Smelly washing machine

Pingu1

I've noticed my washing machine smells of damp when running. What could the cause be? I'm worried I have a leak.

MikeJXE

Run it empty of clothes on the hottest setting 

Pingu1

The smell comes from the top of the machine where there is a gap between the unit and the kitchen surface. I don't use the detergent  drawer.

pmartin86

If it was a leak it would likely smell "damp" at all times, not just when in use. Where does the drain pipe go? can you check its connections? As @MikeJXE mentioned, run it on a hot wash empty to clean it out. Might also be worth getting a damp cloth and running aroound the seals.

ThisIsWeird

Pingu1 said:

The smell comes from the top of the machine where there is a gap between the unit and the kitchen surface. I don't use the detergent  drawer.

The unused detergent drawer still has a direct connection with the operating drum, so 'damp' smells could still be coming out that way during washes. If you pull open the drawer mid hot wash, you'll likely even see a wisp of steam come out.
If the smell goes away when the w/m isn't being used, and the clothes smell fresh enough, I wouldn't be concerned.
Certainly worth either pulling the machine out to confirm the floor under it is dry, or shine a torch under there if enough gap, or push kitchen paper or newspaper under it to test. If dry, don't worry.

Albermarle

MikeJXE said:

Run it empty of clothes on the hottest setting 

Better still, do this and add some powder laundry detergent ( better than liquid as it has some bleach in it) or there are washing machine cleaning products you can add instead.
Also some machines have a specific 'drum cleaning' programme.

Vortigern

MikeJXE said:

Run it empty of clothes on the hottest setting 

...and clean the filter. It may be behind a flap at the bottom.

Pingu1

Thanks for the help. Interesting a day after doing my usual washing and with the machine not in use, there is no smell. I do always keep the door open. Last night I ran the drum cleaning cycle with a small amount of soda crystals. There is water in my detergent drawer, is that normal? I am not able to pull the machine out from behind the wall to see if there is any wetness after its been used.

poppellerant

All front loading washing machines with detergent drawers will fill via the detergent drawer.

Run the drum clean cycle again, with a tablespoon of biological powder.  If you don't use powder, then ask a friend or family for a scoop of theirs.  Don't be tempted to overdose on the powder during the drum clean cycle, or it could make things worse.

Do you use liquid, pods or powder detergent? Liquid and pods (which contain liquid) leave a film of residue inside the drum during each wash. This residue can slowly build up if you're not regularly washing at high temperatures.  This is why the drum clean cycle exists, because it washes at a high temperature.

ThisIsWeird

Pingu1 said:

There is water in my detergent drawer, is that normal?

Hmm, there shouldn't be. Photo to show?

Albermarle

poppellerant said:

All front loading washing machines with detergent drawers will fill via the detergent drawer.

Run the drum clean cycle again, with a tablespoon of biological powder.  If you don't use powder, then ask a friend or family for a scoop of theirs.  Don't be tempted to overdose on the powder during the drum clean cycle, or it could make things worse.

Do you use liquid, pods or powder detergent? Liquid and pods (which contain liquid) leave a film of residue inside the drum during each wash. This residue can slowly build up if you're not regularly washing at high temperatures.  This is why the drum clean cycle exists, because it washes at a high temperature.

Yes, but normally should be no water left in there after the initial filling.