Ewww my washing machine STINKS :(

Maisie

Yes my washer was smelly. It was coming from the rubber seal. I put vinegar in each compartment and did 2 washes with no clothes in.

It's ok now. Make sure you dry the rubber seal each time . In the actual rubber and behind it where the drum is. I found the soap powder was collecting there and in the drainage holes of the belt. It is much better now.

Empyt the filter too if you have one. Fluff and soap powder collects in that and might smell.

nightsong

i read somewhere that you should do a very hot wash occasionally with no clothes in the washer, don't know if that might help?

Gillby1

That's brilliant - thanks all. I'll have a go with the vinegar, bicarb and soda crystals, and a very hot wash.

I can't believe other people have this problem. I'd never heard of it before so assumed it was a one-off. Silly me!

Gills

Sarahsaver

use less detergent too because it clogs things up, and the manufacturers have a good reason for telling us to use so much!;)

Princess_Fiona_2

Watched how clean is your house and they advised putting a measure of bleach in your powder draw (about the same amount as you would use for fabric conditioner). Dont put any clothes in the washer and then put it on a 40-60 degree wash. This should get rid of any soap scum that may be lurking in the machine. Also make sure you clean out the soap draw at least once a month. You would be surprised how much rubbish is left behind. PF

brummiebabe

My old washing machine had same problem. Repair guy advised a v.hot wash on a monthly basis, using detergent (but obviously not putting clothes in.)

Also I know its not v. old style/money saving but Kleeneze do a 'Washing Machine Sanitiser' -have never tried it, but remember seeing in a catalogue!!

John_Jackson_2

One method is to put the machine through a boil wash program, use half the normal amount of powder (not liquids as they don't contain bleach) and of course run it empty.

Another method is to run the boil wash program, no powder, but fill the fabric conditioner compartment with bleach (Domestos or similar).

After using the bleach method make sure to put the machine on another rinse cycle before proper use.

Once machines start smelling however, it's a constant battle.

angelatgraceland

filigree wrote:

Does your washing machine empty into a common pipe with your kitchen sink? I found that dirty washing up water was draining into the washing machine because the gormless fitter connected the pipes so that the washing machine drain was downhill from the sink (sorry if I explained that badly). They came back and fitted a plastic gizmo that held the hose up higher than the U bend.

I read somewhere that because we all use cool washes now, the pipes get clogged with fatty deposits from the biological stains on our clothes. Eurrrrgh! To stop your washing machine's arteries from hardening, you should do one wash a month as hot as possible. I'm sure icky things like the dog's towel, snotty hankies etc would benefit from a really hot wash occasionally.

I finally figured out how to pull the soap drawer right out, the slime in there is vile. I dump the whole thing in hot water with a slug of bleach, and clean out the hole where the drawer used to be, because that gets pretty slimy too. I use an old toothbrush and whatever cleaner comes to hand ie own brand Cif.

Final suggestion, does your machine have one of those rinse hold buttons? That's where the machine fills up and stays full till you switch on the rinse programme. You could try using loads of vinegar and rinse hold to give the insides a really good soak.

Just what I would suggest-although mine doesnt share a common waste pipe, the hose is a lot higher. The drawer needs removing now and then and all needs a thorough clean. I find this helps but doesnt solve it. I will try the hotwash with vinegar I think. I never put powder in the drawer any more but unfortunately hubby does. Dont use FC either. Liquid in a plastic ball is the cleanest I find. Never normally use machine on anything but 40 degrees. Good old Kim and Aggie-I think I will adapt them as sisters!

myrnahaz

angelatgraceland wrote:

Just what I would suggest-although mine doesnt share a common waste pipe, the hose is a lot higher. The drawer needs removing now and then and all needs a thorough clean. I find this helps but doesnt solve it. I will try the hotwash with vinegar I think. I never put powder in the drawer any more but unfortunately hubby does. Dont use FC either. Liquid in a plastic ball is the cleanest I find. Never normally use machine on anything but 40 degrees. Good old Kim and Aggie-I think I will adapt them as sisters!

I agree that Kim and Aggie should be 'adapted' - Aggie suggested using essenital oil in VODKA as a room freshener last night. It's probably better to drink the vodka and then you wouldn't see the mess! Do you think it'd work with Gin? You wouldn't need to perfume it.

I love the idea of doing little chemistry experiments with vinegar and bicard over the kitchen sink - it's much more fun than opening a bottle of Lenor.

Serenity

Sorry to drag up an old thread but my washing machine is smelly too. I only have brown vinegar, is this ok to use? Also is it alright to do hot wash and vinegar in the drum together?