Smelly washing machine - what can I do?

[oysterpots]

It's not actually the washing machine, but the washing it washes that smells all fusty and stale. I've cleaned out the filter, cleaned the drawer of all crust and old powder etc. But the slot where the drawer slides in is pretty manky. I've tried to clean it as best I can but it's very awkward to get to.

I've also put the machine on empty but with powder and on a boil wash.

Anything else I can do? Should I get it serviced? Are there any products that exist like the dishwasher cleaners you can get but for washing machines? Help!

[mamadiva]

I put my machine on a hot wash with two cups of vinegar or lemon juice then put on an empty hotwash to rinse works a treat for me. Hope this helps a bit I do that every 6 months probably should do it more though LOL

[Goober]

It is probably the waste pipes.
You can buy some "stuff" at a hardware shop for keeping machines fresh. Can't remember the name, but if you ask for something to freshen it they will have just the thing!

[DaisySteiner]

I find cleaning the door seal out helps.

[purplemonkeydishwasher]

and don't keep the door closed when it's empty. ours gets really bad when i do that/

[maidamess]

What kind of washing stuff do you use?

I found when I used liquid it just gunked everything up, as did the loose powder.

I alternate now between Bold 2 in 1 liqui- tab things and tablets that go in the drawer.

I used to have a really ponky machine, but no more!

I sound like an advert.

[oysterpots]

thanks, I'll try those tips. I think the door seal might be a bit grim but don't really want to have to tackle it... will have to muster up the courage!

we use liquid sometimes but mainly loose powder, so that could be it.

does anyone know of any eco or sensitive wash tablets or liquitabs?

[mamaberta]

A washing machine repairman told me never to use liquid detergents as they gunk up the machine. Apparently all washing machine repairmen (or their other halves ) use powder.

[purplemonkeydishwasher]

just so you know, because of this thread i cleaned out my machine. including the door seal. i can't even BEGIN to tell you how gross it was. really you must do it now BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!...

[nannyL]

on the other hand powder really clogs up the drains

saw it with my own eyes at my mums house... was not a pretty site either

all drain men (/ their OHs) use liquid

regualar not washes help flush out the machine... its mainly those who never / rarely wash above that have a problem... and mothly boil wash with bioligical powder should sortit out too