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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Washing machine stinks of drains when cycling

25 replies

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 02/02/2015 18:19

Hello, I don't know if anyone can help? My washing machine has really started stinking while the cycle is on. It's in the utility room next door to the kitchen, but stinks the whole kitchen out as well when it's on. Strangely enough the washing seems to come out smelling quite normally.

Not sure what to do - is the answer to run a cycle but with nothing in it apart from some powerful and noxious chemical?

OP posts:

PrettyLittleMitty · 02/02/2015 18:50

Sorry no help but having the same problem so will be watching with interest!

OliviaBenson · 02/02/2015 19:02

Run it on your hottest cycle with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Do this until the smell goes.

What temp do you usually wash at? Do you use gel tabs or powder?

ThatBloodyWoman · 02/02/2015 19:05

Agree with the vinegar solution.
I think its to do with bacteria breeding in residues left by liquid detergents/fabric conditioners,and us not often washing hot enough nowadays to kill thr bacteria.

Original poster

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 02/02/2015 19:27

Ah, ok, thanks everyone. I tend to wash at 40. I run at least one wash a day, often more. I use powder - various brands, tends to be whatever's cheapest at Bookers for a big box, although recently it's been stuff from Lidl.

Thank you Olivia for your advice - that's very interesting. Do you use malt vinegar? How much do you put in - about half a litre or more? And how much bicarb in relation to vinegar?

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AnneofCheese · 02/02/2015 19:56

I used soda crystals and a 90 degree wash and that got rid of the stink. Plus I cleaned the rubber seal and the powder drawer.

mousmous · 02/02/2015 19:59

is it damp/mouldy outside or behknd the mashine? if yes the warmth of the mashine when running sporty. these mashine, running and cycling can cause a whiff.

PippiLicious · 02/02/2015 19:59

I've been using the Dettol laundry stuff (in addition to my usual persil) and it's made a huge difference.

Original poster

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 02/02/2015 20:07

mousmous, it is a very cold and damp room yes. It is breeze-block built, and has no form of heating. So that could be an issue yes. I'll go and check out behind the machine. yes with all this sport, maybe it just needs some good deoderant

OP posts:

OliviaBenson · 02/02/2015 22:30

Sorry- I just use malt vinegar and a few scoops of bicarbonate- don't tend to measure it out. I put it straight into the drum and it makes a nice fizz when mixed together.

Leave the door open after every wash as well to let the machine dry out.

If it's bad don't be disheartened if it still smells after you've done it- it may need it a few times through.

Can you tell I enjoy cleaning my washing machine!

sebsmummy1 · 02/02/2015 22:33

Mine really stank but it was over ten years old so we replaced it recently. It was really horrible though, I sympathise.

OliviaBenson · 02/02/2015 22:36

Ps probably as much vinegar as you would put softener in- half a litre is too much I think.

PigletJohn · 03/02/2015 00:01

does the convoluted grey waste hose from the machine attach to a sink trap?

photo would help.

Vinegar and bicarb neutralise each other, so no point in using them together.

gamerchick · 03/02/2015 00:03

Unhook it from underneath the sink and take off the connecting piece. Wash that piece out and put it back together.

If it's not hooked up under a sink then I've no idea.

OliviaBenson · 03/02/2015 05:37

Really PJ? There are loads of online cleaning tips which say to use them as they help break down mould etc. when I use it in my machine and dishwasher they both come out gleaming.

E.g. www.popsugar.com/smart-living/How-Clean-Your-Front-Loading-Washing-Machine-30510521

PigletJohn · 03/02/2015 05:43

Yes, if you mix an acid with an alkali, they do neutralise each other.

Assuming you do not get the two perfectly matched, you will end up with a weaker acid, or a weaker alkali.

If your washer has limescale, then vinegar will break it down, but it will work better if it has not been partially neutralised.

The bubbling and fizzing when you mix them has only entertainment value.

wowfudge · 03/02/2015 07:07

I wonder if the smell is coming from the pipes the machine drains into. Our machine pumps a small amount of residual water out at the start of the cycle as well as before it rinses and while it spins. You could try soda crystals and hot water to clean the pipe work and drain.

Original poster

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 03/02/2015 08:06

Just quickly read through all this - wow, thank you all so much for your help on this. Am out all day, so can't put pics up until tonight but will certainly do so later.

What is a 'sink trap' by the way PJ excuse my ignorance on all things DIY

OP posts:

Original poster

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 03/02/2015 08:18

Right. Sod sorting getting kids ready for school. Pics more important. One of behind the washing machine, and one of the other side of the wall where it goes straight into the outside drain.

Washing machine stinks of drains when cycling

OP posts:

Original poster

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 03/02/2015 08:38

Oh dear, didn't realise how much mess there was behind the washing machine ...

OP posts:

PigletJohn · 03/02/2015 10:48

the outside wastepipe is very poor. There should be an elbow on it directing the flow into the gulley, and there should be a grille on the gulley.

This is a sink waste trap. The spigot on it allows a waste hose to be pushed on.

You can see that in the example shown, dirty water from the sink would run into the washer if the spigot and hose were not turned upwards, with the hose looping up higher that the sink water level.

Original poster

WaltzingWithHeiferlumps · 03/02/2015 21:31

Thank you PigletJohn, you are truly fab.

So would my action plan be as follows:?

Do some (hot) cycles with vinegar - but not bicarb because it neutralises the vinegar.

Get a sink waste trap to fit behind the washing machine (or do I not need one because the sink waste runs into a different drain to the washing machine?)

Put grill on the drain and put 'elbow' on waste pipe directing the waste water into the drain. If you could link to an 'elbow' that would be great ....

Will that sort things would you say?

OP posts:

PigletJohn · 03/02/2015 22:36

I actually think tha Washing Soda Crystals are best for cleaning out drains and washing machines. They remove both soap sludge and grease.

If you have a look at that link and search, you will find an "Appliance Standpipe Trap" Waste kit, which includes a trap to keep drain smells and mice out. The grey hose pokes down the standpipe, but not far enough to touch the water in the trap. It goes inside the house and you connect an extra pipe to go through the wall.

You can cut waste pipe with a hacksaw, and use elbows and bends to make it go where you want. Get an extra piece of pipe and joints of the same brand. Compression joints are easier than glued, but a bit dearer.

You can also find the bits in DIY sheds and places that sell plumbing stuff. You can paint the outside pipes with non-drip oil gloss if you want.

PigletJohn · 03/02/2015 22:46

Also search "square hopper grid"

I can't see one called a "gulley grille" which is what you actually need. You can cut the plastic grids.

PigletJohn · 03/02/2015 22:48

Seen it now, 99p, Gulley Grid.

CointreauVersial · 03/02/2015 23:03

Just checking you've cleaned the filter. Mine fills up with foul-smelling gunk and has to be decontaminated every now and then, as it really starts to stink.

Usually found behind a little flap on the front of the machine.

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