washing machine starting to smell,any tips

[northboy]

can anybody recommend a solution to get rid of the musty smell i am getting from my washing machine.
i have tried a cup full of white vinegar on the hottest wash,the odour goes for a bit then returns.
i only use my washer twice a week,it is a hotpoint aquarius(not a cheap one)and bought brand new,2 yrs ago.
so any tips would be greatly appreciated.thanks

[waterboatman]

a cup of bleach in the powder drawer and a quick wash cycle should do the trick.

[hammerman]

I know a few of us who were having the same problems. The common factor seemed to be that we were all using Persil small and mighty liquid in the machines.

We've all stopped using it and the smell has gone.

So maybe worth changing your detergent

[northboy]

i have searched the night and i do,do my washes on a 40,the temp in which bacteria breeds.
a god tip i have read up on is doing a 95 degree wash 1/2 a month,or using washing soda crystals,,dishwasher cleaning tabs.
thanks all for your help

[scotman]

make sure you leave the door and the soap tray open when not in use.

[boxtops]

This does seem to be a very frequent question, but not something I have ever experienced. I only ever wash at 40 degrees and using wash tablets and Calgon (for v. hard water area). Am I just lucky?

[kendra20]

I always use the hottest wash you can for bedding whites etc. these low heat powders and liquids dont kill bacteria and that smells. try a spoonfull of bicarbinate of soda that should get rid of the pongs

[welshlibranr]

I always clean the dispenser drawer after use, and leave it slightly open, and also leave the door of the machine slightly open too.......seems to work!............allows air to circulate I think?...............

[Jemisa]

Most washing machine's leave about a cup full of water sitting in the drum when finished, if there's no air circulating it will go stagnent & thats what smells. When you've finished your wash sprinkle a teaspoonful of bi-carb into the drum & leave the door slightly open, that will sort it.
It won't hurt your next wash.

jem

[katekoala]

this happened to my very expensive 3 year old washer ! tried everything... clean out all pipes/hoses as they get sludge stuck! clean out trays, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, bleach (not really recommended but last ditch attempt) lots of hot empty washes with powder & softener ... it eventually faded ... and try to leave the door open when not in use ...