Washing machine smell

[GladLurker]

Hi all,

My washing machine is a Lamona one from Howdens, 5 years old. Used everyday.

The past week it has began to smell kind of like a bin smell. I wash everything at 60 degrees due to my husband going to gym and other things so its not like there are cold washes on constantly.

I've tried everything. Multiple boil washes, machine cleaners, soda crystals, bleach, cleaned the inside of door, the filter, the drawer etc. It still works fine and the clothes seem to smell fine once they're out, but when I have the machine door open to air it, there's just this lingering bin smell. So now I'm thinking plumbing issue.

Has anyone experienced similar?

Thanks!

Bicarb of soda is a deodoriser.

or run on a cleaning cycle with white vinegar.

You don’t need to wash everything at 60!

Have you always left the door open between washes, or is this just recently? It does sound like a mould/ mildew issue

Have you checked that the drainage hose isn't kinked? Have you checked the filter again recently? Cleaned all around the gasket carefully, as gunk will hide?

I would get either a plumber or someone you know who does diy regularly to turn off the water and check the drain pipe and p trap. Sometimes waste water can solidify with fabric softener there and stagnate

Always left door open! Yes done gasket properly. I will check the hose you mention. Thanks.

My tips from a washing machine engineer.
Use powder not liquid.
Put the powder in the drum, never the dispenser.
Never used fabric conditioner.
Add white vinegar to the fabric conditioner dispenser.
Leave the door and draw open when not in use.

I should add that I never use fabric conditioner, just ariel liquid as I'm allergic to powder.

Have you pulled the rubber seal back and cleaned all round the rim of the drum? I've just had the same thing and after cleaning the gunk out from there. Plus about a cup of white vinegar run through a very hot wash cycle (95) it is MUCH better

You won’t be allergic to “powder” it will be a specific ingredient.
I use soap flakes, far cheaper and totally allergen free.

My son’s washing machine was starting to smell. It stopped draining on Saturday so we researched and found there’s a filter at the front. Omg it was completely blocked with bits of paper, bobbles, god knows what else. So try checking that, really easy to do.

We had a power cut half way through a wash. I removed all the clothes but the dirty water remained. About six hours later we were able to finish the spin but after that the machine smelt really musty

We did at least three really high temp empty washes with about a bottle of white wine vinegar in each cycle. It worked. Smells great again now

You have heard of global warming, right? I cannot fathom running a 60 degree load on a daily basis.

Well I don't have time to specifically test each ingredient in washing powders to see which I'm allergic to, therefore I use liquid.

Oh here we go

I have done that wee filter, thank you though!

I run my m/c at 60 for towels, bedding, pants, tea towels, flannels, dishcloths, dinner napkins. Sometimes I put in white socks and tablecloths or light coloured clothing that has stains. Everything else 40 or 30 and a shorter wash.

My m/c has a symbol when a "maintenance wash" is needed. It's 90 and a full wash with low spin. The inside, rubber seal, and detergent drawer need to be dried with a clean cloth afterwards. I always leave the drawer (with something to keep it open) and door open.

To both posters about vinegar, I have not tried that yet so will buy some. Thank you

I second this. Especially if you use colour catchers.

Edit: should have read the full thread, you have already done this!

Read the label! It won’t be difficult to work out.

Is the waste hose connected to a sink or other appliance waste? If so, please photograph the route the waste takes, all the way along.