Why does my washing machine smell? ?

Question

My washing machine doesn't smell too pleasant. I know there is something you can do to clean it out but what is it? I have run a hot wash through with an empty drum but isn't there something that I can put in to get rid of the smell?

Answer 1

Leave the lid open when not in use to prevent the musty odor.  Add baking soda to the drum while not in use to absorb the odor, when you run the next load the soda will act as a water softener.

Answer 2

yep!   First run a gallon of chlorine bleach through the

wash cycle. Then run a mixture of FEBREEZE and Baking

soda. Bottle to a box 1:1.  Then wash your first load of clothes

and add twice the amount of liquid softener to the wash cycle

and let it finish washing. It should smell great. Weekly take

lemon juice and some baking soda and run them through the

wash cycle. The odor comes from the build up of dirt and soap

scum in the drain lines and the tub drains. If a sewage smell

prevails your drain line on the back has no water in the hose

trap at the bottom. During normal usage a small level of water

remains in the bottom of the  drain hose to prevent sewer gas

from backing up into the machine.

Answer 3

If by chance this is a front loading washer, dry the area at the bottom of the door.  Mine has a gasket material there and retains a slight amount of water.  Instruction manual also suggested to leave the door slightly open a couple of hours after the last wash to allow moisture to evaporate.  

Answer 4

jabba died

Answer 5

Wash it with bicarbonate of soda. Vinegar probably makes it smell worse.

Answer 6

If it smells musty, you could have something growing underneath the washer, or possibly behind it. Look around it, and try tipping it and having somebody look underneath. If there's nothing under it or around it, you might want to have somebody pull the panels off and look inside the washer.

If it's kind of an electric smell, like around old motors that tend to spark a lot, you definitely want to have an electrician inspect it.

If it's neither of these, maybe run a hot empty load with a good scoop of soap and a bottle of lemon juice. That might break up whatever is causing the odor.

Answer 7

There are some disgusting things that go into a washing machine. Dirty socks, filthy underwear and soiled baby clothes can all find their way into the washing machine. Over time, you may begin to notice an odor reeking from the machine caused from a build up of residue. This is a signal that it is time to treat your washing machine in order to keep your family’s clothes fresh.

Things You’ll Need:

1/2 cup of baking soda

2 cups white distilled vinegar

Step1

Decide on the source of the smell. Typically the cause is the machine itself, but occasionally the water being used in the washer can be the source of the problem. If the smell resembles rotten eggs, you may need a water filtration system installed. After you eliminate any other possibilities, you can begin the treatment process.

Step2

Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to 2 cups of white distilled vinegar.

Step3

Begin a wash cycle using the machine’s hottest setting. As the water rises, add the baking soda and vinegar mixture.

Step4

Let the washing machine complete a full cycle. If you notice any residue that has been loosened, use a cloth to wipe the surface clean.

Step5

Run a cold water cycle to complete the process. You should immediately notice that the smell has been neutralized.

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Tips:

Washing your clothes on a cold water cycle can help reduce the amount of residue that builds up inside of your washing machine.



If you do not have vinegar available, lemon juice may be substituted.



Avoid using too much liquid or powder detergent in your washing machine. This can cause the washing machine to smell over time.



Empty the washer as soon as a cycle is done to avoid smelly odors. Leaving damp clothes in the machine can cause a build up of bacteria.

Answer 8

I have had a washer for 15 yrs and not once has it smelled...I have never had to clean it either. I know my fridge went to stinking one time and even though I had cleaned it inside and out it still smelled. After pulling it out from the wall, then I found a mouse got caught in the fan and it got killed and there was my smell....I would pull it out from the wall and have it examined.  

Answer 9

wash properly after the use

Answer 10

I run a low cycle wash once a month with 1 cup of white vinegar added and no clothes.It cleans and deodorises your machine and rinses pipes where the gunk collects and I've never had any odours. A repair man gave me this tip years ago.