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smelly washer remedies?

I have an old (14 yrs) indesit washer that has given me great service but it really pongs now! it started to smell after I washed a rug that my dog had weed all over, this was weeks ago and I have done all the usual things; boil wash with bleach ( have never gone above 60 before) , lots of soda crystals, disinfectant etc. but the smell is still there when I open the washer door, either before of after a wash. the clothes don't smell, just inside the drum, it's very strong so I am wondering whether it's the rubber that has started to decay, maybe? any ideas?:confused:
"There is a light that never goes out"

Comments

  • elona
    elona Posts: 11,806 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Try putting vinegar ( a cupfull) in the powder drawer and then doing a hot empty wash.
    "This site is addictive!"
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  • windswept
    windswept Posts: 1,412 Forumite
    elona wrote:
    Try putting vinegar ( a cupfull) in the powder drawer and then doing a hot empty wash.
    white or malt, or doesn't it matter?
    "There is a light that never goes out"
  • elona
    elona Posts: 11,806 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you have white then use it but it should not matter.
    "This site is addictive!"
    Wooligan 2 squares for smoky - 3 squares for HTA
    Preemie hats - 2.
  • janb5
    janb5 Posts: 2,694 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    Have you checked the filter to see if there is any debris in there? As you say it sounds as tho` you have done all the preliminary stuff - maybe run your hands inside the seal and see if there are any signs of wear. It may be worth replacing the rubber seal if the machine is still otherwise Ok. I havent had a machine that has lasted above 5 years so it may be worth investigating further. Sometimes you can find mobile repair shops that might be worth using rather than Indesit themselves who probably charge a call ouit fee. Good luck !

    Jan
  • Have you tried leaving the door open overnight to let it air out thoroughly?
  • squeaky
    squeaky Posts: 14,129 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes, you should always leave the door ajar after washing. Two main reasons:-

    a) It lets your machine air out

    b) If water dries between the seal and the door you can gradually build up a layer of limescale which will abrade the seal and, over a long time, leave you with leaks.

    Other threads worth a look are:-

    ...WASHING MACHINE

    Descaling with vinegar
    It DIDN'T smell... but now it does
    Smelly washing machine
    Stinky washing machine
    Hi, I'm a Board Guide on the Old Style and the Consumer Rights boards which means I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly and can move and merge posts there. Board guides are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an inappropriate or illegal post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. It is not part of my role to deal with reportable posts. Any views are mine and are not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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  • dannahaz
    dannahaz Posts: 1,069 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Not very "old style", but Lakeland do a product called "Service Engineer" which is used on washing machines and dishwashers. For a washing machine, you pour the contents of one tub into the soap dispenser, and put your machine on its hottest cycle (empty).

    It's great stuff, cleans out the machine, the pipes, everything. http://www.lakelandlimited.co.uk/product.aspx/!20348
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