Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

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RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I made the mistake of reading up on my front loaders after I bought them! So this is what I started doing not to long after we got them. I use only organic liquid washing liquid, vinegar in the softener cup and a scoop of oxi clean and when I need bleach I use the one for HE machines. So far, so good! Will also use all the advice posted on here about taking it apart and cleaning! I love my front loaders, can wash 12 pairs of jeans at a time! :) Gotta love that!

Post by Stuff64

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have a front-loading Whirlpool Duet that's about 6 or 7 years old. Thanks to all the Duet owners for their tips. Can someone please explain what panel I am supposed to remove in order to get at the stinky filter? Thanks!

Post by thomaslue

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Miele brand does not have this problem! We had Miele appliances in our house in Virginia, stupid me included them with the house. Upon moving to Florida, I let my husband pick out the new washer and dryer, and am so disappointed in the Samsung. My Miele front load washer did not smell, or make my clothes smell. I didn't have to run bleach through it or buy a special cleaner. If the Miele German company can get it right, why can't the American companies?

Post by stormyinfl

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I've had the same issue for awhile. I talked to the people at Lowes and they have a product called "Afresh". The smell comes from the rubber seal being so tight. Wipe down with bleach on the seal and then follow the directions on the bottle.

Post by dee marie

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have had my LG front load for six years and it's not just a matter of leaving the door open and cleaning the machine with specific cleaners. I have done all this and still have a problem getting our clothes to smell fresh. Also it does a poor job in getting sweat out of workout clothes. It appears to be a problem with the design. I had a regular top load washer for over 15 years and never had to clean it out with cleaners or leave the top open. This machine is the most dissapointing purchase I have made. In addition to the chore of doing laundry who has the time for the added chore required to get the musty smell out. I'm going to sell this front loader and go back to top load washer.

Post by dreeves

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have an LG front loading washer which I bought in April 2008. I absolutely hate it. It didn't start smelling until after about a year. I have only used HE Tide liquid detergent and HE clorox. I ran the tub clean cycle, wiped out the seal and the door, emptied out the drain line and left the door open. And yes it still developed a disgusting musty smell on the clothes and towels- not the actual machine.

When Tshirts and towels got damp, they absolutely smelled horrible. However my machine did not smell. I use extra water and extra rinse thinking that would help with the horrible smell. It didn't matter if I used hot water or cold water. The musty smell would not go away. I tried everything to get rid of it and nothing worked until reading a few suggestions above. This is what I did 2 weeks ago, and nothing smells anymore.

First empty the water from the drain pump tube and drain pump filter in the front of the machine(on the lower left side). Run the tub clean cycle twice with HE clorox.Empty the drain pump tube after each tub clean cycle. Then run the tub clean cycle again with Affresh(sold at Krogers). Then only use Tide HE powdered detergent, NO liquid detergent. My clothes and towels no longer stink. There is no smell which is great. I am still emptying the water from the drain pump after every one or two loads because I am paranoid that the smell might come back.

Post by RA4758

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

You might want to check if your make and model of washer had a recall on the rubber seal. My parents had the same problem with their washer, brand new, and my dad researched it and found out online that they were replacing rubber seals for that model because a certain mold was growing inside the rubber and nothing kills it. I am not sure what make and model they had, however. But it is the consumer's responsibility to contact the company for a new seal. Good luck!

Post by emahist09

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have a Duet. It stinks. I took the advice online and removed the lower front panel. The screws were easily removed with a 7mm socket. When I removed the filter, it was gross. I cleaned it out and am now running a small load of rags with bleach and hot water. I hope this helps, because I'm about ready to kick the thing to the curb.

I also have troubles with my Duet dryer. It twists sheets and long sleeved dress shirts together. It's crazy.

I never should have gone with this product. When they fail, or when I just can't stand it anymore, I'm going back to the good, old-fashioned top loader washer and normal dryer.

Post by emismom

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

A few of these were right for me. I have whirlpool duet frontloaders. I tried lots of things but what worked was the degreaser using whitest whites not the auto clean, and cleaning the rubber door gasket and then cleaning the filter in the bottom. I only recently got rid of the smell so don't know how long that will last. thanks to all of you with good things to try. (I even went through 2 bottles of the "smelly washer cleaner")

Post by lettssee

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

In the Whirlpool Duet manual it has a monthly maintenance on page 19. You hit a series of buttons and steps with an empty washer and it adds more water you add bleach when the display says Ab and it runs a cycle that cleans. The first time you add one cup and after every month you run it with 1/3 of a cup. It works.

Post by brothermj

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have researched this a bit and know the cause of the odor. The front load washers have a plastic tub
which you can't see) outside of the inner tub. since these washers use so little water the detergent doesn't rinse away completely from the palstic tub and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. to get rid of it you have to run a load with bleach once a week and make sure you only use 2 tablespoons of detergent that is designed for an HE washer. Hope this helps.

Post by eprotsman

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I agree with MEQ; use POWDER HE detergent only! Yes, I have also found it very hard to find HE powders in grocery stores. I use SA8 Premium with BIOQUEST powder from www.quixtar.com I am very happy with it; cleans and brightens beautifully and has a slight , subtle fragrance. It also comes unscented. I haven't noticed a bad smell in my washer since I started using this product. (almost 8 months)

Post by jhem

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

IMPORTANT, regarding a solution to the smell. Like others, I switched from liquid high-efficiency detergent to POWDER "he" detergent, and the smell has drastically improved. The newest issue: recently many of our local stores have cut back or stopped carrying powder HE detergents! We need to get the word out to our local grocery/super stores that we need them to carry powder HE detergent! If anyone has ideas on the best/most 'efficient' ways to do this, please post.

Post by MEQ

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have owned my first HE front load washer for over 1 year. I read many post about "moldy smelling" washers and owners wanting to know what to do to get rid of or prevent it. Through much research and trial and error of my own , I have discovered that you should NOT use liquid HE detergent or liquid fabric softeners! The fat content and oils in these products is what builds up in the washer and causes mold.

By using ONLY powdered HE detergents (and use less than what they call for) and ONLY dryer fabric softener sheets, I have eliminated any moldy smell or build up. Also occasionally add Oxiclean powder (which contains "sodium percorbonate" and "sodium carbonate", the same ingredients that are in AFFRESH) to your detergent , and this will also help keep your washer free of mold. I think once you get rid of the mold you have, follow these suggestions and most importantly leave your door open or cracked after you're finished doing laundry for the day, (to dry it out) you should be able to keep your problem under control! Don't give up! Good luck!

Post by jhem

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

It's a 10-minute miracle. We have had our He3 for 6 years and over time it developed "the smell". I took the bottom front panel off - after disconnecting the power - and unscrewed the filter/trap. There was about a cup of water, some slime and a toddler sock stuck in the filter. The door gasket on our machine let go the second year we owned it and I would guess it got sucked down the drain at that time.

It was repaired under warranty but the repair man must have missed the sock in the trap. It took all of 10 minutes start to finish to remove the front panel, clean the trap and replace the panel. All you need is a torx head driver to remove the three screws at the base of the panel. I truly wonder why there would not be an access door to get to a filter so simple to clean. Apparently these things are designed by people much smarter than me.

Post By Steph (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Our Maytag Performa stunk for over a YEAR before we figured out what was wrong. We tried running empty loads or towel loads with vinegar, bleach, etc. and the smell would go away for maybe a week. Then husband finally took it apart and VOILA! TONS of nasty, stinky moldy gunk that had to be cleaned out of everything behind the tub. We have a dog and a cat and I guess the mixture of pet hair and lint was too thick for the 'automatic lint filtering system' to flush down the drain.

You have to take the machine apart and just clean it out (really good - with bleach) and then put it back together and run an empty hot bleach or vinegar cycle. It's a pain in the ass, but it doesn't take too long and it's the only thing that will really get rid of the smell. Running hot empty or towel loads with additives will only kill the smell for a little while: you'll still be washing your clothes with all the gunk behind the tub! GROSS, right? Good luck!

Post By H Lincoln (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Thank you! Thank you! I browsed thorugh all of the suggestions and did a few and what a relief! The one that was so amazing was the advice from Denz19 (the first suggestion for this I read). I can't tell you how gross the filter was. I actually found a piece of underwire from a bra among other intersting things. I guess now I will know to do regular maintenance on my duets. It is worth it because I LOVE them and they do wonders for my million loads of laundry! Thanks to everyone who took the time to give suggestions and take pictures.

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Thank you! Thank you! I browsed thorugh all of the suggestions and did a few and what a relief! The one that was so amazing was the advice from Denz19 (the first suggestion for this I read). I can't tell you how gross the filter was. I actually found a piece of underwire from a bra among other intersting things. I guess now I will know to do regular maintenance on my duets. It is worth it because I LOVE them and they do wonders for my million loads of laundry! Thanks to everyone who took the time to give suggestions and take pictures.

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

(Submitted via email)

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Good morning. We also had a smell, not sulfur but more like petroleum. Definitely clean your machine and remember that not only the dryer but the washer also has a lint trap, so clean each load. Probably the best advice I received was to get rid of liquid laundry detergent. It has oils in it that build up in your machine and cause all that smell. Go back to powder and the trouble will go away!

Laura

Post by Sappie

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

(submitted via email)

We had the same musty smell and decided to replace the rubber gasket. When removing the gasket we noticed a water line at the top of the gasket. It was clogged up with scum. We cleaned it out with a thin wire.

Now we see water running out that line and washing down the inside of the door and gasket. We think this may have cause the smell. Our LG washer is 6 years old. Good luck, Al

Post by Sappie

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

(Submitted via email)

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I have a Kenmore Elite. We paid a lot of money for it and should of been told up front that there were problems to be worked out with front load washers. I would have never purchased one that I had to worry about a musty smell leave the door opened and spend my hard earned money to treat the problem.This is not honest and I believe something should be done about it.

Carol

Post by Sappie

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I'm amazed at what I've been reading for the last hour. I can't wait to strip my washer apart to clean the filter and drain tubes. However, I have to ask...is this what we signed up for when we purchased a high efficiency washer? I'm paying for a monthly cleaner, Affresh (costly), running a hot cycle w/o laundry (heating water, electricity), now maintenance/labor on my washer. My complaint is that my HE washer is more HIGH MAINTENANCE than I am!

I paid a lot of money for my Whirlpool Duet, to help cut utility bills, help the environment, etc. Not sure where the pay off is. Some of you made the comment that laundry is "common sense." If this many people are having a problem with their washers then THERE IS A PROBLEM! If you can't leave suggestions, don't bother leaving condescending insults.

Post By Kim - Ohio (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Use hydrogen peroxide to kill the mold and mildew that is causing that bad smell. Plus, you can add this while washing your clothes. It will kill the mold and mildew and any spores left behind. The hotter the water the quicker it works. Don't be afraid to dump an 8 ounce bottle in a wash cycle.

Post By Walter (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

We had the same problem with our front load washer, the smell was gross and it permeated the whole area. After trying every suggestion in the book, we spoke to a guy at a home show in our area that sold the washers and he said that you have to use HE detergent but DON"T USE THE LIQUID TYPE, it has animal fat in it and that is what causes the smell. Sure enough we bought the HE Powder type detergent and within a few washings the smell is gone. It is such a pleasure, because if you have experienced that smell it is not pretty. Try it you will see it will work.

Post By Debbie (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

LG Tromm - Add maximum bleach into the drawer where soap and bleach goes. Select the Extra Rinse button and hold down for 3 seconds - it will lock into a clean cycle. Do not have any clothing in the machine. Let it run (goes about 1.5 hours) Smell disappeared for me. Run this every few weeks.

Post By Nanaimo (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

My husband used to work for a service company. 9 out of every 10 issues he came across from front load smell were caused from user using regular laundry soap. In front load machines you HAVE to use HE soap. Clean out the smell, then try High Efficiency Soap. It will work.

Post By Paula D. (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

OK after reading all these posts, I got my husband to remove the front panel and remove the filter - it was rank and nasty, he cleaned it out and problem is resolved. I have a Whirlpool Duet.

Post By GT in TX (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

If you use Borax (which I highly recommend, it solved my problem), do not use it with cold water, and do not put it in the dispenser: sprinkle two tablespoons directly over your clothes for each load. Otherwise you risk finding a big clump, hard as rock, in your dispenser after the machine cycle. And that's if you're lucky -- if your unlucky the crystal will form inside the pipe leading to the drum, blocking it and causing a massive flood! I know because it happened to me (but luckily hot water does dissolve Borax crystals so I was able to fix the problem with a little poking and a hot empty cycle).

Post By Neptune user (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have a Kenmore HE3 that had a mildew smell only when the washer drained after not being used for a day or so. I did not have a smell in the clothes or the washer itself. The post about the filter behind the front panel of the machine did the trick for me. However, also clean the tube the drain is inserted into. I had a penny not in the filter but in the tube itself, so it was constantly sitting in water! Have several towels ready--I got several cups of water when I pulled the drain.

Post by suemd

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

The real cure is a product made by Whirlpool called Affresh. I tried it because it is sold by the same people who sell washers. I figured they would know best. I used it once and I instantly smelled the difference. Everyone recommends bleach but that only covers up the problem. Affresh works to remove the mould and mildew. I'm in Canada and its sold in Walmart, Highland Farms, and Future Shop...

www.affresh.ca
www.affresh.com

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Front loaders are fine as long as once you're done washing you leave the door open until the inside is dry. If you don't do this, your washer will stink.

Post By Vaporized (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have tried almost all of the recommendations made here and the one that finally worked was SIMPLE GREEN. I cleaned the filter trap, which was not very dirty, no help. Tried Smelly Washer, no help. Tried Bleach, no help. Tried Borax, no help. Finally ran two cycles with a cup of Simple Green per load and the smell was gone. You can find Simple Green at Home Depot or Lowes for $10 per gallon jug. Try it!

We switched to dry detergent and use dryer sheet fabric softeners instead of Ultra Downey liquid.

Post By Rick D (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Go to www.smellywasher.com this stuff works great!

Post By Dawn (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have a duet and also had that musty smell. You know the rubber seal around the opening? It ATE about 5 socks that were left in there for who knows how long. As soon as I got those out the smell went away. Easy enough ;o)

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Stop, don't throw away these washers just yet. They are great. The mildew is building up between the two drums. Depending how bad yours is, do the following: boil 2 - pots of water and dump them into the washer, close the door and set it to any wash setting with extra rinse settings. Add about 20 oz of clorox bleach or more. No soap. When its done run it again empty so that all the bleach rinses out. Make sure you pour bleach in all the filling ports. Do this once a month. Do it 2 or 3 times to kill all the mildew. You will be fine.

Post By BILL (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Thank you, thank you thank you for the information about the trap door and the filter on the Whirlpool Duet. I have been complaining for about 8 mths about this smell and was ready to loose my mind. My husband took the door off and opened the trap and the amount of water that came out was amazing and the smell was horrible. In the trap was change, a piece of duct tape and lots of gunk! It was disgusting. I did the clean wash cycle after that and now the smell is gone. I will do this monthly to make sure this does not happen again. Thanks for the information-it really helped.

Post By Lisa (Guest Post)

RE: Cucumber Cottage Cheese Dip

I have used this dip with chips, salted crackers such as triscuits, vegetable thins, ritz crackers etc. I have never had it on a bagel but it might be delicious too. I will try it. Thanks for the idea.

Post By Raymonde. (Guest Post)

RE: Cucumber Cottage Cheese Dip

On what kind of cracker? Or would it be best on a toasted bagel?

Post by Dedeswrkshop

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

LG has been sued in a class action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey for mold and mildew smells associated with its front load machines.

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Use a scoop of dishwasher powder instead of laundry detergent in a hot water wash (without any laundry in the machine). Apparently, dishwasher powder has a mold-cleaning chemical that the manufacturers of clothes-washing detergents are not allowed to add. I have heard that this will clean out the moldy smell as well as Affresh, etc. does.

Post By Susan (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Not to beat this topic to death but after reading nearly every post, this is what I took from it. Some is my own opinions and some comments below which I agree with.

Front load washers are somewhat new to north American but have been in existence for a very long time. Front load washers save water, save power, saves money and most of all, saves the environment. One of the biggest differences between the top load and front load would be the amount of soap and fabric softener that you use. Front load uses so much less soap. If you use the HE soap, you must use even less. If you don't, you will create a soapy residue in the washer. Over time, this residue will begin to go moldy. Bleach or vinegar may help remove eliminate this. Also consider using the extra rinse cycle to remove excess soap.

**** Whilpool Duet - this was so easy to fix. There is a trap which stops particles from going down your drain. As documented in a post below, you might be surprised what you find in it. Took me a while to find the trap but once I did, it was so easy. The front panel below the door, remove the three screws along the bottom near the floor. Behind the panel is the trap which is a clear / yellow plastic circular access. Slightly smaller than a fist. Turn that trap counterclockwise and there it is. Yes, have a few towels on hand to soak up the water that will pour out. I found, metal staples, bits of fabric material and other stuff I would rather not say. Once you open this, you will know that this is the source of the bad smell. Simple clean the trap and wipe out the inside and you are good to go. Don't forget to take the soap tray out and give that a good clean.

Photo below of the trap and to the left is the trap access. Good luck!

Post by Denz19

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I have a top loader, 10 years old, and the same problem. It started after I forgot about a load of towels for about 24 hours. I redid the towels but the washer still stinks. I will try 1 c white vinegar and switch to powder cleaner (after I use up my recent mega-Costco liquid). If that doesn't work I will try a product I have seen on a few posts from smellywasher.com

Post By vc (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I took my machine completely apart and found out the problem:

http://baggins.kicks-ass.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=19332

There is no way to clean the area between the drum and the enclosure. The plumbing is also full of the gunk. My washer is 5 years old and has been through many cycles, since I've had a few room mates over the years.

After running a cycle, their is residual water in the pump that needs to be drained through the drain hose as well...

Post By Brad (Guest Post)

Solution to your smell

Ok, I have done it all! Put a whole bottle of bleach in an empty washer and I finally found out what to do! Google it, find it wherever you can, but it is called Afresh, tablets for front washers. You do about 3 the first time and then once a month! My washer doesn't stink anymore! BUT when it dies I am going back to top loader....no doubt! Who the heck cares what it looks like, who is coming in and looking at my washer anyway!

Post By Lynn (Guest Post)

RE: Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

I had to buy a new washer recently and refused to buy a front-loader because I kept hearing about how the front-loaders always had the "musty" smell. I ended up buying a top-loader, but when I mentioned it to the sales clerk, she said with the front-loading washers, after one is finished with washing their clothes, the washing machine needs to be left cracked open.

The sales clerk was from Sears and I assume she knows what she's talking about.

To start with, I'd run a couple of loads of water with bleach through and see if that gets rid of the smell and try leaving the door cracked and see if that helps.

Good luck!

Post by Noella

RE: Washing Machine Smell

We tried everything for our Maytag Neptune washer: ran separate loads of vinegar, Affresh, bleach, you name it. Scoured the machine and was ready to ditch it. Then, stopped using the liquid fabric softener and tried an HE powder (Tide) and it worked! At the beginning, combined the Tide HE powder with Clorox 2 (go figure). Have been using the Tide powder for 8 months now: the whole laundry area smells fresh, the once horrible smelling towels smell fresh. Occasionally I do run a load with hot water, just to make sure. Thrilled with the results.

Post By guest nancy (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

I was having problems with a mildew smell coming from my front load washer for over a year (Whirlpool Duet). I tried several recommendations, but finally found one that worked for me on one of the morning shows.

The first thing I did was wipe down the rubber around the door opening with petroleum jelly to remove any mold buildup. Make sure to get underneath it. They recommended a cotton cloth, but I just used paper towels.

The second step was to add 1 gallon of vinegar to the washer and run an empty load on the hottest setting. I poured the vinegar in thru the detergent dispenser.

It has been about a month and the smell is still gone. I use a liquid laundry detergent, but only about half of what they call for. I also leave my washer door open in between loads.

I hope this helps.

Post By Allieg (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

And don't forget to clean your filters every couple of months too!

Post By Maria (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

I don't understand why people think that mildew is the washer's design or designers flaw. Come on people, you can't be that stupid. It is combination of how you use your washer, how much detergent, luck of hot water! And bleach is not that good for your laundry either.I am allergic to bleach so I never used it.

I've been using mostly FL all my life. In Europe and USA and never ever had any mildew or mold or stains in my washers. At one time I kept washer outside to do laundry and no mildew either. Number one ingredient is HOT WATER. And use hot water often. Warm water isn't really warm. Unless you have water heater right next to your washer or you have a heater in your washer to keep the water at set temperature.

Using extra chemicals? use extra rinse cycles. Laundry isn't science, just little common sense and proper dosing of detergents. Yeah FL are energy efficient, maybe too efficient,so just try little extra hot water and extra rinse and you smells will go away.

Post By Maria (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

How much vinegar do you use to run thru a cycle in order to clean? and do you just pour it into the detergent section? I have a Frigidaire Gallery front loader and just noticed a brown residue along the rubber gasket/boot while wiping out some pet hair - ick. I have noticed a smell but I would not say moldy as much as it is just a sour, stale smell. I tired to wipe out all the brown but it seemed never ending. Any other suggestions? The location of the machine is in the bathroom and the bathroom door makes it difficult to keep the washer door and detergent tray open.

thanks!

Post By TJ (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

My gosh, front. loaders must really stink! After reading all this mess I am wondering if I want one. What brand are yours Fran?

I have friend in WI that has THREE sets of Duets with NO smell problem. She does not clean or leave the door open, she just uses them. Also a friend in Garland TX just returned a set of LG's because of the smell. She followed all of the mfg instructions. So why some good some bad? Pehaps the water type in different parts of the country? My girl friend wants a set of Duets, but I am afraid we will get a stinker. We also live in Garland.

Only a few here mention brands or where they live. Seem too high maintenance for what you get. My top load Kenmore never stunk, but it has finally crashed.

Help! What to do. Do these machine's cycles run longer and do they clean any better than top loaders? Are they really cheaper to operate, considering the purchase cost and the maintenance expense? Input would be appreciated. jd21 AT juno.com. Thanks, Blademan

Post by blademan

RE: Front loader Washing Machine Smell

I have been reading the posts here for over an hour.My towels have smelled mildewy forever as soon as they get wet. I went and took out trap on my Whirlpool Duet model 9100WL. I've had it about 3 1/2 yrs. It was not a bad job. You do have to have a certain screwdriver, which my handyman husband had. It came right out with a counter-clockwise turn with maybe a cup or a little more of water. I had 2 towels ready and a sponge. BE SURE YOU UNPLUG washer first! I also have run 2 cups of bleach through on hot water. Then ran another load with whites before putting in colors. I am including a photo of the trap. I found my daughter's hair band, a penny, what looked like a straw off a broom? and just gross gunk. Smelled pretty raunchy, too.I tried to upload 2 photos, but seems like it allows only one?? There was also some gunk on the other side of the trap* ALSO, I removed the black rubber gasket before I soaked the trap in bleach. It may damage the rubber. I still need to know if I should use HOT water when I run bleach through machine. Someone said the hottest and someone said that it should be only warm for bleach to work.Then I have read to use vinegar AND bleach, but not together (add separately to avoid gases). Does anyone have the RIGHT answer?

Post by graciejane

RE: Washing Machine Smell

When I complained to my local appliance store, I was told it was a design flaw in all HE machines. Does not matter on the brand. The sales person recommended a product called WasherFresh, use on hot water setting, and the mold and mildew residue is gone.

Post By Victoria (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

We just bought a house with a washer and dryer both Kenmore. The washer is a top loader and had a terrible smell that stunk up the whole basement. At first we were going to scrap it but then I took the thing apart and found the mold. After removing the inner drum which was coated with mold I cleaned the outer basket. I took the inner drum wrapped in plastic outside in the sun treated both the outer basket and inner drum with mold killer and cleaned them both. It was a big job but got rid of the smell and no more mold. From now on we will run a cycle with chlorine bleach every month to keep the problem from happening again. Drastic action yes but it did save me $800 on a new washer. Believe me if you saw the mold on the drum, which I suspect is in many washers that smell, you wouldn't wash your clothes in it!

Post by orionwest

RE: Washing Machine Smell

I just finished doing a thorough clean of my LG Tromm Steamwasher using the tub clean cycle. I followed the directions exactly as listed in the owner's manual (they recommend bleach), cleaned out the drain at the bottom - it had some paper and candy wrappers stuck in it. The machine smells great! I use liquid fabric softener for most loads but have started using the "extra rinse" cycle to ensure that all detergent and softener is removed from my clothing/towels (just in case I'm adding too much) - everything is coming out wonderfully now.

Don't forget the reason for a front loader is not only less water use but also that it's better for your clothes! Whenever I accidentally leave towels in the washer (horrible smell here in humid Florida), I just run an extra rinse with vinegar and the problem is solved. Good luck!

Post By Smelling great in FL! (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

Did anyone ever use the washer clean cycle? Does that work?

Post By John (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

Front load washers do not drain the same way as traditional top loaders. So if you leave change or paper in your pockets it doesn't lay in the tub when your done! It cost me allot of money to find such a simple answer to the terrible smell- find out where the drain is in your machine! Ours was so plugged full after several months of an odor I started reading web sites for answers but nobody looked in the obvious place, it's where the water leaves the machine (neither did I).

Our machine from Sears had a lower front panel under the door that came off with with a screwdriver and some patience. As advised by an employee of Sears's contracted repair service we found the drain full of paper candy wrappers and change the kids left in their cloths and other assorted items. We were washing our money, it plugged the drain and cost us allot more money to get it fixed.

Do yourself a favor, forget all the other ideas posted and check out the drain first. And forget about the little bit of mold that builds under the boot, it's likely not source of the odor.

Post By no common sense (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

Run a cycle using hot water and vinegar. Vinegar works well at removing stains and odors.

Jerrick from
http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com

Post By Jerrick (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

There is a product that you are supposed to by specifically to use by itself in the washer every so many wash loads to keep it from mildewing.

Post By Tiffany (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

I understand that putting super lime may help in some cases. - www.washingmachineadvisor.com

Post By Jerrick (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

My problem is solved, wife was complaining of clothes not getting clean, and smelling funny. Turns out I forgot to turn the hot water back on last time I was fixing something else. Figure that will make a big difference.

Good luck everyone

Post By Gary (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

Warning: vinegar will help; bleach will help more -- but NEVER mix these two -- the acid base of vinegar will turn the chlorine in the bleach into chlorine gas. Poisonous gas; very deadly. Chlorine bleach (and products containing it) should never mix with anything but water!

Post By Lesliv (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

The way you use a front load washing machine is different than using a top load machine.

There is less water, so you use less detergent. I have talked to a Tide rep and was told that most people think it's the suds that clean but that's not true. Manufacturers made the detergents sudsy because that's what consumers want.

On front loaders, your wash load size goes more by bulk than amount. You should not wash heavy items and light items together. For example, you should not wash heavy cotton denim jeans with lighter type clothes like thin t-shirts or pants. Its how much water an article of clothing "holds" as opposed to the physical appearance. If the load is mixed like that the washer will go off balance and will not spin properly.

This is true for top load machines also. Your washer and dryer should be cleaned, inside and out on a regular basis. It's a good idea to listen to your washer and dryer at times. Sometimes you can hear a problem before it starts to become bigger.

I always have the radio on in my car but I take the time on occasion to listen to my car with the radio turned off. There were times when my car needed some type of maintenance work done because I told my husband that the car didn't sound right.

Post By Barbara (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

I have owned a Kenmore front load washer for about six years and have never had a problem. I keep the detergent/bleach/softener drawer open and the washer door open when not in use. I know some people can't do this due to space.

I have hard water and use Borax in every load. I use about 1/4 - 1/2 capful of Wal-mart brand liquid clothes detergent. The amount depends on the size load.

I use warm or hot water, at times I will use an extra rinse depending on the load. I very seldom use diluted liquid softener. Most of the time, not always, I use diluted white vinegar.

I never leave any clothes in the washer for long lengths of time. When I do use bleach, I dilute it and use a small amount. I do wipe the bottom of the front gasket before I remove the clothes with a washcloth.

I never fill any of the dispensers up to the fill line. My clothes come out clean and fresh. I would like to add that majority of our clothes are 100% cotton because we like the feel of cotton.

Post By Ellen (Guest Post)

RE: Washing Machine Smell

Your aunt is right. I have a front loader too and I run it once a week or so with hot water, a cup of white vinegar and bleach. Then scrub it in addition to make sure I've got in all those rubber crevices. The newer front loaders have drains in the rubber that fixed this problem...but the main reason behind the smell is because water gets trapped in the rubber area next to the door...so clean that really well. Also, when you are turning your laundry over, keep a towel nearby to just dry that out between loads.

Post by jediwa72

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