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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Smelly washing machines.

12 replies

Beasknees · 07/02/2011 14:31

I know this has been done many a time before but my machine smells. I've tried doing a hot wash with bleach - no change. I've put in lemon - no change. I've also tried inadvertently a pot of strawberry jam - no change. So what now.

OP posts:
ScarlettCrossbones · 07/02/2011 15:12

LOL at the strawberry jam, Beas - you mean it didn't smell a whole lot sweeter after that?!?

Watching for tips as mine is the same ... looks clean, smells Shock!

... and I think there's an underwire from a bra hidden somewhere inside too ...

flippineck · 07/02/2011 15:13

Hottest wash with a dishwasher tablet worked on mine.

Oh, and I cleaned out the filters too

Seona1973 · 07/02/2011 16:40

have you cleaned out the filter and the dispenser drawer?

Original poster
Beasknees · 07/02/2011 18:22

I've cleaned out and do clean out the dispenser drawer quite regularly but where are the filters?

OP posts:
OADCB · 07/02/2011 18:24

Hot wash and White vinegar

Seona1973 · 07/02/2011 21:52

we have a kick flap at the bottom of the machine that you remove and the filter is behind that.

Beamur · 07/02/2011 21:55

Hot wash, capful of thin bleach every now and again.
I'd also pull out the machine and give the space its in a clean, clean all the filters, wash the soap dispenser.
Quite a few machines have a sort of reservoir of water in them and maybe that has got a bit stagnant.
I also try and make sure I let the inside dry out between washes - leave the door open, dry the rubber seal.
My old one used to be like this, the clothes came out nice and clean but every now and again the machine just smelt a bit musty.

jakesmum30 · 07/02/2011 21:58

This worked for me: use biological powder (a good one like ariel or persil)for all white washing (at least once a week) on 60 degrees. Apparently it has enzymes and bleach in it that break down the stinky stuff. I still use colour liquid for all coloured washes. Also, try 'Afresh' washing machine cleaner tablets (I got from e bay) use every couple of months to help with limescale etc. Good luck!

SixtyFootDoll · 07/02/2011 22:15

I did a hot wash with Zoflora

PinkElephant73 · 08/02/2011 22:29

have you cleaned inside the rubber door seal - it can get very gunky and smelly in there?

to clean the machine out, try running it empty on a boil cycle with a large scoop of soda crystals in the powder drawer.

Hellebore1 · 09/02/2011 18:49

I had this problem ran the machine empty on it's hottest wash 95deg with a dose of persil, sorted it out straight away. Incidentally there is a bloke that runs www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk who has got an excellent advice section on all kinds of washing machine and laundry related problems. Good luck Smile

ghosteditor · 09/02/2011 18:53

Have you tried leaving the washing machine door open for 10 mins or so after you take the clothes out? Stops gunk/discolouration of the seal which could cause smells

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