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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Stinky washing machine

20 replies

DumbleDork · 07/08/2019 18:44

Can someone help please?

My washing machine is starting to smell bad. I leave the door open after a wash.

I’ve done an empty 95 degree wash which helped for one day and then it was back to smelling after usage.

Any tips?

Thanks

OP posts:
Synecdoche · 07/08/2019 18:47

Have you cleaned all the gunk out from around the seal?

Original poster
DumbleDork · 07/08/2019 18:50

Yes I have. Diluted bleach water. With a toothbrush in the water jets too above the soap dispenser

OP posts:
madmother1 · 07/08/2019 18:51

Have you cleaned the filter?

Chocolatedeficitdisorder · 07/08/2019 18:51

I had this from my last machine, which was fairly elderly but reliable.

I cleaned the seal, I did boil washes, I used cleaning liquids and the stale smell still returned. I think the pipes inside the machine had mould or some kind of rot in them.

I gave up and bought a new machine. As soon as I did the first load I realised just how long the previous machine had been poorly, and how much cleaner our clothes were.

Sorry, that doesn't help you clean your machine, but I wouldn't waste too much time on it if you can afford to buy a new machine, even a cheap brand - there's not much between them.

dingit · 07/08/2019 18:52

Do you use liquid tabs? I switched to powder ( cheap Aldi ones) and the stink has gone. Apparently the liquid doesn't kill bacteria and that causes the stink.

TapasForTwo · 07/08/2019 18:53

The usual culprits are too many low temperature washes using laundry liquid and/or quick washes.

Washing machine repair people recommend never using liquid and always using powder. Liquids don't contain bleach and just form a gunk that can attract mould.

Hot, full length temperature washes using bio powder should do the trick.

Also, clean out the washing powder drawer and leave it to dry after every wash, and leave the door open.

Original poster
DumbleDork · 07/08/2019 18:53

How do I clean the filter? It’s a Samsung eco bubble.

I can’t justify a new machine, it’s only 4 years old and still has a years guarantee for breakdown etc

OP posts:
Haworthia · 07/08/2019 18:54

Keep up with the hot washes - I find it gets worse before it gets better. You dislodge some gunk the first time, but it usually needs a few more to really clear it.

Fruitteatime · 07/08/2019 19:02

Can't help but mine also stinks when its draining. The smell comes up through the kitchen sink as the pipe is connected. I've done hot washes, with soda crystals/white vinegar, checked the filter, cleaned the door and I've put soda crystals/drain unblocker in the plug hole and taken the u bend off to check. I don't know what else to do!

ems137 · 07/08/2019 19:03

My Samsung eco bubble has a little door on the bottom right that houses the filter. You need to slightly pull the mini black hose out, take the end off and drain the water into a jug/bowl before you then pull the filter out.

My Samsung has a special drum wash setting as well, doesn't yours? You're supposed to do it every 50 washes or something, it reminds you when it's due?

Herocomplex · 07/08/2019 19:04

Is the water definitely getting hot?

Original poster
DumbleDork · 07/08/2019 19:06

emz mine doesn’t have anything like that (at least I don’t think - I’ll have a look when I get home tonight)

OP posts:
sandyfoot · 07/08/2019 19:10

Hot wash with a dose of napisan. Worked for me

Haworthia · 07/08/2019 19:15

I’ve got an Ecobubble and it’s this. It’s also in the instruction manual.

Stinky washing machine
dementedpixie · 07/08/2019 20:22

I also have an eco bubble and you open the flap with the help of a knife. Drain water out of the black pipe first before undoing the filter cap

Stinky washing machine
Stinky washing machine
HobbyIsCodeForDogging · 10/08/2019 17:39

I've realised that leaving the drawer and door open is not enough - take the drawer right out and tip out the excess water each time.

After cleaning everything, I did a hot empty wash on the hygiene setting at 90C and then a vinegar wash (vinegar in the drawer and in the drum) at 60C and it was only after the vinegar wash that it smelled neutral.

I always use bio powder by the way, sometimes cut with soda crystals for brilliant stain removal.

SlatternIsTrying · 11/08/2019 11:28

I didn’t realise that liquid stuff was a no no.

Amiable · 11/08/2019 13:11

I had no idea about the filter! Just cleaned mine - the smell made me gag. No wonder the machine stinks! On a boil wash now with soda crystals. I'll clean the filter again after.
Thank you MN!

ParadiseLaundry · 11/08/2019 13:25

Yay! I love a stinky washing machine thread Grin

As some pp have suggested make sure you use powder as that really makes the difference I think. I was using liquid just for darks and brights on the advice of another MNter and powders for whites and lights but noticed that all my black clothes were stinking. I washed them all on a 60 degree wash with non bio powder and they were all much better.

Also agree with a pp that you need to fully remove the draw after every wash and allow it to fully dry.

MsMightyTitanAndHerTroubadours · 11/08/2019 13:36

Too many low temp festering washes, swilling all the filth about and not killing germs.

DO MORE 60 washes!

Powder not liquid
Use minimum powder, if you have icky build up you are using too much.
60 and 40 washes
Leave machine door open

I have never had to do any sort of maintenance wash and NEVER had a smelly machine. Also never had the drawer out, do not even know how it comes out. Towels and bedding are all 60 washed, clothes at 40, occasional 90 wash for any white stuff that's looking a bit dingy. scowls at dh and his side of the bed

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