Anything I can do other than buy a new washer?

[oldbay]

Don't use fabric softener - liquid or sheets on towels. They put a waxy coating on them and hold smells in - that is part of your problem and why the towels are probably worse than the clothes, since the clothes don't get wet. I do my towels on the hottest cycle, a little bleach and minimal soap too. Clean and no residue. Hope your machine works now that it is all cleaned!

 

[Sadie22]

Yes. I have a front loader and I just discovered that panel today. It was sort of hidden and hard to open. But once I got it open, it was, indeed, full of moldy, linty water, and some change and the underwire from a bra. Now that I know about it, I'll check that panel every couple of weeks.

I've done all of the maintenance now, and we are just finishing up the laundry, so I'll know soon if it worked. I won't do the towels until later in the week.

I think our manual says to check that panel weekly.

I also wanted to add that if a detergent film has formed on the outside of the drum, cleaning by a repairman may be necessary.

 

[albarellic]

I used to have the same problem with my old washer (Kenmore front loader) and my towels. I started using powdered Oxyclean (1/2 scoop per load added directly in the drum) plus the detergent. It really helps. Even though I have a new washer (GE front loader) now, I still use Oxy with my towels. But I agree with the OP about leaving the machine open when not in use. It really helps dry it all out.

 

[daemom]

I used to have the same problem with my old washer (Kenmore front loader) and my towels. I started using powdered Oxyclean (1/2 scoop per load added directly in the drum) plus the detergent. It really helps. Even though I have a new washer (GE front loader) now, I still use Oxy with my towels. But I agree with the OP about leaving the machine open when not in use. It really helps dry it all out.

I use Oxy too--but only with my whites and light colors. Hmmm, didn't think about that helping keep odor down.