topic Re: Why does this stink? in Home

Why does this stink?

sarahpanda — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:28:27 GMT

I have a top loading ''high efficiency'' washing machine that always seems to have an odor coming from it. I've put washing machine cleaner in it and ran it on the cleaning cycle...to no avail. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what can I do to eliminate the smell? Thanks.

Re: Why does this stink?

kathie826 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:33:49 GMT

Well first of all, leave your lid open when not in use. If you have not been doing this you may have hidden mold. Throw some vinegar in and run thru the cycle. Hope this helps.

Re: Why does this stink?

Mz iMac — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:39:21 GMT

Agree w/what Kathie fonted...."leave the door open."

What does your user manual state regarding "smells?"

Re: Why does this stink?

Jasmine19 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:49:18 GMT

The guys who installed my new washer (front loader) told me to leave the detergent dispenser drawer open as well as the washer door between loads. You may be smelling mold.

Re: Why does this stink?

shaggygirl — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:03:46 GMT

@sarahpanda wrote:
I have a top loading ''high efficiency'' washing machine that always seems to have an odor coming from it. I've put washing machine cleaner in it and ran it on the cleaning cycle...to no avail. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what can I do to eliminate the smell? Thanks.

@sarahpanda

Yes I also have that problem. Mine is top loading Whirlpool, but it doesn't say it's a high efficiency washer, just to use HE detergent. Well maybe that's the same thing, I dunno. Anyway the odor I detect is what I'd call "musty". Oddly enough some days it's more noticeable than others. I've used the "affresh" tablets my booklet recommends as well as using just clorox, both with hot water. Neither kills it totally. The only thing my booklet recommends is to leave the lid open between washes to help dry out the machine and prevent the buildup of odor-causing residue. I already do that. I'm going to try what another poster has recommended and try vinegar. Matter of fact, I just bought a big bottle (to use to clean my coffee pot) and I'm going to head down in the basement as soon as I post this and try 2 cups of it on a hot cycle and see what happens. Not sure if 2 cups is enough but it's a start.

Editing to say I just did some googling before heading to my washing machine w/vinegar. It says 4 cups white vinegar and for extra cleaning add also a cup of baking soda. I think my bottle might have 4 cups but after the cycle is done will come back to this thread and let you know if it killed the odor.

Back again to say now I know why google says to put the ingredients in while the machine is filling w/hot water. BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T when you pour the vinegar over the baking soda it fizzes big time. Should have know that from using that combo to clear drains. If this works next time I'll fill halfway with water then unlock the lid and pour the 2 ingredients in.

Okay cycle is finished. It definitely helped. It toned down that musty smell a lot. It's just barely detectible now. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up more vinegar & baking soda and run the clean cycle again. The instructions said to let the machine agitate for about 5 min then stop it, open the lid and let it sit for about an hour then finish the cycle. Also to repeat the whole process if you feel your machine needs it. I didn't do the 5 min/hour thing because my machine has a cleaning cycle so just ran that.

Re: Why does this stink?

proudlyfromNJ — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:54:50 GMT

I have an old top loader and always leave the lid open.

Re: Why does this stink?

Krimpette — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:20:41 GMT

I just leave my top load lid propped open about 3-4 inches. Never had any odor issues.

Re: Why does this stink?

RedTop — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:29:51 GMT

I deal with this same issue; notice it more since we moved the laundry out of the basement into an area I am in and out of repeatedly throughout the day.

In my case, the smell is not only with the washer, but also comes from the drain the washer water is pumped into. The small amount of water left in the machine, and the drain, cause the smell, and both need to be treated. I use vinegar in the rinse cycles to cut soap suds, but use bleach to clean and disinfect the washer, and the drain line.

Re: Why does this stink?

x Hedge — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:48:26 GMT

@proudlyfromNJ wrote:
I have an old top loader and always leave the lid open.

Ditto, and just another reason I don't want a front loader.

Don't want a door sticking out into the walkway, and the effects of gravity on those vertically placed hinges leads to 'door sag'.

Re: Why does this stink?

Allegheny — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 19:06:11 GMT

I got my front loader about 12 years ago and from day one have always left the door open. Rarely do I get that musty odor, perhaps that is why. Sometimes I wipe out the bottom of the rubber gasket that meets up where the door closes as water will sit there.

@sarahpanda Just a thought. Are you able to stop your machine and let the solution you use sit for a while.

Re: Why does this stink?

x Hedge — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 19:07:46 GMT

@shaggygirl

Did google specify the strengths?

In the last five years I've noticed both chlorine bleach and white vinegar strengths may vary from brand to brand.

In white vinegar I look for 5% acidity. Chlorine bleach I have right now is 5.25% sodium hypochlorite.

Some grocery chain store brands, and those at Family Dollar, and other low price stites often carry a more diluted product.

➡ i recall reading the stink was sometimes hiding under the door gaskets. Some model designs led to a buildup under door gaskets because of lack of airflow to dry it out after use, even if the door was left open.

Re: Why does this stink?

shaggygirl — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 19:58:11 GMT

@x Hedge wrote:
@shaggygirl
Did google specify the strengths?
In the last five years I've noticed both chlorine bleach and white vinegar strengths may vary from brand to brand.

In white vinegar I look for 5% acidity. Chlorine bleach I have right now is 5.25% sodium hypochlorite.

Some grocery chain store brands, and those at Family Dollar, and other low price stites often carry a more diluted product.

➡ i recall reading the stink was sometimes hiding under the door gaskets. Some model designs led to a buildup under door gaskets because of lack of airflow to dry it out after use, even if the door was left open.

@x Hedge

No, it only says white vinegar. No strength mentioned. My cycle is done so I'm going back to my other post to give results.

Re: Why does this stink?

1Snickers — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 19:58:29 GMT

@sarahpanda I use baking soda in my top load washer with towels and dog blankets. It removes the smell and leaves the wash soft. I haven’t had problems with odors.

Re: Why does this stink?

lovinglife — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:02:54 GMT

You might check if your washer has filters or traps that need periodic cleaning. I know some front load machines have them, not sure about top load machines.

Re: Why does this stink?

alarmclock — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:06:45 GMT

I have an old top loader. First-floor laundry room, no basement. I use it and after, the lid is closed all the time.

Never had an odor.

I think all of the new front loaders are junk. Newer top loaders, not far behind.

Re: Why does this stink?

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:10:05 GMT

The first post below the OP's is correct. You should leave the top of the washer open.

It might be too, the water isn't completely draining out of the washer or the water lines.

So I googled: "Why does my washer stink". This website (among many) came up. Clorox makes a special liquid to totally clean washers if none of these options posted works.

Go here:https://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-washing-machine-cleaner/unscented/?msclkid=5f4cc657526116d7cbef9aab47100d4f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UCL_Products_Broad&utm_term=how%20to%20clean%20a%20smelly%20washer&utm_content=Products_Machine%20Cleaner&gclid=CM6Ck_bX2uICFRP0swod35EFgg&gclsrc=ds

Re: Why does this stink?

sarahpanda — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:14:41 GMT

Haven't tried stopping the machine to let any solutions soak...BUT I CERTAINLY AM GOING TO TRY! Thanks for everybody's help!!

Re: Why does this stink?

sarahpanda — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:17:07 GMT

I've tried the Clorox washer cleaner...couldn't tell any difference in the odor.

Re: Why does this stink?

Mom2Dogs — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 20:30:00 GMT

I have a front loader HE machine....I always leave the door open as well as the tray for the soap. I almost always use vinegar in rinse cycle. My machine has never had an odor....I occasionally use the washing machine 'cleaner'.....

I do know when it is time to replace I am not going to buy another machine like the one I have. I am not sure it get the clothes clean.

Re: Why does this stink?

KentuckyWoman — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 22:56:48 GMT

I agree with others. I have a HE top loading machine and I always leave the lid up and the detergent/fabric dispenser pulled out. About every couple of months, I pull the detergent/fabric dispenser out and wash it with hot soapy water in the sink. I have no more funky smells since I started doing this. I also run the self cleaning feature and throw in a cup of white vinegar.