smelly washing machine.

[bumpsnowjustplump]

I have noticed that my washing machine drum has become really smelly. Today I did a load of washing and the clothes have come out really smelly. I have just put it on a 90 degree cycle and it still smells... How can I get rid of this smell as I have lots of washing to do???

[oneforward20back]

Soda crystals in drum 40C wash. Sometimes works

[Shitemum]

Have you not seen 'Tip of the day' woman?

[oneforward20back]

Nope where do i look?

[bumpsnowjustplump]

Oh no I will now look for the tip of the day....

[Shitemum]

It's about half way down on the right...

[bumpsnowjustplump]

Thanks for that i have never read the front page . I have some lemon juice so will do that tomorrow... thanks again...

[belleymum]

Oh dear, I can't find the older tip of the days and I have the same problem. Can you tell me about the lemons????

[grin]

How funny belleymum me too! Kim and Aggie got me thinking - they did the soap crystals I think and then a pint of white vinegar but I didn't catch the details so was hoping for help...let me know if you hit upon an answer.

[chelseamorning]

Bump! I have the same problem. Just what was that tip?!

[grin]

It is elusive...let's keep asking...

[Dalrymps]

Yeah, what is the tip? My machine is also smelly.

[LargeGlassofRed]

ooh yes need the tip too!

[minkulus]

I know it's not very eco, but i put a small amount of thick bleach in the drawer and put it on a hot wash. The smells are gone and the machine is sparkly clean. Best to put on a whites wash afterwards though in case there is any residue!!

[minkulus]

I should have put that i do an hot wash if you see what I mean?!!

[GooseyLoosey]

I want the tip too - what was it? Washing machine man told my mother that the reason for this is that we are all doing colder washes now which are not hot enough to kill off all of the mould and mildew which grows in damp places

[preciouslillywhite]

oooh, just marking this one! mine doesn't smell (yet) but the rubber seal is all mildewy even tho only a year old and I can't shift it...

I blame eco products...need to get me some OMO!

[Dalrymps]

But what is the tip???????????????

[grin]

precious my seal is mildewy too, that's my major problem...perhaps a really hot wash will do it with something in it?

[leothelioness]

ohh will watch this with interest the my washing machine is quite old an I was just wondering today if there was anything i could do about it being a bit uuuuurrrgghhh

[deleting]

i put some calgon in and it sorted it out

[grin]

oooh interesting deleting - did you put it in the drum or the drawer?

[nulgirl]

waiting with bated breath for the tip. When I cuddle my kids, all I can smell is a slightly musty whiff. not pleasant

[RubyBlueberry]

Stuff from Lakeland (or ebay) called HG Service Engineer works amazingly well on washing machine and dishwasher.

[RubberDuck]

Our washing machine repair man's instructions:

• after every wash, when the machine is empty, make sure both the door and the drawer is left ajar at least an inch - this helps the air to circulate and to stop it getting mouldy.
• once a month, run a 90 degree wash with a generous squirt of bleach in the drum.