Stinking laundry - how can I fix it?!

[contractproblem]

did a load of laundry yesterday and it came out of the machine smelling sour, like wet dog. I rewashed and it smelled the same. There was nothing in the laundry that smelled particularly bad, just normal clothes.

I cleaned the drawer, seal and filter (they weren’t that dirty tbh) and ran a 90 wash with bleach. Then rewashed the clothes and they still smell!

I’m washing at 40 and hung them straight up in a well ventilated room.

any ideas for how to fix this?

I clean my washing machine with bleach, but pause the machine when it is filled to let it sit in the pipes for a while too.

If you've cleaned the filter etc, they are obvious culprits, but although the seal usually has hidden gunge in it, so I tend to remove mine every so often to give it a good scrub.

Also, I don't use fabric softener but use 30% white vinegar instead.

I've started using the Dettol antibacterial additive stuff... I didn't want to, but the thicker clothing and waistbands of joggers etc were getting weirdly fusty.

It's helped a bit, but honestly I think it is the humidity meaning things can't dry quick enough that causes it.

Cleaning cycle with white vinegar

Do you use liquid? Can definitely leave odours and residues. I know it seems counter-intuitive but powders are actually better at keeping the machine clean and odour free, and if there's a build up it's going to affect the clothes. Hopefully something simple like this?
Can you dry outside? I assume not as you'd have said but if you can that's gonna help.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657039/which-is-the-right-detergent-for-you/

I use a laundry steriliser because my DS said my laundry had 'old people' smell. And sometimes his stuff smells of sweat that is really really hard to get out.

The steriliser seems to get rid of all smells.

How old is the machine and has it ever been properly taken apart for a thorough clean? Unfortunately you can only do so much with cleaning cycles and cleaning the filters. If you take apart a machine that’s been in use for several years you will be amazed how absolutely disgusting they are. There will be gunk everywhere. You can either try and take it apart yourself (lots of YouTube vids) or pay someone to do it or as many people do, buy a new machine.

Dr Beckmanns washing cleaner on an empty load at 60 degrees.
Then add a spoon or two of soda crystals to each wash.

Agree with previous poster on laundry liquids: I used to use liquid and things like gym kit especially would still always come out smelling sour. Switched to powder and it’s gone away.

I add laundry disinfectant to every wash these days. Makes a big difference.

I would do a wash with no clothes, but with soda crystals.

Then I'd flush with another 90 degree wash.

I put smaller loads through these days. Less for the machine to deal with, especially these water saving models.

I had this and rang Bosch and they told me to run 90 degree cycles with nothing in machine, clothes or cleaning products, to get rid of the smell, as many as it took. It took a couple of cycles. I’d tried bleach and washing machine cleaner which hadn’t worked.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I use liquid detergent so first step will be popping to the shops to get some powder and maybe some dettol to see if that sorts it

Someone on here recommended it for me and it does work!

I'd get biological powder rather than non-bio when you're out, and do you always leave the door and drawer open for the machine to dry out? Keeping those closed, especially the door, can lead to smells.

I add a capful of zoflora to many washes. Especially for towels, teatowels, cleaning cloths etc.

I've had similar disgusting sour smellling washing even though it's come straight from the machine to be line-dried. I felt so self-conscious in a crowded meeting at work the other day. It was hot and my clammy skin made my blouse damp and it started to smell really revolting - like an old wet dog.

Try one of the washing machine cleaner things made by dettol or dr Becker. Or white vinegar wash. I find darker thicker clothes need an additive since washers went all eco on us. They simply don’t use enough water. Great for the planet, terrible for clothes. They must be saving all the water for the data centres..

I use a washing machine cleaner as PPs have said and the dettol Antibac liquid. I add Dr Beckman odour remover for DH work clothes.
Regularly wipe around the door seal too as that can get black.

I did an eco drum clean on mine yesterday as instructed by a little symbol on my machine.
After which there were little scummy black bits in the drum.
Never happened before. So I wiped them out, seals as well.
Though of I know I'll do a rinse, empty.

Bad idea, the machine absolutely stank. I didn't realise a rinse is cold water so basically all the good the drum clean did just solidified any crap in the machine.
So I did another drum clean yesterday with a bit of zoflora in the drawer.
Machine smells fine.
Got some soda crystals arriving today to play with.

Mine wasn't even smelling before it told me to be compliant and do a drum clean.

Me too! Even smelly gym/ running kit smells good .

Don’t hang wet laundry indoors - no good for clothes - no good for the fabric of your home

I add soda crystals to every wash.

@NigellaAwesome

Do you put in the drum or drawer.
I ordered some the other day but I have very soft water so also not sure of amounts?

Use the clean cycle.
Add a laundry steriliser.
Run for another cycle.

I add them to the drawer. I’m never very precise, just a bit of a shake.

It’s great for keeping the washing machine clean, and as it is also a degreaser, keeps the clothes clean. I do it every wash without fail.

Soda crystals are the bees knees, I use them for absolutely everything!