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Ewww my washing machine STINKS :(

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I always keep the door ajar (sometimes wide open) but if I don't there's a terrible damp water smell. I've sprayed it with bleach and poured neat bleach inside the rubber rimand then washed through empty but it still smells bad. I use it at least 3 times a week. Any ideas how to get rid of the smell? It might be the water that collects in the rubber rim but I can't tell for sure.

Thanks
Shanni
«13456753

Comments

  • Ticklemouse
    Ticklemouse Posts: 5,030 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    shanni wrote:
    damp water
    :confused:

    As opposed to? :)

    No, on a serious note, I also suffer from the stinky door seal problem. I have tried mopping out the water and scrubbing it with cif etc, but to no real avail. I'm also on the look out for answers to this one. I'm sure it will have something to do with vinegar though :D
  • VickyA_2
    VickyA_2 Posts: 4,577 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Ahem, well since I've been using vinegar in some of my washes, the damp smell seems to have disappeared. It might just be a coincidence, but you never know................ :)
    Sealed Pot Challenge #021 #8 975.71 #9 £881.44 #10 £961.13 #11 £782.13 #12 £741.83 #13 £2135.22 #14 £895.53 #15 £1240.40 #16 £1805.87 #17 £1820.01 declared
  • Ticklemouse
    Ticklemouse Posts: 5,030 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Right, I'm off to clean my machine by putting it on a wash with no clothes and ............

    VINEGAR

    Let you know how I get on.
  • frizz_head
    frizz_head Posts: 7,339 Forumite
    I've been having this problem with my washing machine for years - even called someone out ot look at it as it got so bad. He suggested that every so often, wash all towels on 90c - which will kill the bacteria causing the stink - and it works. Not the most cost effective way granted, but better than having a stinky machine.
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  • shanni
    shanni Posts: 353 Forumite
    Thanks, I'll try the hot wash I think.
    Shanni
  • Queenie
    Queenie Posts: 8,793 Forumite
    When you do that hot wash, as recommended above, add a handful of soda crystals to the powder drawer and some vinegar to the fabric conditioner compartment.

    Also, check you've cleaned out your filter and remember to do it regularly.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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  • Galtizz
    Galtizz Posts: 1,016 Forumite
    You can use vinegar as a softener in your wash with your clothes.

    (originally posted by Judi) Use 2 parts vinegar; 2 parts bicarb of soda; 4 parts water a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil (I use tea tree). Mix the vinegar and bicarb over this sink because it will fizz up, I put it back in my empty lenor- type bottle and use the lid to measure out the 'parts'.

    Have a look on the collections thread, there are recipes for HM laundry gloop and HM laundry powder too.

    You can't smell the vinegar on the clothes at all. DH moans at me for using vinegar in EVERYTHING and he hasn't complained about his clothes smelling of it yet (he doesn't know I use it in the washer) ;) I don't know if it's my imagination, but the clothes seem cleaner and I haven't changed my soap powder, just the softener.

    Bicarb is also good for getting rid of smells so using this regularly might help.

    EDIT: I use the lid of the lenor-type bottle as a measure and use the same amount of vinegar bicarb mix as I would do lenor (1 cap ful) in the fabric softener try of the washing machine.
    When life hands you a lemon, make sure you ask for tequilla and salt ;)
  • r.mac_2
    r.mac_2 Posts: 4,746 Forumite
    Queenie wrote:

    Also, check you've cleaned out your filter and remember to do it regularly.


    OK - daft question, but where is the filter which I should be cleaning?!

    Thanks
    Rhona
    aless02 wrote: »
    r.mac, you are so wise and wonderful, that post was lovely and so insightful!
    I can't promise that all my replies will illicit this response :p
  • Ticklemouse
    Ticklemouse Posts: 5,030 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Well, my door seal wasn't as stinky as it has been previously, but I wonder if that's because I don't use normal fabric conditioner anymore? I also use Oxiclean and Surcare/Ecover to wash with.

    Still, gave it a blast with the vinegar, so nice and clean machine, put white wash on with vinegar in conditioner tray so they're in drier as I speak. Think I'll give the vinegar/bicarb conditioner a go.

    Might do dishwasher with vinegar today, then source cheap vinegar....
  • System
    System Posts: 178,346 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Well, my door seal wasn't as stinky as it has been previously, but I wonder if that's because I don't use normal fabric conditioner anymore?
    I gave up fabric softener a long time ago as i kept getting black mould growing in my washing machine drawer. It couldnt be the washing powder as i always add the powder to the drum.

    I bought a new washing machine last May, and my drawer is totally clean and mould free cause its never been used.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
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