Haier's own article says odors in a washer come from detergent and soil build-up, water conditions and drain installation issues, and gives a prevention list for the HLC1700AXW and its washer siblings: run regular hot water cycles weekly to reduce build-up, leave the door open between washes so the unit dries out, check with the local water supply about sulfur or hard water, and check the drain hose is set no more than 6 in into the drain pipe and is not sealed. Haier's vacation notes in the manual add: dry the wash drum and leave the door open so moisture can evaporate to prevent mold and mildew.
Differential
Likely causes of “Haier HLC1700 washer/dryer combo smells musty, sour or like mildew”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Detergent and soil build-up
What separates it A musty smell comes from the drum and the gasket because of detergent and soil build up
How to confirm Run a weekly hot water cycle and the Clean Washer cycle
- 2
A closed door between washes
What separates it Moisture stays in the drum because the door is kept closed between washes
How to confirm Leave the door open so the unit dries out
- 3
Drain installation problems
What separates it There is a sewer smell because of a problem with the drain installation
How to confirm Set the hose no more than 6 in into the pipe and do not seal it
- 4
Sulfur or hard water
What separates it There is a rotten egg smell in the water because of sulfur or hard water
How to confirm Check the water content with local water officials
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the smell is strongest, at the drum, drawer or drain
- How often hot cycles are run
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedEmpty the washer
ReversibleEmpty the washer, and inspect the rubber gasket surfaces and other parts that might hold water or detergent.
Fill with hot water
ReversibleSelect a hot cycle, add a quart of distilled white vinegar to the tub, close the door and let it agitate for about a minute.
Let it soak
ReversibleLeave the solution in the drum for an hour and wipe the exterior with a half-and-half vinegar and water mixture.
Run a full wash and rinse
ReversibleThen wipe the inside with the vinegar solution; use straight white vinegar on stubborn grime.
Clean the dispenser
ReversibleClean the dispenser, by using a soft cloth and an old toothbrush, and dry it thoroughly.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Vacation and storage care
- Haier's vacationing precautions: unplug the unit, turn off the water supply faucets so a ruptured hose cannot flood the room, and dry the wash drum and leave the door open so moisture can evaporate to help prevent mold and mildew. These same habits between ordinary washes are what Haier's odor article means by leaving the door open between washes.
- Parts for this problem on the HWD100 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- wool pad for lint screen, part number WE18X27689, at $16.49; condenser tank, part number WD-7250-01, at $25.07.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the HWD100 combination washer/dryer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the smell is burning or electrical, unplug and call service
- !If a sewer smell comes from the drain, check the drain installation or call a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Haier's own manual for this unit, read from the operating instructions through the warranty, 2026-09-25.
Haier's own error-code table for its combination washer/dryers.
Haier's own support-content articles, each.
Haier's product page and a dealer listing for the capacity, cycle counts and dimensions.
The OEM part numbers and prices for the folded model.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I remove odor from a Haier washer?+
Haier's article uses a hot cycle with a quart of distilled white vinegar, an hour's soak and a full wash and rinse.
How do I prevent odor?+
Run weekly hot water cycles, leave the door open and check the drain hose.
What should I do when vacationing?+
Unplug, turn the taps off and dry the drum with the door open.
Can I use bleach on the cabinet?+
No; Haier says not to use chlorine bleach, ammonia or harsh chemicals on the cabinet.