I've recently been given a used heavy duty washer. It has a distinct moldy or mildew smell to it. Help!!?

Question

I've run several empty loads with chlorine bleach added, but the odor is still there. Now what? (also, the washer had sat for several months unused before I received it.)

Answer 1

In the middle where you put the fabric softener. it should be able to be pulled out.There is always mildew and mold in it just get sponge and wipe it out.

Answer 2

Try straight hydrogen peroxide.

Besides running a peroxide wash load you should try taking apart as many parts as you can and cleaning them with hot soapy water. Sometimes, cleaning the outside is just as important as cleaning the inside of a washer.

You might have to replace some parts that have the mold/mildew embedded in them.

Answer 3

You didn't say what brand. If it's a Maytag Neptune, your are stuck with it! It will also start affectng your clothes. I fought with Maytag forever and they were not able to remedy the problem. Paid an outside repair service, and they weren't able to fix it either. I finally threw it out and bought a new one (different brand of course). Since then I have read so many complaints on this washer for the very same problem, I'll never undertand why they weren't forced to recall them.

Answer 4

If it sat fro a long timw with water in it it is probably the outer tub. This tub is often made of plastic which will hold smells longer. I would fill the tub with water and pour in a half gallon of bleach and let it set overnight. These outer tubs can get pretty gross. Soap and slime gets built up insdie of them. You can't see it because the inner tub sits inside of it.

Yoda out

Answer 5

keep add some more bleach, I think if you use it several times it might get better, plus open it and clean it as much as you can.