mold or mildew smell is coming from the door gasket and detergent drawer

Diagnosis

The unpleasant odor in the Samsung WF45R6100AW is caused by the accumulation of "biofilm"—a sticky layer of bacteria, mold, and mildew that feeds on residual fabric softener, detergent surfactants, and skin cells. Because this model uses a high-efficiency (HE) front-loading design, water often clings to the lower folds of the rubber door gasket (the boot) and pools in the recessed areas of the detergent drawer housing. When the door is closed immediately after a wash, the interior remains a humid, airtight chamber, creating the perfect incubator for mold. Over time, this biofilm hardens into a grey or black slime that resists standard wash cycles. If the smell is concentrated in the detergent drawer, it is likely that the dispenser is not flushing completely, leaving a residue of thick softener that curdles and traps odors. You can confirm this by pulling the detergent drawer halfway out and inspecting the ceiling of the drawer housing for black spotting or a slimy film.

How to Fix It

To eliminate the existing odor and prevent its return, follow this deep-cleaning protocol:

1. Manual Gasket Scrub: Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts warm water. Soak a microfiber cloth in the solution and pull back the folds of the rubber door boot. Scrub the entire circumference, paying extra attention to the bottom 6 o'clock position where water pools. Use a toothbrush to scrub the small drainage holes in the gasket.
2. Detergent Drawer Extraction: Press the blue release lever inside the drawer and pull the entire assembly out of the machine. Scrub the drawer with a brush and warm soapy water. More importantly, use a damp cloth to wipe the interior cavity of the machine where the drawer slides in, as mold often grows on the "ceiling" of this compartment.
3. High-Heat Sanitization: Empty the drum completely. Select the "Self Clean" cycle. If your model does not have a dedicated button, select the "Heavy Duty" cycle with "Extra Rinse" and set the temperature to "Hot." Add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach directly into the detergent compartment.
4. Ventilation Setup: Once the cycle finishes, leave the door ajar (about 2-4 inches) and leave the detergent drawer pulled out by one inch to allow airflow into the dispenser housing.

If That Didn't Work

• Clean the Debris Filter: Locate the small access door at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and towel on the floor. Unscrew the debris filter (the large plastic knob) counter-clockwise. This filter often traps lint and hair that rot in stagnant water, creating a "sewage" smell that wafts up into the drum. Rinse the filter under hot water and scrub it with a brush before reinstalling.
• Check the Drain Hose Installation: Ensure your drain hose is not pushed too far down into the standpipe. If the hose is inserted more than 6-8 inches, it can create a siphoning effect that pulls sewer gases back into the washer or prevents the machine from draining fully, leaving a layer of greywater in the bottom of the outer tub.
• Switch to Powder Detergent: If you use liquid fabric softener or pods, these are often the primary culprits for biofilm. Switch to a high-quality powder detergent and avoid liquid softener entirely. Instead, add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the softener compartment to neutralize odors and soften fabrics without leaving a residue.
• Inspect the Door Boot for Tears: If the smell persists and you see black mold that cannot be scrubbed off, the rubber may have developed microscopic pores or a small tear. In this case, the gasket (Part #DC64-00511A or similar depending on specific build date) must be replaced entirely.

Heads Up

• Avoid Excess Detergent: Using more than 2 tablespoons of HE detergent per load creates excess suds that don't rinse away, providing a food source for mold.
• Wipe the Seal: After the final load of the day, spend 5 seconds wiping the water out of the bottom of the door boot with a dry rag.
• Monthly Maintenance: Run the "Self Clean" cycle with a commercial tablet (like Affresh or Tide Washer Cleaner) once every 30 wash cycles to break down internal calcium and soap deposits.
• Avoid "Quick Wash" Overuse: Frequent use of the Quick Wash setting doesn't always reach temperatures high enough to kill bacteria or flush out all the soap; rotate in a hot Heavy Duty cycle weekly.