Smelly Washing Machine

[BJC]

Our washing machine has an awful odour problem. Smells very much like Garlic Breath.

Clothes have to be taken out immediatley after washing otherwise the smell gets in to the fabric.

What can we do to remove the odour?

[Clanad]

We recently installed a new European style washing machine and dryer.  By this I mean the washer is horizontal rather than vertical. Really like both, but noticed, within a short time, a musty smell coming from the washer.  The installer knew about this anomaly and said the simplest (actually only) fix was to leave the door open when not in use (duh!).  The seal is so good, for obvious reasons, and there is always a small amount of water, or at least dampness, left in the machine that odors form readily.  We leave the door slightly ajar (this is the only time a door can be a jar... sorry) and the problem disappeared...

Best of luck!

[WendyS]

I read somewhere that this kind of smell (and also a sewer-type smell) can be caused by regular washing at low temperatures  It was recommended that at least once a month a wash is done at the highest temperature to remove bacteria.   Also, it helps to leave the door open when not in use to stop the odour building up. 

[The Tiggster]

BJC - I am glad that someone asked this question as I thought it was just me that could smell it in my machine. Ever since I fell pregnant the smell of garlic on someones breath & the horrible smell from our washing machine has made me sick. I put it down to hormones & my husband thought that I was just trying to pull the wool over his eyes asking him to load the machine as it made me feel ill!

I will take up WendyS's suggestion & do a hot wash as I wash mostly at 40oC.

[RAYMAN]

Add a handful of soda crystal to your wash.

If your water pump is not fully empting the sump I suggest you check the filter at the bottom front of the washer.

After your wash dont forget to wipe out the water left in the door seal rubber as the wash powder enzimes destroys the seal by perishing and thats how you get a split seal.

[helliebobs]

Thanks for this post I was having the same problem - will be trying everyone's suggestions now!

[RAYMAN]

Forgot to mention,check that the the grey emptying pipe at the back is not trapped or kinked and not allowing the full flow water being emptied.

[BJC]

A big thank you to all who replied.

BJC