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Home and Garden > Cleaning > Odors on January 07, 2011

Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Anyone know how to get rotten egg smell out of a front load washer?

By bigpig from Indian

Answers: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Read answers for this question below.
By
02/12/2013

I have a Frigidaire Affinity front loader about 5 years old. I started getting the septic smell after about 2 years. I thought it was something to do with the plumbing but found out today that is not the problem. The washer quit spinning so I went online and found out how to fix it. My sons took the machine apart (very easy - all front access) and there is a sump that is attached to the pump. It is like a large balloon thing that takes any stuff that has made it that far (lint, coins, screws, etc) and keeps it from getting into the pump.

The minute they took it off the house filled with the septic smell. The stuff in it was like black slime and stunk to high heaven. Also the filter for the pump was clogged with lint which also stunk. I don't what idiot decided the filter should be inside the machine but it is. They cleaned everything up, my machine is running again and the smell is gone.

As far as a mildew smell you will get that because it is a front loader. I found a really good solution but you have to be very careful when doing it. Put 1 cup of bleach right in the drum of the machine and put it on the sanitize cycle. When the machine has stopped filling and is starting to agitate add 1 cup vinegar. Put the vinegar in the detergent dispenser.

DON'T ADD the bleach and vinegar at the same time. It will produce a gas that is lethal. Once the bleach is diluted with water it is safe to add the vinegar. Let the cycle run and when it is finished the smell will be gone, as well as any build up and stain on the seal and outer side of the drum.

I have always had a problem with the clothes not rinsing well enough. I use less than the recommended amount of soap and still have to double rinse, sometimes a third time. I found if I do this bleach/vinegar thing about once a month the sudsing issued isn't as bad. I hope this helps.

By
05/23/2012

I've had a moldy mildew smell I have been fighting for a few months in my Samsung Front Load washer, and nothing and I mean nothing has helped! I have scoured the internet trying every tip imaginable & wasted so much money in electrical energy costs trying to eliminate the problem, to no avail. But in a desperate attempt to diffuse the problem for good (before I threw in the towel and trashed the nasty appliance), I got to thinking.

We have a pool sitting in our yard with plenty of pool supplies, so I grabbed one of the many hth dual action chlorinating tablets (the #2) that you put in a floater to keep your pool water sanitized and decided to try a chunk of one.

You shouldn't allow it to come in contact with your skin, so before I unwrapped it, I threw it onto concrete so that it would break into pieces and I took the largest chunk I could find, threw it directly into the tub of my washer with an old towel to help it stay put while "washing", then set the washer to sanitize (which takes about two hours and runs with the hottest water temps possible), and let it rip.

I then ran another cycle on normal wash cold water to rinse out the bleachy contaminants, and every load thereafter smells so fresh, just like the day I had the appliance installed! I was beyond happy! Goodbye mildew! Yes, its that easy after all. Now why didn't the manufacturers think of that?

Note: If you should be one to try this at home, Please do not touch the bleach tablet, and allow the sanitize cycle to run completely before opening the washer door, or the CI bleach fumes will get you! Hot water can release some of the chlorine in the bleach as a gas. They do go away once you run a rinse cycle.

It's truly amazing what a little sanitize tablet meant for a pool can do. Please post back with your results! You can thank me later. 

By
02/20/2011

Replace the big gasket in front. All the bleach and cleaner in world won't fix. There's a class action lawsuit against LG in progress. Replacing gasket costs about 200 unless you do it yourself.

By
02/05/2011

Clean the filter! We tried everything! The only strategy that worked temporarily was adding a little Borax to every load. Then, finally, the machine stopped draining. We read online how to unscrew the front panel and clean out the filter. This not only is going to save the drainage pump, but it got rid of the smell. The interior filter (that is not easy to get to, but a do-it-yourself possible project), was clogged with sewage smelling water and lint. This may not be what's causing the terrible smells in your machine, but it fixed ours! I'm still going to add Borax to every couple of loads of laundry. Hope this helps anyone. The smell was so awful and now it's gone! We're going to clean the filter every few months, hopefully extending the life of the machine as well as keeping the terrible smell far, far away!

By
01/11/2011

I use vinegar to rinse my clothes and leave the door slightly ajar after the last load. Between these two things there is no odor anymore.

By
01/11/2011

Use white vinegar in the fabric softner recepticle instead of fabric softener and when the wash load is finished remove the dispenser drawer and leave the door of the washer open until it has a chance to dry out. I also take an old towel and wipe the door gasket (also under it). This eliminates the damp surface on which mold can grow-hense the smell.

I have used this method on my 2 year old machine with each use and have never had a problem with smell/mold.

By
01/11/2011

Actually it's the gasket from the door, the water gets in there, keeps it moist and mold sets in. That's where the smell comes from. All front loading machines have this problem. Use Bleach in a warm water wash. I would do this frequently, at least on a monthly basis.

By
01/10/2011

Put 2 cups of C.L.R. In washer and set washer on hot water and for the longest time possible, let it go through entire cycle. This will also clean out the drain holes in washer tub. Then let it go through another cycle. This should do the trick, if it still has a lingering odor which it shouldn't repeat it again. This C.L.R. Is wonderful stuff and removes hard water like a champ.

By
01/08/2011

We add vinegar to the wash. Doesn't harm the clothes.

By
01/07/2011

I had that problem. Serviceman told me to cut back on the softener and to run a full wash with vinegar, no clothes.

Questions

Here are questions related to Front Load Washer Smells Terrible.

Remedy for Smelly Front Load Washer

My front loading washer has the worst sour smell. I need some help. I bought the washer cleaner, but it did not phase the smell. I used Clorox bleach and used the hottest water and ran it through two loads, but that still did not fix it. I need help immediately, please.

By Betty from Hurricane, WV

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Most Recent Answer

By jholl0829 08/17/2011

I have a front loading HE washing machine as well. The cause of the odor is using too much detergent! We are all used to using too much detergent because of the older style top loading machines. These use less water and need less detergent. The detergent companies love us for these old habits.

The solution is to get down and dirty and clean out the mold from the rubber gasket. It is smelly and gross but you need to get rid of it. It is behind the gasket, under the folds of rubber or silicone whatever. Get an old washcloth, dampen it with water and scrap it out using the washcloth as your scraper. Next, use white vinegar and go over it all again.

Next, run the washer through a regular cycle or quick cycle with a quart or so of white vinegar. Make a habit of leaving that door open when you are finished with a load. Above all, learn to use less detergent so the mold doesn't have anything to grow on. You should hate having to clean out that disgusting mold. It is dangerous to your health and the health of your family. The clothes will be clean with less and your pocketbook will love you for it as well with a savings in detergent. Best wishes to all.

Archives

Here are archived discussions related to this page.

Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I made a large batch of liquid laundry detergent. I have a front loading washing machine (which I love). My problem is when I go to remove the clothes, if it isn't the second it stops, they begin to get a foul odor. I can't say it's the musty smell that occurs if you leave the clothes in overnight either. Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks.

Kim from Sutton, NH


RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (07/31/2007)

By caddie

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (08/01/2007)

By Linda in AL

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (09/27/2007)

By Tina

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

Although the jury is still out, the odor problem with 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 run on hot, such as 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), yuk I live in New England. (11/12/2007)

By WeBMartians

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (11/16/2007)

By Mayra

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (11/18/2007)

By Jerry

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. I called again and was told to buy some more. Then a neighbor let me use just a tablespoon of a natural washer cleaner from:

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. (12/16/2007)

By Joann

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (02/20/2008)

By Chris

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

You can buy the tablets at Best Buy to reduce odors. (04/17/2008)

By Jeff

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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 gunk 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. (05/29/2008)

By Emily R.

RE: Odor From Front Loading Washing Machine

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. (07/02/2008)

By littletoe46


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I have a Bosch front load washer that smells terrible. A friend researched this and claims that it is from the "fish oils" in the liquid detergent. Has anyone ever heard of this? She suggested running "hot" water and bleach through it twice and then switching to use HE powder detergent instead.

By KellyRaeB from OH


RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

My front loader that I have had for years also smells and the remedy for this is: First, leave the door open so it can dry out and secondly once a month I put through 1 cup of bleach (of course without any clothes). This was recommended by the Kenmore when I purchased my new front loader. Happy Laundry Day. (09/26/2009)

By Heidemarie

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I came across a website called Odor Medic and it can be reached at this web address odormedic.com. They have a product there that sounds like it will work. I'm ordering one of their products for eliminating cat urine. A friend of mine has two cats and the smell in the home is horrific. (09/29/2009)

By instruction4me

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I found a product that Tide has put out especially for cleaning your washer. It might work for your problem or it might not. Might have to use the Tide cleaner 2-3 times, but you will have to try it and see.
Dawna (09/29/2009)

By Indianone

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

We had the same problem. The suggestion was made to prop open the lid where you put in the soap, etc., after the final use. Also, wiping off the glass and rubber seal helps. I usually leave the door open for a few hours after the last use. I prop the lid open and leave it that way until the next use. It worked, no more smell. This might work for you, too. (10/01/2009)

By pikkymama


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

My top loading washing machine smells like an old sock, or something is stuck inside. It just smells so bad, and as a result the house is smelling too. How do I clean this?

By TeresaE. from Salt Lake City, UT


RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Run your washing machine with nothing in it but bleach. (12/15/2009)

By mandihere

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Your washing machine water will never get hot enough to kill germs. Run a cycle with bleach and cold water. You may have to do it twice. Do this at least once a month or more frequently if necessary. Wipe the gasket(s) off with soap and water. I returned my front loading pair after experiencing the smell. I don't need something else to maintain. (12/17/2009)

By ahastings7878

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

After you have run the bleach through the front loader using hot water and the longest cycle possible (and all the odor is gone), never use commercial laundry detergents again. I had the same problem and quite often had to wash the washer. However, for over 2 years now I have been using my own home made detergent and have no odors to date. I got the recipe right here on ThriftyFun and it is a life saver, cleans great, saves money and you can now enjoy your front loader.

What most people do not understand is that the commercial makers of detergents recommend using way too much of their product. Of course that is their way of making money but is really bad for the environment and your machine not to mention your wallet. Before I started using my own detergent I was ready to throw my front loader out the back door! (12/17/2009)

By TAbbott972

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

It is recommended that you always leave your front load washer door open so that it doesn't develop mold or mildew, which is where the smell is coming from. So after you clean your machine and gasket with bleach, you should leave the door ajar between use from now on. (12/17/2009)

By emmamamie

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I use white vinegar instead of softener in my front loader, and also leave the door open after for several hours or overnight to dry out. Since I have been doing this I haven't had any more trouble with mildew in my machine. (12/20/2009)

By willsmaw

re: your TOP loading washer, odor problem

Sorry I did not get to this sooner. The replies I see listed so far, talk about front loading machines having odor problems, but you are asking for help with a TOP loading machine. I wonder, have you ever done a cleaning/scrubbing with your top loading machine? What I mean is that you would run your machine through a heavy duty wash cycle for the longest time on the dial with as warm a water as you can, with very little detergent, and maybe a little bleach. While that is running, scrub beyond the round top part of the wash tub and above it. I usually use an old toothbrush. Then I use a wash cloth to wipe it off.

I also scrub all around the lip where the top lays down flat, and under the area where the lid stands up. Squeeze your brush/washcloth under as much as you can. I can usually get it sparkling white. I also scrub the agitator and fabric softener dispenser. Most of the dispensers will pop apart so you can clean them well. My old machine did not, so I had to fill it with hot water and then rinse it out. I did get that all clean too back then. I rinse these things with cup fulls of the washing water. Then I just let the machine finish that load; and then run plain cold water through a wash cycle. When that is done, I leave the top lid open, at least 24 hours and I have never had any odor problems.

I hope this helps you. (01/11/2010)

By carnation037


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

How do you get the smell out of an older Maytag front loader washing machine?

By Bramma5 from Bend, OR


RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I have never had this problem but have you tried to clean your washer with baking soda? One good thing about baking soda, it cant hurt it so, try it and see if it helps. Hope this helps. (01/14/2010)

By hodgemelody

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I have a front loading washer. Have you cleaned out the drain that is behind the front panel? If not, try that. Also, we were recommended by the maker of our washer to use Clorox wipes between washes and to run a "cleaning" cycle with bleach, too. Hope this helps. Check your owner's manual for additional tips. (01/15/2010)

By CarrieLyne

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Always use a little Clorox with your loads. I add a teaspoon to the colored load. It will not affect the colors. I took the chance when I decided to purchase a front loader. Also, leave the door open after you are finished washing. Right now, what you need to do is pour a cup of Clorox, even the scented kind, directly into the washer, put the washer on the longest cycle and let it run until finished. (01/15/2010)

By theshrimp

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Do not use liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener. Forget bleach, Affresh, removing panels, etc. If you use powdered HE the smell will go away, I speak from experience. (01/18/2010)

By syntoniser

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Is it a Neptune? If so, a few years ago there was a recall on them, and Maytag replaced the part that held water that caused the smell. It made a difference on our Neptune. You may want to contact Maytag. (01/18/2010)

By Squirrley

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

You have to leave the door open all the time the washer isn't in use, because, unlike a top loader, the seal is air-tight and the bacteria start to grow in the dark and damp interior of the machine immediately when the washer stops. Run an empty, hot water cycle with washing soda, or distilled vinegar, or bleach, then leave the door open. (01/18/2010)

By soup-lady

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

My Kenmore front loader has a "cleaning cycle". You run it with hot water and some bleach. I don't like using extra water and electricity to run the machine without cleaning anything. But I've kept the smell away for 3 months by keeping everything very dry.

When you finish the last load of laundry for the day, use a piece of terry towel to soak up any water that collects around the seal. Also dry standing water in the detergent dispenser. Then leave the door and the dispenser open so they'll dry out quickly. (01/19/2010)

By Elaress


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

We have a front loading LG washer and have had an odor like rotten eggs coming from the washer and our clothes. The manufacturer says to use the hot tub clean cycle.

We have tried bleach tablets from Home Depot, and I drain and clean the sump filter each month. After a couple of washings, the smell comes back.

We are fed up with the washer. Any help would be appreciated. I have heard of other loaders having the same problem with mildew, mold, and rotten egg smell.

By Allen from Ft. Lauderdale, FL


RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

Can you use regular borax or washing soda, or even baking soda in a front loader? They can be fabulous deodorizers. If you are allowed to use them, I would try them first. I would put borax or baking soda (the packages have quantities) in every load and see if it helps.

Do you have well water? Well water is not generally chlorinated, which means it is faster to grow bacteria than "city" water that has been treated. If you have well water, you might talk to your well servicing company and find out if it would be worth it to install some sort of a treatment system that will put something into the water before it gets to your washer. (02/16/2010)

By Jilson

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

One of my local TV stations just covered this issue during last night's newscast (though I watch a different station - they've been promoting the story over the last week.) http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/84516452.html

Quick notes from the article:
<< A quick scrub in the bathtub can get rid of the nasty slime, but how do you prevent this from happening altogether? Jordan says more maintenance. >>

<< There are some things that you can do to keep mold from building up inside your machine. One is to keep the door open between loads. It's also important to use special detergent made for high efficiency machines and if you are having an odor problem it's recommended that you use a washing machine cleaner product at least once a month. >> (02/17/2010)

By COflower

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I own an LG and had the same problem. I stopped using liquid soap and only use HE powder and I haven't had this problem since. Initially, I did run a couple of loads using my dishwasher crystals and hot water to wash my throw-rugs. I leave the door and the soap dispenser drawer open between loads too. Good Luck! (02/19/2010)

By ddpmkrupa

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

When I am finished with the laundry I put 1/4 cup white vinegar in the machine and leave the door open and it solved it for me. I also wash the rubber ring with a solution of bleach and water and an old rag every two weeks. Be sure the windows are open and you have your gloves on and wearing something old. (02/19/2010)

By rasta

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I live in south FL and have a front loader also. Make sure you use HE detergents, leave the washer door open and let it dry out before closing, periodically run a cycle using just bleach, and remember to wipe the seal on both sides with a bleach rag occasionally. (02/20/2010)

By PDG

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

This worked for me: if your washer has a light bulb, remove the light bulb. After each wash load, leave the front door open, leave the detergent load area open (mine happens to be on top); after each wash load take washcloth/towel and swipe around the rubber gasket to soak up leftover water and leave the door OPEN (that's why you take out the light bulb!) and let it air dry between wash loads. Yeah, I know, these machines are expensive and we shouldn't have to do those, but the energy savings are worth it! Good luck. (02/20/2010)

By ginblossom

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

We have an LG front loader also; don't give up. I started leaving my washer open when I am not using it. I started doing that because I remembered that it is what laundromats do all the time: they leave the washers open to prevent odors and mold. You still have to do the draining thing but try leaving it open to "air out." It really works! (02/21/2010)

By Pammy50

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I've always used plain, white vinegar to clean the "guts" of my washer (and my coffee pot!). The washer gets done about four times a year. Use almost a half gallon and pour it into the detergent spout and run the washer on the regular cycle. When it has completed the full cycle, run it again with plain water. The vinegar removes all the built up "yuckies" inside the "guts" of the machine. As for the coffee pot, I fill the pot with half vinegar and half water and run it through a regular brew cycle, sans filter. When done, run it through with plain water two or three times to remove any remaining vinegar odors. This cheap remedy works wonders! (02/26/2010)

By JoycieK

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I had the same problem over and over. It ended up being a sock stuck in the pump of front loading washer. Always wondered where those socks went? (03/04/2010)

By slufootsue

RE: Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

We had the same problem when we first got ours. Like someone posted above, you must leave the door open between washings. The seal is so tight on the door it doesn't allow the washer to 'breathe.' (03/18/2010)

By jahummell


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

I have a Maytag front loader washing machine. It really stinks inside like mildew. How can I get rid of the smell?


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

How do I get rid of the odor coming from inside the front load washing machine?


Front Load Washer Smells Terrible

My Whirlpool Duet front loader has an awful smell (like rotten eggs) when I run it. It seems to be coming from the water hose. Any ideas how to fix this? It really stinks.

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