Stinky Washing Machine

[assumpta]

My washing machine stinks! I have cleaned, washed and scrubbed out the drawer. At one time this had become mouldy when I had been away for quite a while, and it is now prone to this. I have scrubbed with baking soda, white vinegar and run-through numerous hot washes also including a vinegar wash. I have also washed through Zoflora liquid, but to no avail. Any ideas please???

I'd detach the pipe at the back and throw some drain cleaner down the pipe itself and then run the washing machine. Also check filter for debris too?

Ok. Thanks for that. Guess what I am doing tomorrow!

Hi, I have recently had same problem. Was advised not to use liquid detergent as this can lead to build up of slimy gunk round drum which smells. Also to use Ariel powder as this contains bleaching agents which liquids don't, the powder helps to get rid of slimy build up as it contains the bleaching agents. I had tried the hot washes etc which didn't help, seemed to make the smell worse if anything. Anyway using Ariel has worked for me, don't know if same applies to all powders. I don't use it every wash as don't want to use it on colours but my machine no longer smells. HTH!

Soda crystals - half a bag in the drum, on the hottest wash once a month.

every so often i run the m/c on a hot wash empty but with bleach in the powder tray, works wonders.

had exactly the same problem as you a month or so ago, also ditched using gel washing liquid and went back to powder ( use persil), bought the colour and the original and after a week or so the smell completely went also noticed that the rubber seal around the door is looking a lot cleaner too.

I also think that the clothes seem cleaner as well now, might be my imagination !

Gels and non bio products really don't do machines much good with regard to build up of smelly stuff. I agree with the soda crystals and using powder rather than liquid.

Oh, and the clothes are DEFINITELY cleaner.

I had this. Put bleach in drum and then ran through a hot wash with bleach. Sorted the problem temporarily.

Then leave the door open between washes to keep it stink-freel.

It's ironic how I posted on this thread the other day and now mine has begun to stink. So assumpta what worked best?