My washing machine stinks!

[ednaboo]

Hi there. My FL washing machine now has this constant odour that smells like mould. It took me a while to work out that it was the machine, as I thought it was dirty washing, floor cloths, or a hidden mouldy bib somewhere! But I'm now sure it's the machine. I've done a bit of reading on-line, and it's not uncommon apparently. I think it may be due to the fact that I now only wash on cold (to reduce electricity use) and half the time I use an eco-detergent.

I've cleaned the rubber bit that joins the door to the drum, and got a lot of gunk from there. Then I did a 95C wash with vinegar, which made it smell worse! So then I did another 95C wash with bleach, which helped a little. Does anyone have any other suggestions for me? I did find a product from the US that claims it can get rid of smells, but don't know if there is a local version. I also read about one person who pulled their machine apart and found it was all mouldy under the drum!

[sunflowerchild]

What are your hoses like? In the past I've that they were what was causing the problem with an old machine I had

[~Melissa~]

It's funny you should post this because my FL machine is a bit on the nose atm too. I'm planning to do a hot wash cycle with bi-carb & vinegar & see if that helps any.

I'll be watching this thread with interest.

[KristyMum]

yep I second the rubber thingo round the door bit of the machine (not the door itself)
also, I find that despite the strong pumping action, a small amount of water remains in the pump-out hose and sits inbtween loads - even over night is enough - then the next time that gets pushed out the machine it's been sitting there for however long with dirt and whatever went through the wash... and it smells but that's a... stale gross water smell
not neccly mold iykwim
best bet here is on the door rubber flange (sp?) thing
be interested to see how you go coz while mine's ok my friend's is quite bad

[Kristie 1983]

I found running a hot cycle with a cup of dettol or hospital grade, anti bacterial cleaner really helped with my washing machine smells.

[lotusutol]

Hmmm I will try the dettol rinse for mine then, since I already have it
Great ideas, thanks.

[Ali]

Hillmark Industries have a thing that you can sign up for, they send you samples of thier products in the mail.
It's free to join (as long as you don't mind junk mail) and they sent me out a sachet for cleaning the washing machine and another for de-scaling the coffe maker.

I havent' used it yet, but they claim it's all natural....

Ali

[~Melissa~]

Thanks Ali, I just signed up for that