Residue stains in the gasket
- Electrolux lists moisture, non-HE detergent, overdosing, overloading, leaving a wet load and cold washes as causes of residue stains and buildup in the gasket. Scrub with a mildew stain remover and brush, use only HE detergent at the recommended dosage, and run a dehumidifier in the laundry room. The clean washer cycle is the preventive step that keeps it from recurring.
- Parts for this problem on the ELFW7637 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- door boot seal, part number 140004669044, at $100.68; sump filter, part number 5304505165, at $12.54; drawer assembly, part number 5304514792, at $78.94; pump assembly, drain, part number 5304514775, at $151.03.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models ELFW7537, ELFW7437, EFLS627, EFLS617, EFLW317.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the smell is burning or electrical, unplug the washer and contact service
- !If sewer smell comes from the standpipe, check the drain or call a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Electrolux's own owner-support article titles.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I clear severe odor?+
Use eight cups of bleach in the main wash compartment with the clean washer cycle, repeating if needed.
What is door stand ventilation?+
A feature on select models that holds the door open a little so the drum can air out.
Can I use bleach and Tide cleaner together?+
No, do not use bleach and Tide cleaner together, since you should use only one of them.
Why must the drum be empty?+
Items left in cause a severe out-of-balance that could damage the washer.
Does Extended Refresh help?+
It keeps a load fresh for up to 12 hours.