there is a horrible smell in the washing machine

[chessington]

Anyone know how to get rid of a damp smell in the washing machine, have tried boil wash with bleach and it has not worked TIA

[TheOtherHalf]

I occassionally run mine empty on a hot wash with either calgon tablet or some soda crystals. Always leave the door ajar for a short while after using

[Old_Geezer]

Keep the cat out of the laundry.

[rowanwitch]

check the soap dispenser and the area around it that might be harbouring a range of nasties

[RATTER15]

Does the waste pipe have a water trap in it? if not you will get a lot of horrible smell coming up through, is it a recent installation?

[rockyracoon]

Do you use liquid washing soap or powder, if I use the liquid in my machine it starts stinking to high heaven.

[chessington]

thank you all, the washing machine has been in at least 2 years and only just started to smell but will try what you all said thank you, lol no cat in there

[HowardKennitby]

my machine has a slight smell now too. I have washing soda but I am not sure how much to put in to do a clean. Can anyone advise?

thanks

Howie

[woofgang]

as much as you like, I tend to chuck in about half a packet.

[rockyracoon]

That's what I chuck in Woofgang, then do the hottest wash the machine will let me do.

[woofgang]

also wipe around the rubber seal, junk in the folds will smell and as the seal is compressed when the door is closed, water may not get in there sufficiently to wash the junk out.

[maggiebee]

I run a hot wash with white vinegar or soda crystals.

[missprim]

Mine's the same so I've bought Dr Beckman Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner which says it removes 99.9%of micro-organisms and bacteria.
Haven't tried it yet but if all else fails.......

[Shewy]

This smell is usually black scum which over time collects in your rubber hoses, door seals Etc..
The door seal is easy to clean with disinfectant, if you unfold the rubber that is between your drum and the casing behind the door you will instantly see the black, use a rough cloth (not a scourer) to clean it all away with the disinfectant solution.

Put some dishwasher cleaner in your drum and in your conditioner tray, put in some old cloths or old clothes and put the machine on the hottest wash.
This done around once a month will keep your machine smelling of roses again.

I have been a white goods engineer for 18 years, please do not use harsh or strong bleach in your machines, it weakens and softens the rubber components.
Ray