washing machine doesn't smell great!

[channingswife]

Looking for some tips on how to get my washing machine to smell fresh again, everything is coming out a bit musty, despite using fabric softener.

Is there anything I can make to give it a deep clean or so I need to use one of those packets from the super market?

Stick a cup of soda crystals in the drum and run a hot cottons wash. Always leave the door and drawer open between washes.

The best thing I ever did was to stop using wash liquid and fabric softener and change to powder instead ( a tip I read on here).

It got rid of all nasty smells.

I totally agree with Norbert - liquids don't contain the same cleaning agents so your machine doesn't get washed out the same.

Home Bargains and B&M both sell a powder washing machine cleaner that you can use. It's basically just powdered bleach but is perfectly save to use in the washer and will remove any mould and build of residue.

A few things you can do to maintain your washer:

1. Use powder, not liquid. Powder's contain oxy bleach which is safe for clothes and won't strip the colour and also keeps your washer clean
2. leave the door open after washes to let the drum air out
3. do a regular hot wash last. If you have a load of towels or bedding or white items, do them on a 60 cycle or above and do them last, so that it cleans the machine out at the same time.

Put a couple of tablespoons of soda crystals in every wash, not an instant cure but makes a big difference in the long run and stops smells.

Soda crystals are a lot cheaper than any proprietary washing machine cleaner. If you are in an area which doesn't have soft water soda crystals will help soften the water and dissolve the washing powder more effectively.

Wash your dispenser drawer, use an old toothbrush and as hot as possible water. Also give the hole a good clean too.

There's a little door at the bottom of the machine to access the filter, on mine yoi open it and there is a big cap that can be twisted off and a smaller cap that can be pulled off.. have dirty towels underneath and a bowl to hand. First pop the cap on the smallest one and pull, a little hose will come out and water will start to drain. Once the water has stopped, turn the big cap and pull - it will be full of gunky crap. Give it a good wash and stick it back in. Voila, filter cleaned.

Thanks for the replies! Going to have to stay on top of cleaning it, have to admit I've been remiss at that!

Thanks for the tips!