Water left in the drum and a musty smell can have different causes. Check whether the washer actually finished its cycle before treating both problems as a blocked drain.

When water stays in the drum

Record any displayed code and check the cycle instructions. A rinse hold setting, an interrupted cycle or a load that did not spin can leave laundry wet. Use the drain or spin option described in the manual, provided the machine is not leaking.

Look at the accessible drain hose for a sharp bend and note whether the laundry sink or standpipe backs up. Water overflowing from the household drain needs a plumbing assessment. Whirlpool’s drainage guide explains these checks and other possible causes.

Some washers have a filter you can clean yourself. Others do not. Follow the model’s instructions for disconnecting power and draining retained water before opening a filter cap. Opening it with a full drum can release water onto the floor. Whirlpool’s filter instructions show why the draining step matters.

When the washer drains but smells musty

Remove damp laundry promptly. Wipe visible residue from the door seal and clean the detergent drawer as the manual directs. Use HE detergent when specified and measure it for the load and detergent concentration.

Run the prescribed washer cleaning cycle with an approved cleaner. Whirlpool’s cleaning guide explains the separate tub, dispenser and door cleaning steps. Let the interior dry between loads where children and pets cannot enter the machine.

If the problem returns

Include the model number, code, water level and checks already tried in a service request. A repeated drain failure needs diagnosis before choosing a pump or control part.