Clothes coming out of washing machine smelling worse than when they went in - help!!

[Magstermay]

This has started since a recent house move, not sure how relevant this is!

Recently our clothes absolutely stink after coming out of the washing machine, it’s worse than before they are washed. We have cleaned the drawer, the filter and the seals. We have run hot washes with vinegar, soda crystals etc and a proper washing machine cleaner (the latter temporarily improved things but it's got worse).

We usually wash at 40 with non bio powder and fabric softener with a water softening tablet. Occasional 60 degree wash for towels and sheets. The same as we’ve done for years with no problems.

Next step is calling an engineer out as we can’t think of anything else (DH generally pretty handy) but I thought I’d check if anyone here has ideas?! I’m so fed up with smelly clothes, I’d like them to smell nice again!!!

What does the machine drain into?

Try using biological powder for a while.

Check how it drains, it may be that water is not fully draining out of the pipe meaning it's going stagnant and coming back into the machine.

I'd also suggest using bio powder for a while rather than any type of non bio. Bio will work through the pipes killing bacteria. If like me you have allergies to bio powder, I use bio once every few weeks on an empty 90 degree cycle and it seems to keep odours at bay.

c3pu I have no idea 😳 I guess just into the main drain?

sarcelle will try that!

Thanks Barry I’ll suggest DH checks when he gets home

Have you cleaned under the seals as thoroughly as you think you have?
I only say this as I had the same problem.
When I thoroughly investigated, I found that lifting up the flabby seal that is directly in the entrance to the machine (ie the opening where you put in the washing), and running my finger around the underneath bit, I brought out a load of grey sludge that ponged.
This was after doing all the things you mentioned above.
The design of my seal had a sort of series of small cells where the stuff was collecting.
The only way I could clean it was with my finger .
Gross job but it made a big difference.

The place where the smelly cells are located is the bit where the rubber seal connects to the metal drum.

Are you keeping the door closed when it's not being used?

Perfect mould growing conditions if you are.

Agree to check drainage. I'd specifically look at the angle of the hose as it goes into the draining bit - you have to have a u bend in the flexible hose bit that comes out of the washing machine. That's if it's a drain sort of smell.

Is it? Can you describe the smell? Drainy, mouldy or something else?

my oh cleaned our filter...water goes everywhere but is was disgusting

We had this and found a sock had got stuck in the pump so all the dirty water couldn’t get pumped away properly. Took it out and nice clean clothes again. The pump on our machine is at the bottom on the front - there’s a bit you unscrew and lots of water comes out (need towels there). I leant how to do it on YouTube after putting model number in. Worth a try? Good luck

Place marking

I found this for a while. Have started using dettol laundry cleanser. Smell has gone

Oh I'm going to try the dettol. I've had this problem for years - in 3 different houses with 3 different machines. And I've had it with dark clothes and coloureds.

I also use non bio as we are super sensitive but I'm going to stick in bio for a few washes a week now to see if that works - and use the dettol.

It's such a shame as when this doesn't happen my clothes smell fab, so much so that all my family keep asking what I use. (The secret I think is Comfort Blue as it's been the only constant in years and years of washing).

Are you sure it’s the washing not the drying? I find, that if I put clothes away that aren’t completely dry, they end up,smelling of sick.......