Washing machine smells...

Posted by: Fisbey on 05 May 2004

I have a problem with my washing machine, in as much as it smells! - it's a cheap Servis front loader and works fine, but I've recently noticed a damp smell coming from inside - I've pulled out the filter and tipped the machine up so all the excess water comes out of the filter hole, I've doen several 'dummy' washes with no clothes in on a very hot cycle, but it still smells!
I use Ecover washing liquid on 40 deg c for the most part.
I've also tried water softener in a an effort to clean out whatever it is that's causing the smell - no help, the water drains away OK, so I don't think anything's blocked.

Any ideas - the machines only 2-3 years old by the way...
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Thomas K
Fis,

Do you keep the hatch open after you've done the washing (if not, even small amounts of water can go smelly)? Also leave the detergent thing open.

Thomas
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Fisbey
How much bleach and where in the machine - in the powder tray?
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Fisbey
I'll try a bit of bleach, but would be concerned about the effect on rubber hoses etc.
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Mekon
I don't know if the Ecover washing powder does, but their washing up liquid stinks. Have your tried changing powder?
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Fisbey
I use the liquid and it does stink, but I quite like it!

What other alternatives are there, that are 'environmentally friendly'?
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Jez Quigley
Bleach isn't exactly environmentally friendly and will knacker the door seals eventually.
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Fisbey
Any other suggestions?
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Steve B
Gas mask? Smile

Or how about a capful of disinfectant (eg Savlon) in the final rinse each wash.

Steve B
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by seagull
How about some of that perfume that your colleague wears?
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Steve B
I reckon there must be some trapped water somewhere in the machine (or on the floor under the machine - carpet or hard floor?).

Have you had a good look inside to make sure there are no leaks?

Steve B
Posted on: 05 May 2004 by Jez Quigley
A half cup of white vinegar works with smelly dishwashers, but I don't know about washers. It would need a good wash through afterwards unless you know any women who are particulary attracted by fish'n'chips Wink
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by domfjbrown
Bosch (at least) recommend an empty boil wash once a month to keep the machine clean and fresh; as the others say, leave the door open and it'll help no end.

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Posted on: 06 May 2004 by TomK
Get yourself a couple of kids. They generate so much dirty washing there's never time for the machine to start smelling.
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by Fisbey
'get a couple of kids' - how very true!
Posted on: 07 May 2004 by Martin D
Asked this of a Miele engineer once, he said lots of cool washing cycles were the main problem and suggetsed once a month do the hottest cycle your machine will do with no clothes in it. We've been doing this and it works great. BTW our Miele didnt break down, it was us not reading the manual!
Martin