Why does my washing machine smell?

Question

I just bought a reconditioned one and it works perfect only it smells a bit. I think it may have been stood outside for a while .I dont want to have to ask my mum!

Answer 1

Mine smelt and I found out it was the mucky water in the pipe that hadn't drained away. I just gave the pipe a shake and it disappeared.

Answer 2

I just bought a reconditioned washer and I have the exact same problem. Works great but everything smells a bit musty.

I'm going to do an empty load of just hot water and bleach to see if that works.

Answer 3

Check that the waste pipe outlet is higher than your washing machine drum as you may be getting drain smells coming back.

Check the filter in the bottom of the drum. This is on the front at the bottom.

Check your soap tray. It comes completely out as you may find festering soap residue has built up.

Do a hot 'Whites' wash with some bleach in the machine [no cloths]

Answer 4

How nice to hear of an independent man - I am impressed. My advise is to make sure that you always leave the door slightly open when not in operation, this will also prevent the door seal from perishing. Have you tried doing a complete wash cycle when the machine is empty, make sure you include lots of nice smelling fabric conditioner. Good luck.

Answer 5

I don't know proper terminology, but I just bought a washer and the sales guy mentioned something about this in our conversation about washers.

At the very top of the tub there's usually some sort of rubber trim. Probably acts as a seal when the washer is running. THis can get mold and mildew growing in it. You could try running th hot water cycle with bleach that others mentioned, but instead of using up all that water, maybe see if cleaning this with a good mold and mildew cleaner might work. i don't know if they can be replaced.

When he was telling me about it, we were talking about apartment washers... and I mentioned mine smelled a little moldy and I didn't know why...

THank goodness we just bought a house and our new appliances arrive tomorrow!

Answer 6

Leave the lid open to help aid in drying out the unit. Usually caused from cheap soap not dissolving during washes. Can also add some vinegar to your load. The vinegar acts as a bleach, so do this with whites. Just search how to get rid of washer odor. Good luck.

Answer 7

It sounds like u have some sort of mutant washing machine. Smelling is a skill normally only enjoyed by those endowed with a nose maybe you should call in some kind of exterminator you never know what it may get up to next.

Answer 8

Could be numerous things, if it is just a musty smell, run an empty load w/ about a cup of bleach, that should help. And for a few days, when it is not in use - leave the lid up/open to give it an opportunity to "air" out. - Good luck

Answer 9

Local store, get some ordinary washing soda (2lb bag) Put the whole bag in, do a very hot wash. This will clear all the fatty buildup from detergent, which can go rancid. After that, a wash in bleach (as others say) to kill any bugs.

Answer 10

It's probably all the other people's clothes that have gone before yours.

Try running a hot wash with some bleach. No clothes. Leave the top open when it's through with the cycle. BE SURE NO PETS OR KIDS WILL FIND THEIR WAY INSIDE.

Answer 11

All that have told you to run your machine through a cycle using hot water and bleach are absolutely correct with their answer. It is important to run your machine through a cycle with hot water and bleach once a month to get rid of mold, mildew and bacteria. Don't forget to clean around the top of the drum on a regular basis as well. Good luck!!

Laundry Queen