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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

help! our washing machine stinks!

10 replies

satinandsilk · 28/05/2012 19:22

It's got so bad that when you open the door, the whole kitchen (it's a small kitchen) gets blasted with a musty smell. It's not foul, exactly (not like bad drains) but it's bad enough - like mouldy clothes.
We have tried putting it on a boiling wash with a bottle of vinegar (read somewhere that might help); and have done our best to clean the rubbery bit round the drum (which is blackened with mould, but it isn't gungy and doesn't come off, at least not just by scrubbing.) all to no avail. Are there any products on the market? I've looked in supermarkets and found nothing. What else can we try? The machine isn't that old (maybe two years max) but it is on at least once a day....this must be a common problem. Any tips gratefully received.....

OP posts:
oohermrs · 28/05/2012 19:28

Run it empty on the highest setting you can like a 95 degree wash. That should do it. Just make sure you do it regularly and that should keep it clean and smell free.

oohermrs · 28/05/2012 19:30

Oh sorry just re read that you've done that already! Think Lakeland sell something that could clean it. Either that or call a local washing machine repair man and get them to give it a mot!

Springforward · 28/05/2012 19:30

I guess you don't let it spin empty though?

OP, we have the same problem - but smells like wee....

AreWeHavingFunYet · 28/05/2012 19:37

I had this once and the washing machine repair man said to use ariel powder (the one in the green box) in a boil wash at least once a month.

He told me that washing machines are not designed for gentler non-bleach washing powders and liquids all the time as they need the bleach to clean the machine. He also said using liquid detergent makes them more prone to smelling too.

It worked for me, got rid of the black mould on the door rubber (took a good few washes with the stronger powder to completely go) and no more bad smell either.

It probably isn't just ariel green powder but I think it needs some bleach in it.

AreWeHavingFunYet · 28/05/2012 19:39

Just to add that now I use a combination of green ariel powder and other powders and I have never had the problem again.

satinandsilk · 28/05/2012 21:25

Thank you all. will try to source the powerful aeriel stuff. Got a feeling we usually buy 'non biological' washing powder for environmental reasons, which may be why the problem has got so bad. Environment will have to wait - can't have the house smelling like this!

OP posts:
MNP · 28/05/2012 21:26

Also allow the machine to air after a wash so door and soap drawer ajar.

somewheresomehow · 28/05/2012 21:50

there is this stuff that you can get from supermarkets. have heard its good and not expensive either.
www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/laundry-products/service-it-washing-machine-cleaner/

Springforward · 28/05/2012 22:39

We tried the Dr Beckman stuff, it did improve things for a short while. DH popped out for some bio powder earlier, currently giving that a go.

somethingscary · 28/05/2012 22:53

When I did my first boil wash it got worse rather than better but after a couple it was all gone. I now do it every 6 weeks or so, leave the drawer & door open after using it and no more smells Smile

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