Ewww my washing machine STINKS :(

OberonSH

Hi all,

my washing machine absolutely REEKS right now, and I've tried everything. I've run a commercial cleaner through it. I've boil washed at 90oC. I've run white vinegar and soda crystals through it on a boil wash. It still smells of mould, and if you dare leave anything in it for more than a few hours you have to rewash. The above solutions take the edge off for a few days, but the smell keeps coming back.

Has anyone got any ideas?

Pink.

Hi Oberon,

This thread has lots of advice that may help:

Ewww my washing machine STINKS

I'll add your thread to it later to keep the suggestions together.

Pink

JLL

I put a bit of bleach in the ball and wipe a bit round the rubber then run a cool wash. That works for mine every time

OberonSH

oops, sorry, didn;t see that thread! I've tried leaving the door open - that just makes the house smell of mould too! I clean the seal every week, but I'm starting to think it's because everything only gets a 50 degree wash.

Yorkie1

Spam by dangermouse reported - total of 5 posts, all promoting the same product on threads of varying age.

slm6002

I really need some help. Ever 2 or 3 washes now is coming out smelling of onions? I have put the washing machine on hot wash while empty to give it a clean but it still keeps happening. I have tried different washing powders and fabric conditioner to make it smell nice but nothing seems to be working.

I have to re-wash clothes several times to remove the smell - its horrible. Please does anyone have any good ideas that may work?

joannaspanner

Hi Hun

Have you tried running the machine on the hottest wash possible ( empty)

My clothes stank musty, I did this and also gave round the rubber seal a good wipe as a lot of dirt had collected round it and this helped- Mine is a washer/dryer and I think it smelt because of this.

slm6002

I have done the hot wash whilst empty but guess i could try again. I will also wipe the seal too. Thanks for the speedy reply. I am just a little confused as its not ever wash?

FairyPrincessk

Just a couple of thoughts--

Do you frequently cook with onions? Is the smell coming from you putting kitchen items in with other washing? If so, try only putting kitchen towels, aprons etc. in with hot washes.

Could the smell be on your hands? I know that sounds really strange, but the smell can actually linger for a couple of days after chopping (and sometimes just eating!) onions. If you can smell it on your hands, try washing them with a stainless steel teaspoon--like just rubbing them around under the water.

I know both of these things sound ridiculous:o, but I noticed when I last went to the gym that when I opened my locker my clothes smelled like onions:eek: after I'd been away from them for awhile. I think it is just because I cook with them frequently so I've been trying the above....

If it isn't that, then sorry to make such weird suggestions, and maybe try running vinegar in your empty machine on the hottest setting, it can help remove mildew or odours that have built up.

terra_ferma

this may not apply but it's worth mentioning that if you always wash clothes with non-bio at low temp, you get funny smells and some kind of greasy stuff seems to stick, like pillow cases (probably from our hair)
(I know I know yuk, but it's go to be said )

Occasionally I was stuff at higher temperatures and if I can bio powder (depends on what it is and who for because of allergies).