How to wash the washing machine?

[amz155]

We have a front loading washing machine, with which we use Tide HE liquid soap. I've noticed lately that after taking the clothes out after a load, the inside of the machine stinks. Also seems to still stink when I go to use it the next time (whether or not the wetness inside has dried).

Also, it could just be my imagination overacting (because I know the washer stinks), but freshly cleaned towels that have been washed with Tide HE soap and dried immediately after in a dryer, with Bounce dryer sheets come out of the dryer smelling like stinky towels that have been left wet in a pile.

We have tried drying the seal around the washer door after each load but haven't noticed a difference.

What gives?

How can we clean the washer to rid it of that stink? (Kinda smells like wet towels...)

Thanks.

[mrsmagoo2001]

Is there not a "cleaner" that you run through the machine an a regular basis?
I seem to remember something like this when we were looking into replacing our laundry machines.

[pkguy]

It's caused by mold or mildew growing on the rubber seal around the door opening. Get a buck and mix 1 cup of bleach to 4 cups of water and wipe that rubber seal down. Always leave the washer door open when you're not using it so the seal can dry

[amz155]

It's caused by mold or mildew growing on the rubber seal around the door opening. Get a buck and mix 1 cup of bleach to 4 cups of water and wipe that rubber seal down. Always leave the washer door open when you're not using it so the seal can dry

Okay thanks. My BF has since run an empty load and added bleach (no soap) to the machine. We'll see if this helps otherwise we will try going after the seal directly.

We do leave the washer door open after loads.

[Cheap Cat]

They sell a product called Affresh that is used for cleaning front loaders. I have never tried it, just saw it advertised in the coupon flyers.

I just got a front loader recently and read all about the smell issues while researching my new washer. I make sure I empty the washer right after a load and then dry the inside of the washer particularly the door seal and leave the door open. So far no problems.

[red 5]

A cup of vinegar and run a empty load every couple of weeks. Leave the door open.

I do this with my dishwasher as well.

problem solved.

[bionicbadger]

bleach is the solution.
is it a maytag washer? They are notorious for this

[Sik]

dont leave the clothes in the machine for an extended period of time after they are washed

and as pkguy mentioned to leave the door open after use this worked for me

i tried the bleach , viniger etc temporary fix

[nielboy]

I use the Affresh on my front load Bosch and it works the best of anything else I have tried. You can buy it from Future Shop.

I also prop the washer door open a little using a piece of packaging foam, so that the interior of the machine gets air'ed out.

Joe


They sell a product called Affresh that is used for cleaning front loaders. I have never tried it, just saw it advertised in the coupon flyers.

I just got a front loader recently and read all about the smell issues while researching my new washer. I make sure I empty the washer right after a load and then dry the inside of the washer particularly the door seal and leave the door open. So far no problems.

[moe19x]

A cup of vinegar and run a empty load every couple of weeks. Leave the door open.

I do this with my dishwasher as well.

problem solved.

The Company repair man had suggested running a cup or 2 of vinegar every few weeks, it gets rid of the smell and soap residue. We own a laundromat and with all the front loaders the doors are always kept open to allow air flow to prevent the smell

[gman]

Should all the washing machine have this kind of issue? Or, it is only an issue for front loader? I never 'wash' my top loading washing machines in my life and it does not smell or having soap residue. Would that be because the door is usually opened more often than front loader? Or, because the front loader door is more air tight?

[nielboy]

Top loading washers don't have that problem because they use more water, they clean themselves out each time they are used. Front load washers use very little water so they can't self clean.

The front load washers have a plastic tub which you can't see outside of the inner tub. Since these washers use so little water the detergent doesn't rinse away completely from the palstic tub and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

Should all the washing machine have this kind of issue? Or, it is only an issue for front loader? I never 'wash' my top loading washing machines in my life and it does not smell or having soap residue. Would that be because the door is usually opened more often than front loader? Or, because the front loader door is more air tight?

[gman]

Top loading washers don't have that problem because they use more water, they clean themselves out each time they are used. Front load washers use very little water so they can't self clean.

The front load washers have a plastic tub which you can't see outside of the inner tub. Since these washers use so little water the detergent doesn't rinse away completely from the palstic tub and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

Thank you. Learn something today.

[spider78]

http://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/qt/preventingmold.htm

If you wash your towels with the "sanitary"/Extra hot option, that helps to clean out the washer at the same time. (Assuming that you have the built-in water heater)

[amz155]

Thanks everyone, your info has been very helpful.