Smelly Washer

jmf

Just put a load of washing in machine and when I fully opened the door there was a musty smell. I use the automatic about three times a week and always leave the door slightly open when not in use.
Any ideas? Is this a case for vinegar?
Thanks.

Nile

Hello JMF

Have you looked at the soap powder dispenser drawer? When was the last time it was cleaned? Even if you don't use it (because you use a washing ball/net bag etc) for soap powder, it might have residues of fabric conditioner in it.

Completely remove the drawer and give it a good scrub top and bottom. An old toothbrush is ideal for getting in the akward to reach areas.

Like you, I always leave the washine machine door open but I also leave the dispenser drawer slightly open too...........to improve air flow and ventilation.

Hope this helps.

System

Hello JMF

Have you looked at the soap powder dispenser drawer?  When was the last time it was cleaned?  Even if you don't use it (because you use a washing ball/net bag etc) for soap powder, it might have residues of fabric conditioner in it.

Completely remove the drawer and give it a good scrub top and bottom.  An old toothbrush is ideal for getting in the akward to reach areas.

Like you, I always leave the washine machine door open but I also leave the dispenser drawer slightly open too...........to improve air flow and ventilation.

Hope this helps.

For this very reason i only put the powder in the main drum with the clothes. I stopped using fabric softner too when i saw the disgusting state the softner despenser got into after a week or too. Its ok cleaning the drawer, but you cant get that manky stuff out of the pipes.

16011996

when mine smeells i run it on a hot wash, no soap empty. seems to give it a good clean.

jmf

Thank you for your advice.
Checked the dispenser drawer this morning and there is no residue there. I use liquid detergent and always rinse it down whilst the machine is filling. No fabric conditioner residue either as I dilute it.
I shall have to try running it empty on a hot cycle.

Boohbah

I have a Zanussi washing machine.
It stopped working shortly after I got it. I called out the engineer. He took the draw right out, and low and behold it was full of gunk (yuck).

It was the result of using liquid detergent.
Having know read the instructions, it dose state, do not use liquid detergents. (as I see your using)

Also don't forget to clean out the filter from time to time.


Thank you and good night.

MATH

Low temp washing and liquid detergent causes build up of gunk which can smell yuk! An article on watchdog a few years ago recomended running a really hot wash once a month to keep its innards clean

Chris25

The repair man told me that most people don't use enough regular hot washes to kill the bacteria that multiply in the stale water at the bottom of the machine.

He suggested that every 2 months, to run the machine on a 95 degrees wash and that should get rid of the smell.

Nurse_Bambi

I was told by my plummer not to use powder as it goes rock hard and clogs up the pipes in the machine and drains. He told me to use liquid only.?