Stinky Washing Machine

ilovepurrcats

I've just moved into a flat where the kitchen white goods were supplied. The washing machine stinks to high heaven and i'm reluctant to use it incase it makes my clothes stink.

I have run through a couple of cycles with just detergent but it hasn't made a difference

Does anyone know of a cheap method of getting rid of the smellyness that isn't corrosive. I've heard of running it through with bleach but as its not my machine i don't really want to do this incase in end up with a broken machine and a bill from the landlord for a new one.

faerie~spangles

Locate the filter and clean it.

Remove the detergent drawer and clean it and replace.

Put vinegar in all compartments of the detergent drawer, run the machine on the hottest wash.

When machine is not in use keep the drawer and the door slightly open.

ilovepurrcats

Thanks I had already cleaned the drawer (previous tenant had left it encrusted with soap powder residue i had to scrape it off with a knife it was so bad) I've ran round the rubber seal with anti bac wipes and am now putting it through a 90 degree cycle. Fingers crossed!!

Cacran

Did it work?

NeverInDebt

Soda crystals are good for cleaning washing machines on hottest wash, washing machines over time can get clogged up and smelly if they always run on low wash.

DFW2

The weekly hot empty wash was recommended to me for my Mums machine and seems to improve things. I have trouble with a mouldy drawer so will try the vinegar tip and leaving it slightly open. (Thanks faerie spangles) Be very careful when replacing the filter to ensure that it is done up properly as we almost flooded the house last time we did this!!
Hope your machine is now more fragrant than it was.

ilovepurrcats

Haven't been able to locate a filter as there is no trap door on the front (Its an old Hoover front loader and when i say old i mean it i think it must be about 20 years old I looked up its code on google and i couldn't find anything at all!) ran it through a 90 degree wash and its not so pongy. Think i may put a wash through it with just soda crystals to get rid of any residual nasties. Thanks for all your tips folks

faerie~spangles

Just leave the drawer and door wide open overnight

ilovepurrcats

Thanks Faerie~Spangles, I already have done and made sure the kitchen door is closed so i don't find a trapped cat in the morning!