Smelly washer machine

ktcoil

Hi Guys


Recently did two washes and both made my clothes have a slight wet dog/gym smell, what would be best thing to clean out?

ST1991

Is it a new washing machine? Sometimes if it is used it might smell is bit 'fousty' if not run for a while.

We recently bought a 2nd hand washing machine and it smelt horrible.
Clean the filter at the bottom (usually take a bit of plastic skirt off to access, and it unscrews. have old towels ready for any water that might come out).
Run it on a hot wash with some bleach in the detergent drawer, then run a normal wash after with detergent to ensure the bleach has gone.

Ours took a little while before it smelt nice... but if you have the time to run it through hot washes to clear it all out it should be fine

(also, sounds silly but we recently changed to a different detergent and it smells wonderful! wondered if we just got used to the previous smell)

hollydays

Wilkiinsons sells something .
http://www.wilko.com/washing-powder+fabric-conditioner/dr-beckmann-service-it-washing-machine-cleaner-250ml/invt/0275063

ktcoil

No its a washer that was in the flat when we moved in 4 years ago.


We normally use Daz but got a large box of Surf but this is almost near the bottom and is about 85 wash box size so used couple of months, we use about 6 washes a week.


Will try the bleach and a very hot wash and then get the cleaning kit to try.

Kynthia

Every couple of months do an extremely hot wash with no powder. You could add a washing machine clever or soda crystals ad white vinegar. Always leave the door open for a while after a wash so that the drum dries and doesn't get mould. Clean the dispenser tray ad check the filter at the bottom of the machine.

rosie383

I used to do the very hot maintenance wash but it wasn't really very effective. I've just discovered that it should be an empty wash. If you put even one towel in, the washing powder (apparently biological powder is essential so I bought a cheapo box just for this purpose) will be attracted to the fabric and not clean your pipes out as it should.

ktcoil

don't think it helps that I do a lot of running and gym so have that gear plus gym towels and shower towels etc

getmore4less

Are you using the short washes?

Modern washers use less water so you have to be careful with wash times and amount of detergent

The smelly gym and towel stuff will need longer washes for the bio enzymes to do their stuff and every few washes do them at a higher temp to kill off the bacteria that can build up on those sorts of items.

if you have the option for an extra rinse than can help flush the machine and remove excess detergent.

ventilate the washer after use(leave the door open)

Another common problem is too much detergent and it builds up with in the drainage system

theEnd

ktcoil wrote: »

don't think it helps that I do a lot of running and gym so have that gear plus gym towels and shower towels etc

You can get specific sports detergent too.

I generally do a hot, long wash with bleech, once a year.

Otherwise, everything have have goes on the same basic wash everytime.

mchale

https://www.persil.co.uk/laundry-tips/clean-smelly-washing-machine/

good old vinegar u could add some bi carb soda as well

southcoastrgi

Are you sure the drain pipe from it is connected to the drain correctly ?