Miele's manual gives odor a two-part answer for the W1. First the hygiene note: washing at low temperatures or with liquid detergent lets bacteria and odors build up, so run the Clean Machine program, and the washer reminds you with a Sanitize info message when a program above 140 F (60 C) has not been run for a long time. Second the habits: leave the door and the detergent dispenser drawer slightly open after washing so they can dry. Clean the drum with a stainless steel cleaner if needed, and clean the drawer regularly.
Differential
Likely causes of “Miele W1 WXF980 washer smells musty, sour or like mildew”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Low-temperature washing and liquid detergent
What separates it Bacteria and odors build up in the drum and drawer
How to confirm Run the Clean Machine program, since low temperature washing and liquid detergent leave build up
- 2
The door and drawer closed after washing
What separates it There is a damp smell because the door and the drawer are closed after washing
How to confirm Leave both the door and the drawer slightly open, so that they dry
- 3
No high-temperature program run for a long time
What separates it The Sanitize info message shows because no high temperature program was run for a long time
How to confirm Run a program above 140 F or the Clean Machine program
- 4
Residue in the drawer
What separates it There is a sour smell near the drawer because of residue in the drawer
How to confirm Clean the detergent dispenser drawer regularly, and dry it
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 Clean Machine and hot programs are run
- Whether the door and drawer are left open
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedRun Clean Machine
ReversibleWhen Sanitize info appears, choose Maintenance and OK, then Clean Machine and OK, and run it with Miele clean machine or a universal powder detergent.
Leave the door ajar
ReversibleLeave the door ajar, and leave the door and the detergent drawer slightly open after washing.
Clean the drawer
ReversibleClean the drawer, by removing it and cleaning the insert, the siphon and the channel as the manual describes.
Wash hot sometimes
ReversibleWash hot sometimes, since a program above 140 F, or 60 C, helps control bacteria.
Wipe the drum
ReversibleWipe the drum, using a suitable stainless steel cleaner, and following its instructions, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Hygiene in the manual's words
- Miele's hygiene info says washing at low temperatures and/or using liquid detergents can cause bacteria and odors to build up in the washing machine, and says to use the Clean machine program to clean it. The display note Sanitize info tells you to run a high temperature program or the Clean Machine program.
- Cleaning the housing
- Clean the housing and control panel with a mild cleaning agent or soap and water and dry with a soft cloth. Do not hose the machine down or spray it with a water jet, because water can get in and damage components, and never use solvents or abrasive cleaners on plastic surfaces.
- Miele parts for this problem, part numbers and prices
- Miele's own shop lists the insert for liquid detergent, part number 6670450, at $30.00, the detergent drawer sub-assembly, part number 9230910, at $76.00 and the suds container sealing ring, part number 11086752, at $85.00 (prices change). Most odor is cured by Clean Machine and leaving the door open, not by a part.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the W1 WXR960 washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the smell is burning or electrical, disconnect the washer and call service
- !If sewer smell comes from the drain, check the drain installation or call a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Miele's own manual lookup for the US, where the WXF and WXR W1 instructions are listed by model.
Miele's own US spare-parts shop, prices and part numbers; prices change.
Exact questions
Common questions
What is the Sanitize info message?+
A reminder that no program above 140 F (60 C) has run for a long time; run a high-temperature or Clean Machine program.
How do I start Clean Machine?+
Turn the selector to More programs, use the arrows to Maintenance, confirm with OK, choose Clean Machine and confirm.
What do I use for Clean Machine?+
Miele clean machine or a universal powder detergent.
Can I clean the drum myself?+
Yes, with a suitable stainless steel cleaner.
Which cleaners must I avoid?+
Solvents, abrasive cleaners, glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners.