Clothes smelling foisty even after washing

[Directionerforever]

Anyone got any tried and tested failsafe methods of getting a washing machine clean? I’ve used a specific washing machine cleaner thing and run it on a hot wash but it doesn’t seem to have made much difference. Sick of my clothes smelling like they’ve been left damp in the washer too long 🤢

Is the washing machine old?
Do you keep the door shut between washes?
Is this a new problem?
Maybe the outlet to drain water isn’t flowing right and so old water is backing up and going back in to your clean wash?
My Dsis used to have clothes that smelt like this but the problem wasn’t her machine, it was that her clothes were taking too long to dry.
I do occasionally put a TINY amount of bleach in my washer, it foams up quite alarmingly but I’ve never had a problem in the 20 years of doing it.

Just thought, on the bottom front of your machine there is a (not often known about) removable flap. Under that is a filter. If you unscrew that -get towels ready, it holds more water than you think-you will be able to clean out any small bits that have ended up getting sucked into your machine and some gunky smelly stuff. Clean that and see if it makes a difference.

Have you also pulled the rubber seal forward and checked in there? That can hold a fair bit of water that, if it’s not draining, could smell.

Was it an empty hot wash? No clothes, no soap?
Have you tried soda crystals?

Last ditch would be zoflora.

How are you drying them?

Ooh ok. So yes, empty hot wash with a specified washing machine cleaner fluid stuff. I use a tumble drier to dry.

The machine is about 2 years old. The seal looks manky with dark spots on it but they don’t seem to clean.

I keep a little rag in the machine to wipe out the seal after every wash, then it gets chucked back in the machine for next time. It reminds me to do it every time.
I also prop the door open between washes because there's not enough room to keep it open wide the whole time
This has stopped the foosty smell for me

I did hot wash with white vinegar which made a difference.

Try using Dettol antibacterial cleaner instead of softener and see if that works. It is great for sports kit, dog blankets etc

have you cleaned out the filter?
checked the machine is installed correctly? the hose should form a large S shape to generate a u-bend.

I had the same problem, I solved it by stopping using gel/capsules and only using powder.

And for a week I only did 60 degree washes.

It's been fine since then.

Right I’ve pulled down the flap at the front and wiped that out, not much in the way of gunk there although clearly if you furtle further up the pipe there is grot that I can’t reach.

Interesting what you say about gel/capsules @HotSince63 as I’ve been using Smol capsules for over a year so maybe that has something to do with it. Might change to powder for a bit.

All seems to be fitted properly @pinkbalconyrailing, I’ve pulled it all out and seems ok.

what cycles and temps do you use do you use?
can you wash something (bedding or towels) on a long hot cotton cycle?

I did my white bedding yesterday on a long hot wash cycle with liberal amounts of fabric conditioner and the little beady things and that smells ok. They get done once per week so it does get that longer cycle relatively often. Usually it’s an hour and a half at 40 degrees for most washes.

Use powder
Clean out the filter and the dispenser drawer (and the bit the drawer fits into)

Gel capsules / liquid definitely don't help with smell. I don't know why but powder seems to help!

Powder contains bleaches and that helps keep the drum cleaner

@Directionerforever I'm pretty sure it'll be the gel capsules then. I posted about it - possibly on here - and the advice was switch to powder, put the powder straight in the drum and not the drawer, do the first few washes at 60 degrees, leave the door open when not in use.

It sorted it within a week.

I know a lot of people love Smol, but I've never been able to find an eco friendly detergent that works. They've all left that foisty smell behind (and I tumble dry so it's not sitting around damp for ages)

Also if your seal has spots of mould on, it's not getting a chance to dry between uses. Leave the door and the drawer slightly open between washes.