Help! Next step for smelly washing machine

[Dorothyinaustria]

My washing machine started smelling a tiny little bit musty in the last couple of weeks. Barely noticeable but I thought it was time for a deep clean, which I'm ashamed to say I hadn't done since buying it a year ago.

I used the dettol washing machine cleaner. Cleaned the seal (no visible mould), drawer, and used a toothbrush in crevices which did dislodge some grey gunk. Ran with the dettol product and thought I was winning, it smelt lovely for a day.

Now it smells so bad, the whole utility room stinks 😭

I read a few threads on this and have just removed and cleaned the filter at the front (which was really rank) but as the smell comes from within the drum I'm not expecting miracles.

Can you help me decide what to do next? It seems soda crystals or dishwasher tablets could be good? Or another dettol run? (The bottle did say it might need doing twice if it's not been done for a while)

I'm conscious of not doing too much and making it worse. Please help!

Mine stank and cleaning the filter at the front really helped.

Run an empty cycle at 90 degrees, and when not in use, keep the door open.

This gives me hope that I may notice a difference tomorrow after what I have done tonight. Exciting life I have, spending my Saturday night cleaning out a washing machine filter!

90 degree cycle shall be my next move!

90 degree cycle with vinegar. Scrub out the drawer that you can put soap in. Always keep the door open.

The washing machine repair man said that you should run your auto clean cycle regularly and use a dishwasher tablet in the drawer and one in the drum (no need to buy special cleaners). I also do a clean with soda crystals every so often.

Check the drain hose and the drain outside. We have had torrential rain and a lot of debris has lodged in drain covers. Make sure the machine is draining properly and nothing is stuck in the pump.

Do you use liquid detergent? I started using that a few years ago and my washing machine started to smell and the seal went mouldy. I switched back to powder detergent and all fine since. I think I read somewhere on here someone else having the same problem.

When you cleaned the filter did you also drain all of the water out using the little hose at the front? If not then also do that.

This is excellent advice.

Use powder if you are using liquid and don't use softener. Use Calgon instead .

Yes I drained all the smelly water at the front too.

I opted for a 90 degree wash with soda crystals this morning, there were some flecks of greyish gunk in places afterwards, I wiped it all away, and fingers crossed it doesn't seem to smell anymore!

I also bought powder today as I read in multiple places about liquid causing it.

I'm definitely going to be diligent about a monthly maintenance wash in future. Thanks all!

A handful of dishwasher tablets on a 90 degree wash, works a treat

I sometimes do an empty wash at 90 with a bottle of white vinegar in it.

Bio powder will keep your machine clean

Mine was the same. Tried all of the cleaning ideas - none worked.
Was about to order new machine.
Switched from gel to powder and like other pp now all fine.
good luck. 🤞

Mine was the same. Tried all of the cleaning ideas - none worked.
Was about to order new machine.
Switched from gel to powder and like other pp now all fine.
good luck. 🤞

Mine stank AFTER I cleaned it ...I think I must have dislodged something!
My DH is an engineer who loves a challenge, he took it apart and cleaned everything
The amount of grey sludge was unreal.
Not sure how helpful this is to you tho