I am sure this question has been asked before, but my wash machine does not smell good. It is only a year old and works well but stinks when you open the lid. Not exactly a stagnant water smell but something along those lines. Any tips for a better smelling washer?
Thank you so much for all of your responses. I don't have a front loader so I used the vinegar and baking soda and it worked very well. I will also be sure to keep the lid open between washes. Thank you! I will also keep "Smelly Washer" and Afresh in mind as well.
I started getting a smelly washer when I wouldn't leave the lid/door open. The water mist left over from the previous starts to harbor bacteria (which thrive in moist places) and would create a moldy type of smell. I never washed it with vinegar or anything (which sounds like a good idea) but simply left the door open to dry it out and that solved my problem.
I use an Affresh tablet once a month. I order them online at Whirlpool.com. After my first order they started sending me emails for free shipping, sales, etc. They are supposedly coming to stores but I haven't found them in a store yet. They do help some but still don't eliminate it completely. I have a front loading washer and was also told by a repairman to keep the lid and the drawer open at all times when I'm not using it and to wipe it dry on the inside with a paper towel after each use. He said the front loaders are known for their smell because, due to the way they are designed & the less water usage, they are unable to move mold particles out the way top loading washers are. I know it can be bad. Good Luck!
I just saw a commercial yesterday with some sort of new thing I believe was made by TIDE to put in your machine if it starts getting smelly (it seemed like it was specific to front loaders tho). Apparently it disolves build up that forms on the drum and eliminates it.
Rather then trying a chemical tho, it might be best to run a cycle with some vinegar and or baking soda ..... that usually will work a miracle on any stinky stuff throughout the entire house.
Run it empty with either a cup of bleach or white vinegar. Make sure after every time you empty it and are going to leave it empty to leave the lid open.
change your detergent. your machine might use a special type.
You can just add a 1/2 cup of vinegar to your next load along with your regular detergent. I also leave the door open after doing a load of wash to let it dry out a bit.
I have the same problem. I have a front loader. Check for socks under the rubber rim. Affresh talblets. 1-2/s/month, and leave the door open. Also, do not use too much detergent. Only 1 tablespoon. Yes, it is frustatiing. I can't get the smell out of my towels and have had to buy new towels.
Distilled vinegar and Baking soda WILL to the trick. In fact, that's all I wash my clothing in.
After you are able to get it clean, probably with vinegar, always keep the lid open after every use. Mine is pretty old and smells great.
Get the tide washing machine packet. Use it 1x/month to clean it. Follow the directions. If the smell still exists, call your repairman.
Is it a front loading machine? Some of those machines have problems with mold/bacteria building up under the rubber ring around the door.
If you have a front loader, you likely have water buildup in the rubber rings. I always pull back the rubber ring to make sure all the water drains out. And, I leave the door open to help it dry out between uses. A vinegar rinse will do wonders.
There is an actual product called "Smelly Washer" that you can buy at Ace Hardware (and i'm sure other places too) that takes care of this problem. I would also recommend leaving the lid open when not using to air out so moisture doesn't get trapped in there. Good luck!
I had the same issue with my new front loader. I tried bleach, hot water, vinegar...you name it. I did a bunch of online research and found a product called "Smelly Washer". It is the only thing I found that works. You only need a little and don't have to use it too often, if you keep the washer door and detergent dispenser open when not in use. You really don't want mold to build-up -- it could ruin the machine if it gets bad enough.
You can get it on Amazon (lots of good reviews): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UJXTI0/?tag=googhydr-20&...
What is your hot water temperature? When we 1st moved into our house, that happened to us, we turned up the temperature on the water heater and the smell went away. Hope that helps.
Baking soda, one small box in rinse cylce. THis should take care of the smells you can also add a cup to your white loads it helps them smell better also.
run it with a cup of bleach. gets rid of the smell and desinfects. i do this every 2 weeks (i do laundry twice a day). neurotic? perhaps.
I would try doing an empty load with vinegar.
