Washing machine in rental flat

[Washingmachine8888]

The washing machine in our rental isn’t broken, it’s just very old and clothes come out smelling musty sometimes. The drum itself smells of mildew when it hasn’t been on for a while. I’ve tried all the tricks google has told me to try! But it’s just a kind of old gross machine.

I’d like to buy a new one and take it with me when I leave. But no idea if this is appropriate? And where to store the crappy one. Is that the landlord’s problem? Or do I have to just put up with the crappy washing machine?

Speak to the landlord; this sort of thing is usually done by negotiation.

Do you leave the door of the washing machine slightly open when not in use? I find that tends to reduce mildew smells

Have you tried a washing machine cleaner - I have used the Dr Beckmann one - it is quite good. Use that every 3 months or so.

In my previous rented flat I talked to the LL and we agreed I'd buy a new one and be solely responsible for repairing, and would take away with me. He'd get a new one when I left.

Use traditional washing powder not liquids or tablets and leave out fabric conditioner and see if it improves. Door of machine open too.

Have you cleaned out the filter and the dispenser drawer and the bit the drawer fits into? Run an empty hot wash (you can use soda crystals to help degrease)

Use powder instead of liquids/pods

I have cleaned out the filters and drawers and done empty hot washes, but I haven’t tried washing machine cleaners - I hadn’t heard of them! Will get one.

I do use liquid pods though, the ecover ones. I prefer them to powder… but interesting that they can make the mildewy smell worse! I didn’t know that!

@Washingmachine8888 as a landlord if I was providing white goods I would replace your washing machine and pay extra to get it taken away by the delivery drivers.

If a previous tenant leaves the washing machine in a property where I haven't provide white good there then I would have explained at the outset that there's a washing machine at your disposal it doesn't belong to me and if it breaks etc you would be responsible for replacing/repair.

Therefore look in your contract to see if white goods are included in the tenancy.

Not all LLs provide white goods as some tenants already have their own and don't want to use the ones you provide.

@Washingmachine8888
The liquid doesn't contain any bleaching agents - it's not a great deal but it is in traditional big box powder - I use Aldi own brand but surf and Daz fine too imo - enough to act as a fungicide
Also surprisingly liquid does not dissolve as well as traditional powders and can leave residue on clothes and they can be less fluffy if in tumble dryer.

I found all this out after having a smelly washer. If you run your finger near the seal around the outside of the drum, it may be slightly slimy? I spent hours on the internet and stumbled across a MN poster who was an industrial chemist for washing products who explained it all. It worked for me and my niece.

We get a lot of limescale and I think it caused ours to smell, it's only two years old. I did three ninety degree cycles with a cup of white vinegar and it resolved it. Costs about six quid off Amazon for five litres. I will do it once a month as preventative.

I am sure your LL would be delighted for you to replace it. Have a look on FB marketplace but try to find one that says 'house move forces sale' so you don't end up with a duff.