Any ideas? Certain fabrics smell awful after washing

[Whatsmymethod]

Im so frustrated with my washing. The smell is driving me crazy!!

For weeks, some of my washing comes out of the machine smelling awful. I've tried everything.... New powder, conditioner, tablets, washed all machine compartments both with vinegar, bicarb and last resort bleach. Have put smaller washes loads on etc.

I've worked out that it's mostly fleeces and sports wear type fabrics.

I've had the machine no longer than two years so I contacted Hotpoint this morning but they said they offer no help after the initial warranty.

Anyone have any ideas what the problem is? I'm throwing so many clothes away because of the rancid smell

I think it may be a build up of bacteria, sweat etc in those particular fibres. I have a lot of experience with teenage boys with sport kits!
Dettol laundry cleanser has worked for me - about £4.50 for 1.5 litres. Available in Tesco, Asda, etc. Tesco and Sainsburys do their own brand version at a slightly cheaper price. Work as well as the Dettol. I no longer use fabric conditioner, liquid detergent when washing those fibres, just powder and the laundry cleanser.

www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/278374966

www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/291253071

Agree with PP. synthetic fibres harbour smelly germs. I find Napisan added to the wash gets rid.

Halo sports wash works a treat on our gym gear.
I get it at Sainsburys

Thank you for the replies. That makes so much sense.

I haven't heard of/seen that Dettol one or halo. I'll pick one of them up today whilst I'm out.
You've given me hope

Halo is brilliant for smelly sportswear.

That used to happen to us periodically, but has stopped entirely since I changed to powder rather than laundry liquid, and also make sure I periodically do a wash on the hottest setting. No idea which was more effective but I don’t miss having smelly washing so will carry on with both!

Is your machine 'forcing' you to use an eco friendly/ economy wash? That might be the issue. Some things need a proper (longer) wash.

I would personally give your washing machine a thoroughly good clean! My washing was harbouring a smell, despite using different powders and fabric softeners.

What I did was got a bowl of hot water and added a splash of zoflora to it (any will do), get a cloth and clean the rim of your machine (the rubber seals), get right into the seals and you'd be surprised how much gunk comes out! Keep doing it til it's clean.

Remove your washing machine drawer, give that a good wash in the zoflora solution and then rinse it thoroughly.

Then with the rest of the zoflora solution, add it to the draw (put it in all 3 trays - the pre wash, main wash and fabric softener tray, then throw the rest inside the drum).

Put your washing machine on the hottest wash with nothing in the drum. I promise your machine will smell amazing and come out sparkling and clean! Then wash your clothes as normal. Fingers crossed it doesn't leave a smell! Pop a capful of dettol in each wash to kill any remaining bacteria in the washing machine and clothes.

IF you cannot use Zoflora, soda crystals and white vinegar will work just as well.

I realised washing at 30° wasn't cleaning sports gear or fleeces properly. They all go in at 60° with my underwear and towels now. No smells.

Thanks again for your replies.

I've been using the Dettol liquid and it's worked! Thank you for the suggestion.

I'm just annoyed that I threw clothes away that might have been ok. Oh well.

I do hot washes and clean cycle washes to keep the machine in good condition. As pp said, I think it must have been bacteria in some of our clothes that spread to other items when they were washed together. I've re washed everything. My house has been like a launderette!

Im glad it's finally sorted. Thanks for all the helpful tips