Stinky House

Updated on August 01, 2011
M.R. asks from Milwaukee, WI
9 answers

OK so we have been on vacation and the washing machine lid was open when we left. I posted a question awhile back about build up on my washing machine from the fabric softener and realized (thanks to my post) that dummy me wasn't adding water to it and it was getting caked on. I always used dryer sheets until I noticed they were bothering my breathing. Anyways this is the second time we've come home to a horrible smell like dirty water. Keep in mind the air is turned off while we are gone and the humidity is either bringing out the smells in the carpets or could it be the dryer? I just read the answers from that post I made awhile back and tried adding vinegar to hot water like everyone suggested (thank you). It is in progress right now and I hope it helps! I also carpet cleaned the room where we enter the home with a new carpet cleaner since the last time and it was still horrid. We are thinking it could be the dryer but not sure. What do ya think? Could it be the washing machine??

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Featured Answers

M.P.

answers from Provo on

Do you have hard water? If so then the vinegar wont do what you want it to do, it will actually will do the opposite.
Buy some tea tree oil put several drops in the water and run a rinse cycle. That should do the trick. You can find tea tree oil at any health food store.

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

Check the drain pump filter on your washer. I read recently they get clogged and moldy and this is often where the stink hides. Hopefully you have a model with easy access.

3 moms found this helpful
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B.F.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think it is from the humidity. I leave the air on when we are gone set at a higher temperature. Look for mold in the bathrooms or laundry room.

1 mom found this helpful

A.T.

answers from Springfield on

To keep build up out of the washer, I'm partial to using Charlie's Soap to clean it out...it comes in both a washing powder or liquid form for laundry, as well as a liquid cleaner concentrate for washing or cleaning.

As for the smell in the house, we had the same thing when the humidity crept up during the week our A/C was broken. To combat the musty smell, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet & vacuum after a bit. If you want to add a scent, use a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oil to the baking soda.

1 mom found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

use baking soda on the carpets...let it sit for about 30 minutes - use a box or two....then vacuum up..

If it's coming from the washing machine - I would have hubby move the washing machine out and see if there is mold growing under it - it's possible when there is an uneven load and water splashes outside the "tub"...

If that doesn't work - call Sears and have them come out and do an inspection on your machine...we have a maintenance plan on ours and they come once a year to clean and maintain....and anytime we need them to should something go wrong...

GOOD LUCK!!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Could it be the floor drains? Pour some hot water & bleach in the basement floor drain.

Also, if there ARE smells in the carpeting, etc., they do tend to emerge if the air is off and the humidity and heat are high....blast that AC!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.T.

answers from Chicago on

My repair guy, told me to use hottub cleaner from home depot. Its the only one they carry in a small tub. It has a blue lid! He said most people use to much soap and it creates a build up of greasy grim, mold. Anyways I tried it amazing stuff. You use one tablespoon. Run an empty load on got 2-3 cycles. Works perfectly!

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A.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I don't think it is the washer or dryer at all. I think the water in your traps under the sinks has all but evaportated during your vacation and suer gas is seeping into the house. Air out your house and run the water in all the sinks. This should help a lot.

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3.M.

answers from Chicago on

Is it a front loader? Those are notorious for smelling bad. I noticed it with mine about a month after I bought it. I did a lot of online research and tried a couple products, then I ordered something called "Smelly Washer"...yep, that's the name of it. Anyway, I'm not usually one to try "infomercial" types of products, but I have to say, this stuff works. Check it out: http://www.smellywasher.com/

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