Why does my washing machine smell?

[ItsNiceItsDifferentItsUnusual]

Started smelling damp a few months ago. It's a couple of years old.

• it's used most days
• does a 60 wash 3+ times a week
• use washing powder
• I've done a few maintenance washes with cleaners
• the door is left open when it isn't being used
• I've emptied the filter
• I've pulled it out of the cupboard frame to check there's no leak behind/under

WHY does it still smell?!

I had this problem a couple of months ago you can buy a special wash rinse to put in your machine to tackle, could be mildew use a hot cycle

Have you wiped round the rubber seal with a hot wet cloth?

I had the same thing and then cleared the seal (disgusting!) and then ran a 90 degree wash with just a cap of bleach. Good as new.

I have looked the seal, it looks ok? Possibly hidden somewhere?

I will try a 90 wash with bleach too

Have you pulled out the dispenser drawer and cleaned it including the top of that cavity where there are little holes/jets where the water comes in? This can become covered in black mould and smells awful. I scrub mine with a spare toothbrush.
Have you checked the water is draining away properly? Sometimes you can get stagnant water which remains in the hose which leads from the washing machine to the drain/ubend under the sink. It may be worthwhile disconnecting that and checking. It is usually caused by a buildup of soap scum or a tiny blockage.

Dispenser ok mama but water not draining properly is something had vaguely popped into my head. I think I'll need to do that (sounds like a ball ache)

You'll know as soon as you disconnect the hose from under the sink if that is where the problem lies - it reeks! We ended up having to clean out the whole ubend as it was bunged up with soap scum - it was black!