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smelly washing machine!

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  • honeypop
    honeypop Posts: 1,502 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Smiley_Mum wrote: »
    The top temp I run is 60. The manual for the machine recommends running a maintenance wash if you run low temp washes all the time to rinse out any build up of powders etc. So I run a maintenance wash once a month, empty drum at top temp, normal measure of powder etc.

    I do this, I usually wash at 30, 40 or rarely 60, and if I do 'too many' of these low temp washes it starts to smell as the OP describes, so every month or so I run a hot wash (usually with the bed sheets in). It combats the smell every time. OP do you always wash at a fairly low temp?
  • Anne3333
    Anne3333 Posts: 254 Forumite
    Run a 95 degree maintenance wash once a month and use half a bag of Soda Crystals, (approx 45p a bag) poured directly in the drum. Dont use bleach, it can rot your hoses!
  • soba
    soba Posts: 2,191 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    I've had this problem for a while now. I've tried bleach on a 90 degree wash and also 90 degree wash with vinegar. I use a teaspoon of soda crystals in most wahing loads and use vinegar instead of fabric conditioner. I usually wash at 40 degrees but towels I always use 90 degrees so I would think that any bacteria in the machine is pretty much dead after all that, but the smell still persists. And the door is always between washes.

    I've contacted Surcare who's detergent I use to see if they can suggest anything. I have to take the washing out the minute it's finished - leave it for ten minutes and it all smells.

    I know there's lots of suggestions already in this thread but is there anything else I can do?
  • soba
    soba Posts: 2,191 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    Just received this reply from Surcare, which is not particularly helpful as I don't use washing liquid I use powder. Funny how all these manufacturers like to claim how their powder is different and better than all the rest but when it comes to a problem it's an industry problem and not just related to their product.


    Dear xxxx

    Unfortunately the problem you have described is a common occurance with
    the use of all laundry liquids not just Surcare laundry liquid.
    The smell you are noticing is due to bateria building up in the machine,
    usually most washing machine manufacturers now cover this issue in the
    care manual and they will recommend a specific product for the cleaning
    of the pipe work in the machine. If this information is not available in
    your manual if you contact the maker of the machine they will certainly
    be able to assist you.

    We trust this information is of assistance to you

    Regards
  • soba wrote: »
    Just received this reply from Surcare, which is not particularly helpful as I don't use washing liquid I use powder. Funny how all these manufacturers like to claim how their powder is different and better than all the rest but when it comes to a problem it's an industry problem and not just related to their product.

    This is an in depth article about the problem of smells coming from washing machines
    http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/usage_2.html#cl_q1
    Whitegoodshelp
  • keystone
    keystone Posts: 10,916 Forumite
    edited 4 January 2012 at 12:19AM
    Oh goody - another link spammer dredging up an ancient thread to promote his business. Ain't allowed M8 - forum rules. Your username is spam too for the same reason. Please to change. Ta.

    Cheers

    Edit: and post 16 is in the same boat!
    The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits. - Einstein
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Many manufacturers recommend using a hand full of Soda Crystals inside the drum and running a 90° cycle to remove odours and soap scum.

    You can buy Soda Crystals from supermarkets, hardware stores etc.
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • keystone wrote: »
    Oh goody - another link spammer dredging up an ancient thread to promote his business. Ain't allowed M8 - forum rules. Your username is spam too for the same reason. Please to change. Ta.

    Cheers

    Edit: and post 16 is in the same boat!

    My link has been thanked by two people (thank you). It contains no adverts or promotion of anything. It's just a genuine in depth article on the exact subject of this discussion. I would never post any link that wasn't entirely relevant and potentially useful to anyone reading any particular thread thanks. In fact Martin himself once featured my site on his newsletter because he liked it and could see it offers genuine free advice to people.

    I don't see how any link, commercial or not, that is totally on topic could be classed as spam.

    Andy
    Whitegoodshelp
  • Anne3333 wrote: »
    Run a 95 degree maintenance wash once a month and use half a bag of Soda Crystals, (approx 45p a bag) poured directly in the drum. Dont use bleach, it can rot your hoses!
    :beer:
    Great advice - it's pretty much what I do. I also endorse advice about cleaning the drawer and leaving the door open. :T
    The only thing you should be paying interest on is a mortgage.

    Otherwise Mr Banker - No, I think you'll find interest is something you pay to me.... :tongue:
  • soba wrote: »
    I've had this problem for a while now. I've tried bleach on a 90 degree wash and also 90 degree wash with vinegar. I use a teaspoon of soda crystals in most wahing loads and use vinegar instead of fabric conditioner. I usually wash at 40 degrees but towels I always use 90 degrees so I would think that any bacteria in the machine is pretty much dead after all that, but the smell still persists. And the door is always between washes.

    I've contacted Surcare who's detergent I use to see if they can suggest anything. I have to take the washing out the minute it's finished - leave it for ten minutes and it all smells.

    I know there's lots of suggestions already in this thread but is there anything else I can do?[/QUOTE
    ]:A
    Sounds like out-let pipe must be syphoning dregs back in-to the machine foul water fault? plus you cant expect fresh washing unless you do high temperature washes continuously for a few weeks at least? !!! Check out-let? clean soap despenser? and Filter? clean door seal? definitely change your detergents and conditioner? no more low temp rubbish Try Persil or Areial for best results!! Still sounds like a plumbing issue ?:T
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