Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Lynda G. (Guest Post) (07/19/2008) Ok. I've read all the posts on this site. I have a Bosch front loader that stunk up my house for months. I had to have a repairman come out. He said all the things that are posted here to keep the washer clean. I am fed up! Just tell me where to sign up for the class action suit! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Paul Flynn (Guest Post) (07/16/2008) Washer and towel odor is caused by overuse of detergent and/or fabric softener. I sell a completely natural washer cleaner at www.smellywasher.com that is guaranteed to easily and safely remove fungus odor from ANY washer and towels easily and safely by simply adding a tablespoon of the cleaner to a hot setting and allowing to agitate/soak. There are 24 treatments in one bottle. More information is available on our blog page at smellywasher.com Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post by littletoe46 (2) | (07/02/2008) Contact Stop using Biological powders. Run machine several times, empty, on a very hot wash, adding a small amount of bleach. The smell might take several weeks before it is eliminated altogether. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Pat Trites (Guest Post) (06/26/2008) We purchased a High Energy Ariston front-loading washer and dryer from Home Depot two years ago and were advised to always keep the washer door ajar to prevent odour. This has been done faithfully but has not prevented a moldy smell from forming in the washer. I now learn that this is a common problem with all front-loading washers. It is outrageous that we pay good money for products that have such an obvious design flaw. The gall of manufacturers that keep producing such junk and expect consumers to mask the problem by using Affresh tablets once a month - with hot water yet! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By (Guest Post) (06/15/2008) I too have the same problem with musty smell...I've read on other posts to leave the door open for the machine to air dry. I do this BUT, I think this is hazardous to anyone with small children or pets. The filter under the front panel should be cleaned every 6 months or so - totally difficult to get at. How come doing laundry has gotten so complicated. We should stick to the old fashioned top loaders for great smelling, clean clothes and no mold. So much for innovation. These machines need to be recalled..PS I have a GE..Cheryl in CT Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Denise Ouellette (Guest Post) (06/08/2008) Wow! I am a bit depressed. I just bought a Kenmore front loader machine. I didn't know anything about the smell. I think Nancy T. has every right to be upset. Hope something can be done for her. I just pray that I don't have this same problem because I will fight it too. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Emily Robinson (Guest Post) (05/29/2008) I had/have the same problem, However my Sears repairman showed me a part underneath the washer a shaped drain pipe that HOLDS LINT, TISSUE, PAPER, HAIR ETC. he removed it and then sold me a product that looks like a big salt tablet than removes the gunck and smell you have to run this tablet once a month or use three tablets every 3 months. But it just like lint in your dryer filter that is causing the smell!! Report Spam or Abuse Mold, Health Problems from Front -loading washing machines Post By Kate C (Guest Post) (05/26/2008) My family and I developed health problems after buying a Maytag front-loading washer and dryer that were placed in our upstairs laundry alcove only a few feet from each of our bedrooms. We had no idea a new washer could not only be(dangerously) defective but also that it could CONTINUE to be sold with KNOWN problems. Who knew? I want to at least WARN other potential customers since the appliance manufacturers are certainly not doing so. We thought that our problems were related to our new home and not our new washing machine! Not until the black mold began appearing all along the seal opening did we began to have a clue as to the cause of our ills. We too tried everything others mentioned from bleach to running a dehumidifier to using the new HE detergent. We used hot water on loads and never once used fabric softener. We left the washer door completely open in spite of the eyesore it caused sticking out into our main hallway. We wiped the interior out every darn day and cleaned out the water and the disgusting muck that grew in the collection opening around the opening. It boggles the mind that a product could be sold that created disgusting muck worse than anything coming from say rotting garbage or changing the oil in your car. I mean this was sludge. It was ironic that the more we used the machine the worse it got None of these measures fixed the drainage problem the washer will ALWAYS have. As a consequence of buying a Maytag high-end duo for $1800, we have suffered with stinky hair, smelly clothes, moldy house along with thousands of dollars more in medical expenses for allergy and respiratory problems related to dangerous mold caused by their design defect. Regardless of the repertoire of evolving excuses the salespeople and the manufacturers CONTINUE to offer, the poor design in front-loader washers inherently allows mold to thrive. The water does not effectively drain. It is far worse than what most consumers realize since the mold and mildew are in areas they can't readily access -like the drum. The effect mold has on the immune system is nothing to scoff at. My son whose bedroom is four feet from the washer area has been the most ill. As with other consumers, we did not learn of the Maytag class-action lawsuit and pending settlement until the deadline had passed to file a claim. Maytag never sent us any class-action notification in spite of our previous product registration for warranty purposes.(No surprise there). Maytag's policy is indifference if you weren't fortunate to have heard from other victims or happened upon the info. in a "timely" manner. In our case, we missed it by four months. TOUGH LUCK. They will not only Not replace or repair the defective washer, but have the NERVE to charge more $$$ for a technician to come out and simply screw on an additional piece that will supposedly help with the moldy seal around the opening. This is OUTRAGEOUS not only because it is further taking advantage of a customer (victim), but even more so because it is not addressing the UNSEEN MOLD in the inner workings that is even more of a problem! My feeling is that they made a defective product and knowingly sold it as they continue to do today. This is blatant FRAUD. These manufacturers should be responsible for all damages, period. Unfortunately, the law, at least with Maytag, who has settled their class action suit, is with the manufacturers. We are gladly throwing our washer away, will never consider buying another Maytag brand for the lack of customer service alone, and will stick with past top-loading technology with its proven track record. A washing machine is certainly not worth your health and even if some models have improved on the design failure, I would hesitate to ever buy one again since they are not as safe. Thanks to all who took the time to write about their experiences. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Charlene (Guest Post) (05/25/2008) We all know why we have Olfactory sensors, to detect and warn us of anything harmful or unpleasant to avoid, and so when my adult son 'with the keen sense of smell' met up with the unpleasant odor at our back door one day, he couldn't resist this reaction, 'My Lord Mother, whats that stench'? Believe me I have tried everything to clean up our 'Bosh Front Loading Washing Machine' the list is long of things I've tried. Up until now and only after reading Nancy T.'s comments did I think the only thing that was left to do is to get on bended knees and pray for a solution. She really makes some excellent points. These manufactures should be held accountable for what they have caused. Isn't an automatic washing machine suppose to free up time, not make you a slave to cleaning it after every wash? Doesn't 'HE' mean 'High Efficiency'? Would I be better off using my Mothers old Wringer Washer? Give me a break, running more hot water, buying tablets to fix the odor, mixing concoctions, wiping everything down after every wash, this is totally a waste of consumers time and $$. I am exhaustingly fed up, so after I am done writing this, I intend to write a letter to my Government Representative, Attorney General..the ombudsman...and anyone else I can think of to bring awareness of how completely & utterly crazy this has become. Isn't there a television show that would do an investigation on this...Wouldn't 20/20 or 60 minutes love to get their hands on information like this. Anybody have any suggestions? Or know how we can get them involved? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By andrea from lancashire (Guest Post) (04/26/2008) my washer is smelling too, its making my washing smell like sweaty socks, does anyone out there no why this is PLEASE Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Deb (Guest Post) (04/20/2008) Hi Kim I to have the front loaders which I absolutely love. I've never had a problem with any odors, I think it may be your mixture. However I do have a problem with hard water build up. The fix for that is when I do a load of whites I add about a cup of cascade powder, which cuts any build up in the washer and the water lines, plus it helps in brighting your whites. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By jka758 (Guest Post) (04/20/2008) I have a top loader not a front loader and the smell is horrific. It might be caused by buildup. I'm switching to dryer sheets but what can I do about getting rid of the buildup and odor in my washer. I tried some stuff called Happy Camper that is used for my travel trailer tanks hoping that would get rid of the smell and gunk (I guess there's gunk but it's not visible on the parts of the washing machine that I can see). So far I have had no luck (used it twice, second time let it stayed in the machine soaking overnight). I'm thinking maybe some kind of degreaser to disolve the crud is needed. Has anyone tried a degreaser? If yes what kind and how did you use it? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Jeff (Guest Post) (04/17/2008) You can buy the tablets at Best Buy to reduce odors. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Carolyn from Pennsylvania (Guest Post) (04/01/2008) We just purchased a front load washer and I really do love it. My clothes come out so clean and smelling really clean too. After a few washes though I did notice a bad smell in the washer. My husband says we have to buy tablets to put in it. The problem is, I can't find the tablets anywhere. Any suggestions where to buy them? I did notice the muck that builds up in the rubber ring of the drum. I will try wiping that out more often and leaving the door open between washes. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Paul Flynn (Guest Post) (03/21/2008) I anyone is willing to take before and after pictures of their smelly washing machine we will pay the pictures and supply a washing machine cleaner that will remove the odor. Please email us at lab AT smellywasher.com or call 952-465-6444 Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Carol (Guest Post) (03/03/2008) Thanks for all the information on this site. I was wondering what to do about the smell. I've had my Machine a couple of years and the smell just occurs when the first wash is over and the water starts emptying. Lots of our friends and relatives in England have had front loaders for years and they've never had this problem? Thanks once again, Carol Vancouver, Canada. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Jackie (Guest Post) (03/02/2008) It happens to me too! DRIVES ME NUTS! I WANT MY TOP LOAD BACK! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post by kerped (2) | (02/25/2008) Contact I have the Whirlpool Duet wahser that was over $1000 and it is stinking up my downstairs! It is only 2 1/2 years old. I have just read several of your replies and I am going to try some of them, but I am so frustrated with the horrible smell! I have tried cleaning it with a cloth, and wiping away the brown grime. I don't use very much HE detergent, but it still smells horrible. My towel stink, and most of all my laundry room smells horrible everytime I open the door to the washing machine (with two small children that is a lot!). I definately think the manufactures should be held accountable! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Chris (Guest Post) (02/20/2008) Use the special HE soap. We use the cheaper one from Sears in the big bucket with the pink lid. My sister said you CANNOT use the regular laundry soap in the front loaders or they will get smelly in time. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Ellen (Guest Post) (02/14/2008) Well, we purchased our front loader and no one mentioned this odor problem obviously. Bought in August and by December threw out all towels thinking it was something I washed it with. A month later same thing- then I looked online. I am very upset by the fact that I paid alot of money to have to clean out a washer every week - cause it's not once a month that I have that smell. I have always wiped it down and ran bleach through it today. I have purchased those tablets too that are specifically made for this type washer. You would think that if they make these tablets then they would change the design so this doesn't happen. I also don't have the clean washer cycle that others have. I have the TROMM Steam washer. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By John F. (Guest Post) (02/12/2008) I was suspicious of all the postings about smellywasher cleaner too. But I tried everything else and as a last resort I tried their washer cleaner. I really does work! It took 2 cleanings is all! I'm leaving this posting because I emailed them about how satisfied I was with their product and they asked me to post on msg boards for a free order. The problem caused by following detergent instructions! Just use 1/4 of what they say. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Thomas J (Guest Post) (02/12/2008) I have an odor to my washer and clothes also! I've baking soda, vinegar and even citric acid. I've also used "affresh" 3 times per instructions from whirlpool with no success AT ALL! Does anyone even know what really causes the odor? I'm really nervous that it's a mold because of health issues. I'm about ready to try to return this unit for a different washer! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Karen (Guest Post) (01/03/2008) I agree with Nancy T. The manufacturers of these machines should be held accountable for this problem and added expense to the consumer. We bought a LG TROMM front loader in April. The towels were the first to smell, so I started washing them on the sanitary cycle only to have my gas bill skyrocket because of the extra hot water needed to get the smell out. We're very disappointed to have paid that amount of money. We even did a lot of research before we purchased the set, but apparently we didn't dig deep enough. The thought never occurred to us that they might smell. This is our third washer and dryer set in 27 years. Our first set was used, our second set lasted 15 years. None of the washers ever had the odor this one has, after only 6 months. I only used softener two times. BUYERS BEWARE! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Barb (Guest Post) (12/28/2007) I had the odor problem with both my front end loading machine and my old traditional machine. My repair man told me that the smell was due to too much detergent build up. He told me to cut the detergent in half and that has helped significantly. I use half of the recommended amount of the HE detergent and I also leave my door open when I'm not using it. I don't have small children or animals to worry about. Cut back on the detergent after you run it through a good cleaning cycle. I think it really works. The clothes are just as clean. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Joann (Guest Post) (12/16/2007) Message to Nancy T. I also called the manufacturer and was told to order a cleaner called "Affresh" that they sell. I bought it and it didn't make a bit of difference -called again and was told to buy some more! Then a neighbor let me use just a tablespoon of a natural washer cleaner from WWW.SMELLYWASHER.COM! My washer smells like new! I ordered some and it takes only a teaspoon to get rid of mildew smell from a load of towels. Also, their tech support is great! It's been 2 months and still no smell! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Anne (Guest Post) (12/15/2007) I am at my wits end. My husband almost vomits every time he uses a freshly washed towel after a shower. They are ruined and rank. My laundry room and hallway adjacent to the laundry room STINKs when I run the washer. It is so gross. This Bosch washer is only 2 years old. It is absolutely disgusting. This morning I hugged my daughter and she stunk of moldy clothes. It's really becoming a great source of annoyance for us. What do I do? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Abbey K. (Guest Post) (12/15/2007) We had frontloaders from GE for years with no problem. We bought a Maytag front loader 1 year ago and everything stinks. Nancy T. is right. If we are slaves to our washers and we dump highly poisonous bleach and run extra loads of energy sucking carbon dioxide producing hot water, the washer is not only less energy efficient, but dangerous with the door open, we were duped and cheated. By the way, if you have a septic system every time you add a cup of bleach, your system is stopped and it takes 24 hours for bacteria to recover and digest the stuff. If you have a municipal sewer, bleach causes much damage to streams because it is not removed and creates dioxin. We will not increase our bleach use because of their bad design. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Nancy T. (Guest Post) (12/13/2007) THIS IS SO TRUE: From 'Jane'. Mold in New energy efficient front loading washing machines - A Health Hazard What is the matter with us that we are accepting this outrageous product flaw? It's MOLD people! MOLD which causes allergic reactions, skin and lung problems and is a health risk for crying out loud! Let's put the blame exactly where it belongs and keep it there until manufacturers clean up their act! What in the world are we thinking when we allow ourselves to be forced to jump through these ridiculous hoops just do do laundry!? I am furious and it is over something as stupid as a washing machine! A WASHING MACHINE! Manufacturers woeful response to government regulations for new water efficiency washing machines has my family's clothing smelling like a stinking, rancid, moldy basement! This is absolutely absurd! I have been told to change laundry detergent, run hot bleach water through my washer and, get this; my washing machine is 1 year old and my clothes smell filthy! The mold and mildew from these nasty machines have wreaked havoc through skin rashes and allergies in my children! I paid over $1,000.00 for this da*ned washing machine and THIS is what is being sold to the public under the disguise of efficiency!? I have been on the phone about this problem. I have, over the past 3 months, with a technician on the phone, been instructed to do the following: *Make sure I use high efficiency detergent THAT will fix my problem. Wrong. I was already doing that! *Clean the lint trap (that is stupidly behind a metal access plate that you have to use a screwdriver to remove screws to get to it EVERY TIME) and THAT will fix my problem. Wrong! *Clean the water hoses; THAT will fix my problem. Wrong! *Clean the gasket around the door. THAT will fix my problem Wrong! *Clean the tub with bleach water. THAT will fix my problem. WRONG! *REMOVE the hoses and clean the pump. THAT will fix my problem.(By the way, good luck with THAT). WRONG AGAIN! *Take the pump out entirely and clean all inlet, outlets and hoses. THAT will fix my problem. WRONG! WRONG!! WRONG! NONE of this fixed my problem of filthy, wet, stinking, rancid clothing that has endangered my family's health! I even washed my children's clothing out by hand in the bathtub and put them in the washer just to rinse and spin and they STILL smelled awful. Finally, at the end of my rope, I returned to the appliance store from which I purchased this machine and they have told me that they cannot accept a return. They will not accept a return and I have to deal directly with GE. I HAVE dealt with GE up until the final straw when I they told me I needed a new pump, but so sorry, your warranty JUST expired 3 days ago! Furthermore, my pump was fine. I did NOT need a new pump and have now been told that I cannot return the new, unused pump that cost me another $183.00. Now, I have now been told that this is a problem with ALL front loading washing machines and, as regular maintenance, I should DO THE FOLLOWING: VIA A FAX TO THE APPLIANCE STORE FROM A MANUFACTURER *First, run a full complete wash cycle on hottest setting containing Bleach  * Note: wash cycle on my machine takes 1 hour and 20 minutes *Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using high efficiency laundry detergent for another 1 hour and 20 minutes *Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using Cascade automatic dish washing detergent for an ADDITIONAL 1 hour and 20 minutes *Next, using Bleach water, wipe down entire interior of washing machine *Next, using clean white cloth, wipe entire interior of washing machine dry *Next, leave door open to air out machine LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN!? That is Dangerous people! Just wait until a kitten or worse yet, a toddler unwittingly crawls inside! *Furthermore, I have now been informed that I cannot use fabric softener in the machine even though there is a fabric softener dispenser right in the machine because the new front loading machines cannot handle fabric softener!! Yes, people, our poor new $1,000.00 washing machines cannot handle fabric softener! Give me a break! Finally, I was told that this is new technology and since it is so new, no one really knew these kinds of problems were going to manifest themselves and I just need to try to work with these problems because it is not the manufacturers fault but the GOVERNMENT'S fault! Sorry. Are you kidding me? Now I have a $1000.00 piece of moldy junk that the appliance companies are selling to unsuspecting consumers and hiding their horrible designs by blaming the government and YOU. So, now this is what I want! I want a class action lawsuit which includes ALL manufacturers whose washing machines have exposed the public to MOLD to include the following in some form or another: I want a law that will force manufacturers to properly inform the public of these problems and those who did NOT inform consumers of these issues, COMPENSATE their customers for the $$ it has cost us and the misery and frustration caused by THEIR neglect by NOT informing the consumers of these issues. I want this to be retroactive BACK to at least the year 2005. Furthermore, I want compensated for the cost of buying a top loading washing machine in an effort to keep my family away from the mold and mildew and filthy mess this has caused! Finally, I want manufacturers to own up to the fact that they disregarded the health and safety of consumers in their efforts to profit as much as possible while touting efficiency. Efficiency my Aunt Sadie! Not when you have to run repeated full hot empty cycles over and over and over again! Now I have heard that they have a new 'product' they can SELL to us to inhibit the growth and stench of mold and mildew. SELL TO US!? The NERVE; the unmitigated NERVE to now FORCE US to BUY their NEW product further profiting from this mold disaster THEY CREATED! BS! This is absolutely unacceptable! This is outrageous and we need to speak out about this and make sure our voices are heard! Enough is enough my friends. I am just a homemaker, but I am not stupid and I will NOT allow this to go unchallenged and neither should YOU. No kidding, Jane. No one told me that my $1,245.00 washing machine could not handle fabric softener! No one told me that I would have mold growing in my 8 month old machine ruining my clothes and giving my baby a nasty rash from the stinking MOLD on her clothes! No one told me that I would be chucking over a thousand $ out my door or paying through the nose for some 'Mold B Gone' product trying to strip and flush away mold that should not have EVER been there to begin with. Add my voice to the growing multitude. I am going to copy and paste this into e-mails to all my State Representatives and then to the Attorney General! I urge everyone here to do the same thing! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By GEOHAY (Guest Post) (12/09/2007) I got a GE and have tried everything mentioned and am ready to chuck it. The thing stinks. I think it has ruined our towels. Bottom line it is just a matter of time before a class action is brought against these guys for poor design. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By jerry (Guest Post) (11/18/2007) Check the rubber ring that is around the door. There often builds up some muck in the flaps near the tub. You need to clean it out with a rag and wipe it with some bleach. Also leave the door open after you finish a load of laundry so it can air dry inside. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Mayra (Guest Post) (11/16/2007) Let me start by saying that I also love my front loading set. Previous to purchasing (on July '07), I did a lot of research and decided it was the set for me. I had also read about the clothes' smell from posted reviews. I figured if I'm careful and I leave the door open overnight, it wouldn't happen to me. Well, it did. My towels (regular clothes were fine), started to smell awful, even right after washing and drying. I used bleach, but didn't help. Then, I read the manual in more detail, and my Kenmore HE5t machine has a feature called "Sanitary". I used it to wash my towels with a little bleach and, Voila!! Problem solved! That washing cycle takes almost 2 hours to complete, but I must say I love it! I have not had that problem since then, even after washing the towels on a regular cycle. If the odor returns, I'll just wash them that way again. For added measure, I'm going to start using the "Clean Washer" cycle at least once a month. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By WeBMartians (Guest Post) (11/12/2007) Although the jury is still out, the odor problem w/front loaders seems to come from standing water (just a little bit) in the drum. Here are some approaches to alleviating the problem: Every fourth or fifth load should be hot - bath towels - washing all time time with cold water aggravates the problem. Use HE detergent. If you have a drain filter, service it regularly ... maybe more than just "regularly." Keep the door open between uses - I have cats and cannot. Check out "Affresh" - a tablet (not cheap) that seems to help. Look into using a little bit of tea tree oil occasionally (maybe an empty HOT load). Live in the southwest (low humidity) - yukk - I live in New England. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Tina (Guest Post) (09/27/2007) My towels and clothing had this odor too. I tried bleach, vinegar, baking soda, etc. Other posts said there was a fungus inside the washer that transferred to clothing and especially towels. There is an online product called PUREWASHER that will get rid of both the fungus from the washer and mold smell from towels and clothing. You wouldn't believe the GROSS FUNGUS that comes out! They advise to stop using liquid fabric softener and use less detergent. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Tina (Guest Post) (09/27/2007) Our front load washer had a fungus odor. There was a thick buildup from using too much detergent and also liquid fabric softener. I read on other posts to use a product called PUREWASHER sold on the internet. It took two tries but you only use a couple of tablespoons. GREEN FUNGUS that was covering the outside drum came out. After cleaning the washer you soak any clothes or towels in a solution of the cleaner to get rid of mildew smell. It works great! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post by JoanDogs (79) | (08/01/2007) Profile | Contact I, too, love my front loader and had same problem when I first got it. It and its matching dryer are in my cellar which I run a dehumidifier 24/7. What I've done is leave the door of the washer open [putting a binder clip at the top of the opening so that it leans on the switch for the light] and that took care of the awful odor on my Maytag. I also take a paper towel and dry the rubber gasket at the front so water doesn't remain in that gully. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By JoanDogs (Guest Post) (08/01/2007) I, too, love my front loader and had same problem when I first got it. It and its matching dryer are in my cellar which I run a dehumidifier 24/7. What I've done is leave the door of the washer open [putting a binder clip at the top of the opening so that it leans on the switch for the light] and that took care of the awful odor on my Maytag. I also take a paper towel and dry the rubber gasket at the front so water doesn't remain in that gully. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Linda in Alabama (Guest Post) (08/01/2007) I had a problem with my clothes not smelling clean and then I read an article that too much soap can cause this! I started using less detergent, and the smell went away. I use a little less than 1/2 of the detergent I did when I had a top-loading washer. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine Post by caddie (2) | (07/31/2007) Contact Front loader washers need to be cleaned once a month. They tend to build up mold and mildew if not cleaned in the rubber seal. My front loader washer Duet Sport comes with a cleanwasher cycle. Bleach ONLY is added and it washes through a complete cycle. I also leave the door ajar to help with ventilation as recommended by the manufacturer. I have not had any odors at all. Report Spam or Abuse