There is a smell in my washing machine that won't go away?

Question

I purchased a used washing machine a few months ago. I noticed it had a smell like if it had been sitting in a field for a long time. Kind of musty. I thought it was probably from being closed and not used for a while and that using it would make the smell go away since I would be using soap and sometimes bleach.
I even ran an empty load with just Clorox bleach. After a few months the smell is still there. A couple of weeks ago I saw a commercial on tv that described that smell and how to make it go away, (or mask it, whichever), but I can remember what the product was. If anyone know of a cure I would be glad to hear. Other than get a new machine because that will be my next step if I can't fix this one.

Answer 1

Just take 1 quart of white Vinegar and pour it in the water let the machine run through as if you are doing a wash . Vinegar is an odor eater, and will help You can also use vinegar in your rinse water when you do wash, just add 1/2 cup to the rinse water. Clean your washing machine twice a year as above to keep it odor free.

Answer 2

I suggest you fill the machine with HOT water and add at least two cups of bleach but NO CLOTHING. Set the machine to run for as long as the timer will allow and just let it do its thing. If the bleach smell is still strong after the final rinse run it again with no bleach and this time add some borax to the wash cycle. I use borax with every load of wash because it adds cleaning power to the detergent and it is supposedly harmless to the drains and the environment. My machine used to smell too, but no more since I started using the borax. Also, leave the lid open between washings if you can. That is not a major thing so long as you use the borax. I do it because I like to let the lint filter dry out between washings. Hope that helps...

Answer 3

Most front loaders have a 'clean' setting. If not then pour a quart of vinegar in the machine itself and run on full cycle at hot. Also pour vinegar in all the soap dipensers up top. When the cycle is done wipe out the seal area by the door with vinegar water. When not in use leave the door open.

Answer 4

If it's one of the High Efficiency (HE) machines there is a product you can buy because they apparently all have a stinky problem. I don't have one of those so I can't tell you the name of the stuff although Tide makes something for that. I have the plain old top loading machines and I wash mine out with vinegar in the smallest amount of water and let it go through a whole cycle. Hope this helps! Merry Christmas!

Answer 5

front or top loader use vinegar. i actually use it on every load, about a cup per load. this also helps brighten your colors and you wont need as much fabric softener it any at all.



if you have a front loader keep the door open until the washer dries and it wont grow mold. i have had a front loader for many years and it has never stank.

Answer 6

Before you buy anything, try using white vinegar.

Just put in one cup of it and set your washer to a full load and run it without clothes.



That tends to do the trick for me.

Answer 7

if it is a front loader they got a repair kit for that.mold gets under the seal...go to any good dealer they will have something to get rid of the smell..........can also use baking soda in water and run it through

Answer 8

there is a product on the market specific for this problem, check at Home Depot or Lowes.

Answer 9

your clothes are too stinky