Asked on Feb 09, 2015
Washing machine odor
+9
My washing machine has an odor to it. Any recommendations?
12 answers
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I run mine with a cycle of clorine bleach and it works for me, hope this helps..
Barbara Hill
on Feb 09, 2015
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If you have a front loading have you checked the large rubber lip on it? It collects tissues, etc. Needs to be wiped out at times.
Sue
on Feb 09, 2015
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Run a cycle of vinegar and baking soda, not only will it remove the odor it will remove the stains left in the machine.
Katie
on Feb 09, 2015
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Run a cycle with 1 cup of baking soda. Add vinegar to rinse cycle. Hope this helps
Jacquelyn Bauer
on Feb 09, 2015
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I run my front loader washer once a month with 2 cups of white vinegar, hot water on the longest cycle. I also leave my door ajar for 24 hours after using washer. I was advised to do this by a repair man. I have never had an odor.
Joan Gondeck
on Feb 09, 2015
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run a cycle with vinegar , and after evey wash leave the lid open to air dry, it's because of mildew from closing the lid
Claire
on Feb 09, 2015
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I had a mildew smell in my relativelt new washer. I did the chlorine bleach thing Barbara described. Then keep the lid of the washer open all the time. A GE technician told me a little bit of water stays in the machine after using it. Since my initial prob I have left machine for months at a time (am a snowbird) and the smell has not come back when I return.
Mary Ann
on Feb 09, 2015
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Jackie, this is a subject I'm passionate (and opinionated) about so I might have some info that can help you but I need to know, do you have a front load machine? Do you use liquid laundry soap or liquid fabric softener?
Shari
on Feb 09, 2015
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Tide has washing machine cleaner, 5 pouches to a box. I use one every 5-6 weeks and always leave the lid open. Works great!
Cheryl
on Feb 09, 2015
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I always leave the lid open. Good tips have been given.
Marion Nesbitt
on Feb 10, 2015
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The all-too-common complaint of front load washers developing mold, mildew and funky smells is what made me drag my feet for close to 2 years before I finally broke down and bought a FL washer. I did a ton of research before buying one and from everything I have read, liquid laundry products (liquid soaps AND fabric softeners) seem to play a major role in contributing to the smelly FL washer problems. Apparently, the oils/animal fats these liquid products contain are not adequately washed away because of the energy-saving low water levels. The oily film left behind on the washer's internal parts is thought to be enough to trap moisture and in turn, cause mold and mildew and unpleasant smells that can even permeate your clothes. One blogger wrote an eye-opening post on how her smelly washer problem went away after she switched from liquid soap to a homemade powdered version. http://giraffe-legs.blogspot.com/2012/09/homemade-laundry-soap-with-surprising.html I only use 1-2 tablespoons of powdered laundry soap per load, and for the past couple years, I have been using a homemade powdered *recipe*. I never, ever use liquid fabric softener. Additionally, I never leave wet clothes in the washer. Whenever I think about it, I check the folds of the gasket for hair, threads, lint or anything that can possibly trap moisture. After I finish doing laundry, I don't generally bother to wipe the door seal/gasket dry but I do always leave the washer door wide open (not just cracked) and open the detergent dispenser so they can dry out. These simple things have worked well for me in the 4 1/2+ years I've owned my FL washer so I have not bothered to use those expensive cleaning tablets like Affresh, Tide etc. There is also a company that makes a little fan that easily installs on the back air vent of your washer. It circulates air through the interior to dry it out and everything I have read about it seems very positive--that it actually works to eliminate the smell and keep it at bay.
Shari
on Feb 10, 2015
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...I use homemade laundry soap, and in a pinch, I use a powdered one if I am out of the homemade version. I dont use liquids and do not use liquid fabric softner. I also clean my washer every two weeks, with bleach, then a vinegar rinse, and I leave the door ajar to keep it aired out. I havent ever experienced any issues with odor in my FL.
Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio
on Feb 11, 2015
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