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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

smelly washing machine.

39 replies

bumpsnowjustplump · 11/06/2009 22:45

I have noticed that my washing machine drum has become really smelly. Today I did a load of washing and the clothes have come out really smelly. I have just put it on a 90 degree cycle and it still smells... How can I get rid of this smell as I have lots of washing to do???

OP posts:
oneforward20back · 11/06/2009 22:47

Soda crystals in drum 40C wash. Sometimes works

Shitemum · 11/06/2009 22:48

Have you not seen 'Tip of the day' woman?

oneforward20back · 11/06/2009 22:51

Nope where do i look?

Original poster
bumpsnowjustplump · 11/06/2009 22:53

Oh no I will now look for the tip of the day....

OP posts:
Shitemum · 11/06/2009 22:56

It's about half way down on the right...

Original poster
bumpsnowjustplump · 11/06/2009 22:56

Thanks for that i have never read the front page . I have some lemon juice so will do that tomorrow... thanks again...

OP posts:
belleymum · 29/08/2009 09:59

Oh dear, I can't find the older tip of the days and I have the same problem. Can you tell me about the lemons????

grin · 29/08/2009 14:58

How funny belleymum me too! Kim and Aggie got me thinking - they did the soap crystals I think and then a pint of white vinegar but I didn't catch the details so was hoping for help...let me know if you hit upon an answer.

chelseamorning · 31/08/2009 21:18

Bump! I have the same problem. Just what was that tip?!

grin · 31/08/2009 21:21

It is elusive...let's keep asking...

Dalrymps · 31/08/2009 21:38

Yeah, what is the tip? My machine is also smelly.

LargeGlassofRed · 31/08/2009 21:42

ooh yes need the tip too!

minkulus · 01/09/2009 10:24

I know it's not very eco, but i put a small amount of thick bleach in the drawer and put it on a hot wash. The smells are gone and the machine is sparkly clean. Best to put on a whites wash afterwards though in case there is any residue!!

minkulus · 01/09/2009 10:26

I should have put that i do an hot wash if you see what I mean?!!

GooseyLoosey · 01/09/2009 10:41

I want the tip too - what was it? Washing machine man told my mother that the reason for this is that we are all doing colder washes now which are not hot enough to kill off all of the mould and mildew which grows in damp places

preciouslillywhite · 01/09/2009 10:46

oooh, just marking this one! mine doesn't smell (yet) but the rubber seal is all mildewy even tho only a year old and I can't shift it...

I blame eco products...need to get me some OMO!

Dalrymps · 01/09/2009 15:46

But what is the tip???????????????

grin · 01/09/2009 17:56

precious my seal is mildewy too, that's my major problem...perhaps a really hot wash will do it with something in it?

leothelioness · 01/09/2009 17:59

ohh will watch this with interest the my washing machine is quite old an I was just wondering today if there was anything i could do about it being a bit uuuuurrrgghhh

deleting · 01/09/2009 18:00

i put some calgon in and it sorted it out

grin · 01/09/2009 18:02

oooh interesting deleting - did you put it in the drum or the drawer?

nulgirl · 01/09/2009 18:23

waiting with bated breath for the tip. When I cuddle my kids, all I can smell is a slightly musty whiff. not pleasant

RubyBlueberry · 01/09/2009 18:25

Stuff from Lakeland (or ebay) called HG Service Engineer works amazingly well on washing machine and dishwasher.

dittany · 01/09/2009 18:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RubberDuck · 01/09/2009 18:58

Our washing machine repair man's instructions:

  • after every wash, when the machine is empty, make sure both the door and the drawer is left ajar at least an inch - this helps the air to circulate and to stop it getting mouldy.
  • once a month, run a 90 degree wash with a generous squirt of bleach in the drum.