bad smell coming from washing machine

[eenywifemum]

Every time I put a load of washing in I am nearly knocked out by a bad smell that comes from my washing machine. I've cleaned the rubber seal around the door thinking that was collecting grime but it is still there. It's sort of musty. Not only does it make doing laundry very unpleasant but I'm worried my clothes aren't being cleaned properly. Does anybody know what causes this and how I can get rid of it? Thanks for your help!

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Hello, this thread is a little old and the links are out of date. Here's a new link to the products recommended by Mumsnetters:

Ozkleen Bath Power Cleaner

MNHQ

If you are interested in more Mumsnet recommendations, why not check out Swears By?

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This is a zombie thread! Resurrected by the poster above to promote a product, possibly? I've reported it, anyway.

Ps totally agree about liquid detergents btw! They cause that grey slime stuff in the seal as well - powders are way better

I can see this is a zombie thread, but I just read some interesting articles on this subject (including the powder/liquid part) on the UK Whitegoods site whilst researching vacuum cleaners (I have no connection to them). Apart from using the (right) washing powder for the wash, hot maintenance washes regularly etc, they also recommended a product called Affresh, which you can buy all over the place. Going to buy some and try it on the machine in my son's rented house and see if it makes any impression on a very gunky doorseal too - yuk!
The UK Whitegoods website has a lot of advice in general on household appliance related queries.

RESOLVED:
Things you will need:

1. Bath power. www.wilko.com/bathroom-cleaning-products/ozkleen-bath-power-bathroom-cleaner-500ml/invt/0173301

1. Any oxi action type washing machine powder.

Instructions:

1. Take out the powder draw if you can and clean out any black mould as best you can using a brush and rinse with water.

1. Spay about 5 o 6 spays of Bath Power in the tray slot and down any pipes then replace tray.

1. Add 3 or 4 scoops of the powder to the top tray. And then squirt about ten sprays of Bath Power over the top of it.

1. Start a washing machine self clean cycle/quick wash at 60° or the nearest to these that your machine will do.

1. If it doesn't work first time repeat once.

I'm not a net mum but a dad, my wife was complaining about our machine smelling. I randomly put this together and tried it and it worked. This is the second machine to have the problem and we weren't prepared to go and buy another as we would end up with the same issue again anyway. Tried vinegar/bicarb etc.. none of it worked. But this method does the trick every time.

Hi, I'm new on here, I am having same problem with my bush washing machine, it absolutely stinks the kitchen every time I do a wash, the clothes don't smell that fresh when they come out either, Iv tried everything, put through on hot washes with all sorts of washing machine cleaners, my dad has had it out n turnt upside down and taken apart, unplug the thing at front and checked nothing in it. I'm at point where I may have to buy a new one as I can't wash my babies clothes in it 😫

It's a vicious cycle. Because if it smells you tend to shut the door but I think the drawer and the door need to be open at all times (or atleast until they are dried from a wash).
Once a month I do a hot (90 degrees) empty wash with vinegar in the drawer and it seems to keep it running well

Dettol do, in addition to their stuff that you add to a load of laundry, a specific product for cleaning your washing machine. A friend used it and said it worked really well for her and that the next wash she did smelt really clean and nice. Worth a try?