My washing machine stinks, help!

[RueDeWakening]

Not sure what's happened but my washing machine really stinks. What can I do to get rid of the smell?

I think it might be because we can't leave it open after it finishes running. The machine gets used pretty much every day, there are 2 adults and 2 kids (1 in cloth nappies) in the house.

Willing to try pretty much anything, except getting a new washer, can't afford that at the moment. Washer is v old (pre-2000) btw.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Have you done a service wash? Run an empty wash at the highest setting. You do need to leave it open as well, sorry. Is there anything stuck in the seal?

clean the filter, the rubber seal and pull out and clean the dispenser drawer and the slot that the drawer sits in. After that run a hot (90 degree) wash with bio powder or vinegar or soda crystals

stop using liquid gel and switch to powder ! had the same problem as you, was given this advice and never had a problem since ( plus my washing actually feels/looks cleaner !).

On that program superscrimpers the other day it said put it on a hot wash with no detergent or clothes in it and it should clean the pipes and stop it smelling.have no idea if it works but was going to try it myself at some point

forgot to say that I switched to powder rather than liquid and the drum is now much cleaner

got this too when first had ds and switched to non bio liquid

get a couple of bags of soda crystals and put through machine in a couple/three hot washes to clean out.

clean out drawers, filters/seals

switch back to powder for all washes (bio if possible for some)

I run the hottest cycle every couple of weeks with nothing in, and it doesn't get that foisty smell anymore. I also stopped using gel, it never seemed to dissolve properly.

(I've also been known to do a 90 degree wash with a bit of steriliser in the drawer. Not sure if that's recommended though, I am a bit ott with cleaning )

Thanks, have done a boil wash with an empty drum and a bit of vinegar chucked in. Smell has improved but not gone, haven't had a chance to do anything else yet. Didn't think of using the napisan in it, would have chucked some in if I had though :o

We use tablets that I break into quarters when they go in the drawer, no liquid or gel here. Mix of bio and non-bio. Can't keep the door open because of its position, and having it unlatched but pushed to doesn't do anything to help.

Will set about the seals etc when DH can keep the kids out of the way for a bit tomorrow. And get some soda crystals.

Agree with the hottest wash and an empty machine cycle once a month at least.

My wm used to stink but now is very non fragrant. :)