Smelly washing machine. Why?

[MadameLupino]

The drums smells fusty, really wet, mouldy and dank. It's not the soap drawe, I've cleaned that out. I've also cleaned the rubber seal (and that was grim). It's had a hot wash with napisan go through it this week and I've tried running it with old towels and vinegar.

Any ideas?

[MotherPanda]

bicarbonate of soda is the answer! chuck a load in the drawer and drum, and pop it on a hot wash - 90 for a couple of hours say.

should sort the smell out.

[MadameLupino]

Empty drum? I do have lots of bicarb, I will give it a go, thanks.

[anonymousbird]

Empty your filter thing too, they often contribute to the smell, and yes, hottest possible wash with soda crystals in an empty machine. I just did my monthly hot wash/filter check and we are all fine and dandy again after getting a little musty smelling earlier this week....

Oh, and fabric conditioner is a sure fire way of building up the gunk which then causes the smells. Use powder not liquids for detergent and only use a small amount of conditioner. I ditched it completely last year and my machine is in much better shape now.

[MadameLupino]

I don't use fabric softener, it is evil
I have no notion how to do the filter thing but I will check. Perhaps the fact that I don't know how to is a clue to how this has happened........

[anonymousbird]

Glad we are agreed on the softener!

The filter thing is probably located on the front of machine, low down, turn a round disc and behind it (have tea towels/bucket ready to catch the water) will be revealed a long bent rather phallic shaped filter/basket thing. If you have never cleaned it, it may well be full of fibre/fluff and it will produce water on your kitchen/utility floor!!!!

[CroissantNeuf]

Agree that you should ditch the liquid and use powder.

We had a real problem a while ago and after changing to powder, as recommended on here, there has been no smell.

[Seona1973]

we have to remove the bottom kick plate from the machine to get to the screw bit at the front of the filter. I also use powder after liquid detergents ended up making marks on the clothes. I do still use fabric softner though.

[MadameLupino]

I know where the filter is I think (twirly plate on the front) but it is one of those jobs that the Ex used to do so I've not attempted it. I will have a pop tomorrow and let you know how I get on.
I usually use soap nuts/eco balls and just liquid for the manky loads but I've been lazy recently and just bunging in liquid for everything. Maybe that's not helping.