My washing machine smells bad

[DisnyMama]

I live in an apartment with a stackable W/D and the mildew smell is gross! I try leaving the washer lid open after loads but I think it is coming from deeper whithin the machine (but I'm not opening that thing...YUK! and maintenance will only look at it if it's not working). As long as you get the clothes out of the washer and in to the dryer right away no problem with any smell.

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

We had smell problems with ours, too.

It was recommended to me to lift the seal (on the wash tub itself, not the door), and inside I found some little kid socks. Boy they smelled.

I check the seal every once in a while, and leave the door cracked when I am not using the machine, to let it air dry.

No more smell.

Good luck.

Denae

Thats a great tip. I have little ones so i try to check EVERY time. it helps with the missing sock delima too.

 

[HARASW]

I was told to run an empty machine with a cup of vinegar. Should get rid of some of the smell.

 

[OhioTony]

Some tips on a stinky washer.
1st if it's a ft load washer you MUST use an HE detergent. Using a detergent meant for a large tub of water will create too many suds.Using less of that detergent will cut down on the cleaning enzymes needed to clean your clothes, and your machine will develop a sludge. The HE detergent is low sudsing and has the proper cleaning properties.

To clean your washer I recomend 1st making a paste out of bleach & powder "dishwashing" detergent. Using gloves gently scrub the rubber door boot.

Next mix 1/2 cup bleach & 1/2 cup powder "dishwashing" detergent pour into the machine & run on the hottest cycle. The DW detergent will not disolve until temps are 140 so this kind of scrubs the sludge from the tub.

If you have oders after that you could have lint or cloth stuck in your pump which is making kind of a stinky soup you will have to clean the pump, or pay a pro to do this. Be carefull the machine always has about 3 cups of water in the pump & drain hose.

After all this look for a product called "affresh" it's a monthly tablet you drop in to keep the washer clean.

Good luck!

 

[taylor3297]

I have had a front loading washing machine for 4 years and have never had a problem with odor or mildew. Under the heading "Washer Odor" my manual states "Use of non-HE detergent can cause a film residue which can result in odor. The washer has a tight seal to avoid water leaks. To avoid odors leave the door open to allow the washer to dry between uses". My washer is a Kenmore Elite.

I hope you are able to get the odor out.