Washing Machine Odor

[retiredguy123]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

[Ladygolfer93]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

All I can comment is I am amazed at the number of people who have encountered this in the last few years ! Never heard of it in my life until a daughter in law bought one of the new "water saving" models. Now, they are ALL that type (would give anything to have my old agitator where I could control the water level, the cycle, etc. But, so be it. The first thing I was told by sales person was "make SURE you purchase and use AS DIRECTED, the washer "cleaner" recommended" ! WHAT ? Something more to buy ? "Yes, the new styles of washers MUST be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent a serious odor problem". REALLY ? I am thinking "why", washers never had such problems ? And, if it did happen, why wouldn't running a simple vinegar cycle work ? Don't know, but this whole thing seems to be a relatively new "problem". "Afresh" is what I was told to use, but I understand Clorox also now makes a cleaner. Too bad your friend bought a new washer before trying the new "cleaners" first ! BTW, according to the internet information, the number one cause of W.M. odor is OVER USE/OVER MEASURING of detergent. Also machines bought in the last few years must not use the "typical" kinds of detergents you might have around. I was also warned about that my DIL and the appliance sales person. So could be your friend has never changed to the new type of detergent made for the new type of water saving machine, or, may not be using the washer cleaner on a regular enough basis ? Maybe ? Worth a try. Might take awhile of using the proper detergent and cleaning the machine on a regular basis to see if it all clears up. Doubt if it would disappear immediately but maybe with strict use according to the recommendations. I confess, I do NOT like any of the new style washers !

[B-flat]

Thanks to the OP for posting the question and also to ladygolfer93 for a remedy. We just moved to another home and when running the washer there's an awful smell. We'll try the cleaner.

[Medtrans]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

I use a tablet of Affresh now and then. You out it in the washer and run a clean cycle. I probably do that once a month. They make them specific for washing machines, dishwashers and garbage disposals. I bought them at Home Depot. Wal-Mart May now? Amazon for sure.

[Cupcake57]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

If it's a front load machine, there should be a sanitize cycle; run that on hot with about a half a cup of Clorox every couple of months. There is also a filter on the front of the machine that has to be cleaned out of lard that is left over from liquid detergents ( and over measuring as other poster suggested.) This needs to be done every year or two depending on frequency of use. Look for the liquid detergents that have a little HE symbol on the front-stands for high efficiency. I always leave the door ajar and even pull out the little drawer for detergent so they can dry out a little between loads.

Now top load machines, I don't know so much.

[6Chloe4myamae]

I was told to leave the he door open and he he rubber gasket needs to be pulled open and make sure it is clean. But keep the door open.

[villagetinker]

Been here 7 years, top load washer, no odors ever, however, we have a water softener and whole house filter installed. We use Tide HE exclusively and carefully measure. Whites use Clorox, softener, smell good stuff, and the detergent. Also we have the washer open when not in use. These are Sears units.

[Stu from NYC]

Thanks we will keep our current washing machine as long as possible.

They get more expensive and more difficult to live with

[Carla B]

Simple solution, just leave the door ajar.

[Topspinmo]

You couldn’t give me one of the water saver washers Evidently the stink or front loader. When I can’t fix mine and it goes I’ll be looking for commercial washer speed queen or roper, NO water saver, and simpler the better.

[Ladygolfer93]

Thanks we will keep our current washing machine as long as possible.

They get more expensive and more difficult to live with

ABSOLUTELY, would give anything to get my OLD washer back !

[Ladygolfer93]

Thanks to the OP for posting the question and also to ladygolfer93 for a remedy. We just moved to another home and when running the washer there's an awful smell. We'll try the cleaner.

Neighbors came over to sit on lanai and chat on this NICE (fall coming ?) evening. Telling them about question on TOTV, they said go to Bob Vila's website, search wash machine odor, it sure has ALL about it, the problems, how this all started, how many people do NOT measure detergent carefully every time, how people ignore careful cleaning of the all the dispensers for softener, detergent, bleach, etc. Check it out. I did when the neighbors left tonight, sure enough, I think the info there will help anyone solve this very inexpensively. The commercial cleaners are another expensive accessory to buy.... but the Vila website explains how it can all be solved with a bleach only wash, followed by a vinegar only (must be both to get the proper chemical reaction) cycle... it's all there on the web site with much other good info. !

[Ladygolfer93]

You couldn’t give me one of the water saver washers Evidently the stink or front loader. When I can’t fix mine and it goes I’ll be looking for commercial washer speed queen or roper, NO water saver, and simpler the better.

I hope you succeed, I truly do. I shopped till I dropped, I tried Roper, I searched the internet, I called a person I know "back home" who works in a distribution center for only commercial laundry places.... I gave up and bought this so-so Maytag, water "saver", and don't let them tell you this "new" kind of agitator is "soooo much better" than the old style ! NO WAY, this one is the one that really knots up clothing, and there is no FULL tub of water to keep it from beating and tying things in knots. Do anything to keep yours running. And, if you find out where a truly old fashioned one is actually sold to retail customers, help everyone by letting them know where and the price. My Maytag is a little less than one year old and yet I'd try to sell it if I could get an old style Whirlpool, one I could fill with water to the top and soak items all night if needed and the "old style" agitator ! Only one place could offer one very small Hotpoint that was pretty much "traditional", but it was too small to do something like bedding or throw rugs. Maybe some manufacturer will realize there is such a market for traditional ones ??

[Nucky]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

Is it a Top Loader or Front Loader? A front loader, a few models have a gasket around the door then hold the detergent in the folds of the gasket and there is that smell. Even with the monthly Affresh Pill run through the smell will still be there. Our 4 plus-year-old Samsung front loaders get the cleaning pill on the first of the month and we leave the door slightly cracked open after each wash which allows the washer to dry totally. There is also a small door on the front with a hose that drains something inside and that gets done every first of the month. I also run a dehumidifier in our Laundry Room as a matter of good practice and it helps because we choose to dry a lot of our clothes by just hanging them instead of running everything in the Dryer.

Look on YouTube at Washer smell if the things I wrote for you don't help. The answer is something simple for sure. Good Luck.

[Topspinmo]

Is it a Top Loader or Front Loader? A front loader, a few models have a gasket around the door then hold the detergent in the folds of the gasket and there is that smell. Even with the monthly Affresh Pill run through the smell will still be there. Our 4 plus-year-old Samsung front loaders get the cleaning pill on the first of the month and we leave the door slightly cracked open after each wash which allows the washer to dry totally. There is also a small door on the front with a hose that drains something inside and that gets done every first of the month. I also run a dehumidifier in our Laundry Room as a matter of good practice and it helps because we choose to dry a lot of our clothes by just hanging them instead of running everything in the Dryer.

Look on YouTube at Washer smell if the things I wrote for you don't help. The answer is something simple for sure. Good Luck.

Funny that have to give 1000 plus bucks for washer and have to just through hoops just to keep it from stinking. If everybody would give bad reviews and refuse to buy the junk maybe someone would wake up and make washer that actually washes clothes?

[retiredguy123]

Is it a Top Loader or Front Loader? A front loader, a few models have a gasket around the door then hold the detergent in the folds of the gasket and there is that smell. Even with the monthly Affresh Pill run through the smell will still be there. Our 4 plus-year-old Samsung front loaders get the cleaning pill on the first of the month and we leave the door slightly cracked open after each wash which allows the washer to dry totally. There is also a small door on the front with a hose that drains something inside and that gets done every first of the month. I also run a dehumidifier in our Laundry Room as a matter of good practice and it helps because we choose to dry a lot of our clothes by just hanging them instead of running everything in the Dryer.

Look on YouTube at Washer smell if the things I wrote for you don't help. The answer is something simple for sure. Good Luck.
The new washer is a front load and only a few months old. I don't know about the old washer. Will try the Affresh first.

[Susan1951]

Yes the door should be left open , the air needs to circulate the odour yu can smell is stagnant water. In the UK we have. always had this type of washer , and I have never had a smell , the door is always left open. Maybe once a year I run it hot with bleach and washing soda

[MandoMan]

I hope you succeed, I truly do. I shopped till I dropped, I tried Roper, I searched the internet, I called a person I know "back home" who works in a distribution center for only commercial laundry places.... I gave up and bought this so-so Maytag, water "saver", and don't let them tell you this "new" kind of agitator is "soooo much better" than the old style ! NO WAY, this one is the one that really knots up clothing, and there is no FULL tub of water to keep it from beating and tying things in knots. Do anything to keep yours running. And, if you find out where a truly old fashioned one is actually sold to retail customers, help everyone by letting them know where and the price. My Maytag is a little less than one year old and yet I'd try to sell it if I could get an old style Whirlpool, one I could fill with water to the top and soak items all night if needed and the "old style" agitator ! Only one place could offer one very small Hotpoint that was pretty much "traditional", but it was too small to do something like bedding or throw rugs. Maybe some manufacturer will realize there is such a market for traditional ones ??

Here is the Consumer Reports list of traditional top loaders it has tested recently:
Washing Machine Ratings & Reviews - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/products/washing-machines-28983/top-load-agitator-washer-32002/view2/)

Here is the Consumer Reports list of High Efficiency top loaders it has tried recently:
Washing Machine Ratings & Reviews - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/products/washing-machines-28983/top-load-he-washer-37107/view2/)

Here is the Consumer Reports summary of pro and con for various sorts of washing machines:
Best Washing Machine Buying Guide - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/washing-machines/buying-guide/index.htm)

Here are the Consumer Reports reliability ratings for washing machines, based on over 100,000 ratings by members. You mention wanting an old style Whirlpool, but note that Whirlpool has the lowest reliability ratings. For top-loading High Efficiency washing machines, LG has the only Excellent reliability rating:
Brands That Make the Most Reliable Washing Machines - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/washing-machines/most-and-least-reliable-washing-machine-brands/)

[dnobles]

Thank you for the information

[Pamelah]

Years ago My summer job was as a pastry chef and every Sunday at 4:30 am I had to make 200 pecan sticky buns for brunch. Early on Kitchenaid changed the shape of the dough hook and the new one didn’t come close to the bowl sides. I wrote to kitchenaid and asked who designed the new shape, a man or woman? ( figuring back then more women were using the machine). I don’t think I got an answer. :). Which leads me to ask, who designed these new washing machines that are inferior IMO to the old top loading ones? My guess: sex doesn’t matter but it was someone who didn’t use a machine regularly. For reasons mentioned the front loading are a nuisance but for someone with a bad back they are also a pain!

[HiHoSteveO]

"Mold in your washing machine, the mystery and the menace."

April 2020 link to the problem. Consumer Reports.
Mold in Your Washing Machine: Mystery & the Menace - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/washing-machines/mold-in-your-washing-machine-the-mystery-and-the-menace/)

[ckbenjamin]

Re: Water Saver models top load models. I hate them but that's what we've got so here's solution. Repairman said on loads where I want more water just use the bedding cycle. It'll fill up the tank. Otherwise some clothes don't even get wet. I should bought a Speed Queen. I also use Affresh periodically.

[crash]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?
If it is a front loader the Odor comes from mildew around the door seal. The cure is to leave the door open after washing to let it dry out. You can also wipe the seal with a cloth after you are done to keep it dry. This is a common problem with front loaders search the internet.

[Clydles1]

If it's a front load machine, there should be a sanitize cycle; run that on hot with about a half a cup of Clorox every couple of months. There is also a filter on the front of the machine that has to be cleaned out of lard that is left over from liquid detergents ( and over measuring as other poster suggested.) This needs to be done every year or two depending on frequency of use. Look for the liquid detergents that have a little HE symbol on the front-stands for high efficiency. I always leave the door ajar and even pull out the little drawer for detergent so they can dry out a little between loads.

Now top load machines, I don't know so much.

I do the same, prop open door and drawer. No odor over 4 years.

[J1ceasar]

Two more things that you have to do to keep your washer clean. First is the rubber gasket around the front door has a very large flexible lip you must get a sponge and preached and clean the inside bottom of the river as it collects water that eventually molds up. The second thing you must do is takeout the detergent drawer from the upper top of the machine occasionally this can either be accomplished by pushing a lever that's inside or possibly two dimples on the left or right side. The two or three little cups that hold softener or separate detergent will have mold on them eventually . clean them in the sink. And of course do a hot cycle again everyone says and neither use some Clorox or affresh wishes three tablets for about five bucks the other thing is don't use too much detergent you don't need it. None of us work on farms all day.

[Singerlady]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

I had one of these new-fangled front load washers back north. Hated it! Never had the smell. However, I did use the cleaner tablets every 6 months or so...just because. BUT, the thing that really helped was wiping down the rubber gasket that seals the door. It stays wet and that’s where the odor comes from. I got in and under the gasket and wiped it as dry as I could. Try that!

[billyb1950]

Simple solution, just leave the door ajar.

When is a door not a door? When it's ajar! :1rotfl:

[Ageiler]

It’s a problem with front loaders. Easy fix: there is a magnetic hook available from amazon ( I’m sure Lowe’s or Home Depot) cost was about $15. It goes on front door latch and holds it open a few inches. After using machine I quickly dry the inner rim and inside door, attach the door hook, also open the little softener/bleach door to air dry. Once a month, Tablets to “clean” the tub ( also available from amazon, Lowe’s or Home Depot
Odor gone.

[wdst1]

Hello....just leave the door open and let the washing machine dry out before closing the door. We’ve been doing that for12 years and have never had a problem with oder.

[Stu from NYC]

How in the world did reputable manufacturers screw this up so badly?

[Bradfinstrom]

Mold around the door gasket,clean it with vinegar,and run a clean cycle with baking soda monthly,leave the door open after every use

[raindrop49]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

This has nothing to do with the smell of a wash machine but if your old one dies have it repaired. I bought one of the new ones & when it was only one year old the lady across the street was buying a new set of washer & dryer. I ask if I could have her old washer which she gave me. I gave my new one away free just to get rid of it. I will spend hundreds of dollars to have that one fixed if need be before buying another new one. I have a new one up north, (my motor burned on the old one). At that time did not know how bad the new ones were or would have put a new motor in it. I do not swear but I sure came close to it with the new machine. :)

[vinricci]

If you can remember way back when all laundermats use front load washers. Doors left open at night.

[GOLFER54]

Wash your underwear by hand before you put it in the washing machine.

[DannoMac]

I’ve always done the laundry in my household and the only times I have experienced an odor in the clothes is if I left them wet in the washer to long. I forgot about the wash and hours later open the lid to a foul smell. Never happened when moving to dryer soon after cycle complete. Could be a simple solution for your friend. Good luck

[sherrlb1]

A wash machine repairman suggested that I never close the lid after washing clothing nor should lid be closed when you leave for any length of time. Every washer retains water in the bottom, which can produce a smell - mold etc depending on type of detergent used or fabric softener. Since following his suggestion, have had no issues. Worth a try????

[ronjon309]

My wife and I are on our second front loading machine. The odor problem is likely from mildew growing around/under the door gasket. Unlike the older machines these front loaders seal tightly when the door is closed and never "dry out" allowing mildew to grow. The solution is simple, leave the door open between uses to allow the drum and gasket to dry. Don't waste your money on "cleaners".

[Bay Kid]

Leave the door and the detergent door open after use. Clean by using bleach per washer instructions.

[Jazzman]

Neighbors came over to sit on lanai and chat on this NICE (fall coming ?) evening. Telling them about question on TOTV, they said go to Bob Vila's website, search wash machine odor, it sure has ALL about it, the problems, how this all started, how many people do NOT measure detergent carefully every time, how people ignore careful cleaning of the all the dispensers for softener, detergent, bleach, etc. Check it out. I did when the neighbors left tonight, sure enough, I think the info there will help anyone solve this very inexpensively. The commercial cleaners are another expensive accessory to buy.... but the Vila website explains how it can all be solved with a bleach only wash, followed by a vinegar only (must be both to get the proper chemical reaction) cycle... it's all there on the web site with much other good info. !

You need to be careful using vinegar. It’s an acidic and can have a detrimental effect on rubber which is the seal around the door. This issue was just discussed in a recent issue of consumer reports. The drain holes in the front door gasket need to be clean or the water will not drain completely. Leaving the door open slightly is the least expensive remedy. If the issue is that the machine is not draining all the water that will cause an odor as well.

[Medtrans]

Leave the door and the detergent door open after use. Clean by using bleach per washer instructions.

It’s nit just a front loading machine. Mine is nit and I occasionally get the odor. Leaving lid open and a tablet of Affresh now and then works.

[La lamy]

Like many have said, leaving door open is important, but front load machines have a big rubber piece at the front that holds water. I go in it and wipe down all the leftover water under that rubber because it will develop mold. I also wipe down the glass on the door before I leave it open.

[maxfl1]

Just bought new Maytag top loader about 4 months ago. I agree. Just leave the lid open after washing so the tub dries. Have no odors so far.

[Bhighley]

If it’s a front load machine, your friend should leave the door open when not in use. This allows it to dry out. Also, clean the machine occasionally per manufacturers instructions.

[Jolson]

If it's a front load machine, there should be a sanitize cycle; run that on hot with about a half a cup of Clorox every couple of months. There is also a filter on the front of the machine that has to be cleaned out of lard that is left over from liquid detergents ( and over measuring as other poster suggested.) This needs to be done every year or two depending on frequency of use. Look for the liquid detergents that have a little HE symbol on the front-stands for high efficiency. I always leave the door ajar and even pull out the little drawer for detergent so they can dry out a little between loads.

Now top load machines, I don't know so much.

Yes if the washer is a front loader it needs to dry out after doing laundry for the day. So when I had the front loader I left the door ajar and also opened the detergent drawer. We never had the odor problem in 5 years.

[Labrat]

Hi. I had the same problem. I have a high efficiency machine and a water softening system. Made sure all the gaskets were clean, and left the lid open but the odor persisted. On a whim, I started wiping out the drum between washes with a baby wipe. The odor disappeared and has not returned. It was a very inexpensive fix.

[Syd2008]

Yep, too much soap, always leave door ajar, clean rubber boot around door, run though a cycle with a cup of bleach only(no clothes) to help clean it out. Front load Maytag models seem to have the most complaints about boot mold.

[Bethwill]

I had the problem with front load AND top load. Tide makes a washing machine cleaner also. I thought the problem was caused by the yucky water, but now I'm not so sure. Just got a new washer with less features, and it let's me control the amount of water used.....so we'll see if that helps.

[richs631]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

She most likely has a front load washer. These mashies always has excess water in the machine that never drained. The simple solution is to keep the washing machine door slightly ajar when not in use

[sborlove]

If you have a front loading washing machine it is a characteristic of the machine to develop mold in the rubber gasket around the door. Leave the door open when not in use a crack so that it can dry properly. There is also a cleaning rinse for the machine you can get on Amazon that you use in an empty cycle. We have had that machine and when purchasing a new one we went back to the old top loader due to that oder.

[coffeebean]

I hope you succeed, I truly do. I shopped till I dropped, I tried Roper, I searched the internet, I called a person I know "back home" who works in a distribution center for only commercial laundry places.... I gave up and bought this so-so Maytag, water "saver", and don't let them tell you this "new" kind of agitator is "soooo much better" than the old style ! NO WAY, this one is the one that really knots up clothing, and there is no FULL tub of water to keep it from beating and tying things in knots. Do anything to keep yours running. And, if you find out where a truly old fashioned one is actually sold to retail customers, help everyone by letting them know where and the price. My Maytag is a little less than one year old and yet I'd try to sell it if I could get an old style Whirlpool, one I could fill with water to the top and soak items all night if needed and the "old style" agitator ! Only one place could offer one very small Hotpoint that was pretty much "traditional", but it was too small to do something like bedding or throw rugs. Maybe some manufacturer will realize there is such a market for traditional ones ??

I don't think it is up to the manufacturers but the government who has mandated water saver models.

Personally, I have a Whirlpool Duet front load HE washer and dryer. They were in the house when we purchased our pre owned home. I love these HE appliances. I LOVE the fact there is no agitator in the washer. My clothes come out clean and smell great. I use those HE pods from Costco, usually one pod for a regular load and two pods for a really large load. The HE washer spins out the water so the clothes are nearly dry when I remove them and the dryer time is half of what my old standard dryers used to take to completely dry the clothes. If I have to soak any clothing, I use my laundry tub which is right next to the appliances in my laundry room.

I had a technician adjust the door on the washer to remain ajar about an inch at all times. I believe the appliance tech set the legs so the washer sits just a hair forward so the door remains ajar just that little bit. That is all it needs to keep the air circulating in the drum.

I also use Tide washing machine cleaner granules to clean the washer when the washer "tells" me it is time to use the clean cycle. Seems like it is about every three months. I like the granules better than the tablet. Tried the tablet but it makes a really loud noise until it devolves.

My washer has never had a foul odor and I've been using this Whirlpool washer for four years that I'm here full time and for three years prior to that for three months a year as a seasonal resident in this home.

[beachbum2591@gmail.com]

Read your

[sswitenki]

We had the same problem after me moved into our house in November last year. I found this solution on Pinterest and it worked. 10 Genius Tips to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine (Fast + Easy) (https://deliberatelyhere.com/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-top-loading/)
I couldn’t believe the dirt that came loose and it totally eliminated the smells. Very simple and uses vinegar and baking soda!!! No problem since

[HappyRetired]

GE was the only washer (top load) I could find that I could select a water level. I always select 1 level higher than the load. Use minimum amount of detergent. Repairman I had for the dryer also showed me that you have to select the rinse for fabric softener (even if you don't use it) or whatever "extra rinse" the washer has, otherwise you don't get a full rinse--you get a spray rinse. If you don't use the washer often (I do a load almost every-other day), then allowing the washer to dry out helps. Water-saving government regulations plus a younger generation who throws a load in and leaves are the culprit. I like to shorten the spin if I can.

[Dgodin]

Thanks to the OP for posting the question and also to ladygolfer93 for a remedy. We just moved to another home and when running the washer there's an awful smell. We'll try the cleaner.
If it is a front loader check the rubber gasket/seal in the opening. You may have to pull it open a little. We run a towel around the gasket after use and also on the door, then leave the door slightly ajar until dry. I cleaned the washer filter last year. In 2 years we have not had an odor problem.

[riley2011]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

Leave the door open if it’s a front loader. There is an odor if you keep the door closed.

[Waltdisney4life]

We had the same problem until we started using the clean cycle for the washing machine once a month odor is gone now.

[toeser]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

If it is a front loader machine, don't ever close the door except when running a wash cycle. The inside needs to be given a chance to dry out.

[Joe C.]

I have a 3 year old washer and dryer ... front loading. Never had any odor at all. I have a habit of leaving the washer door open after using, and I do check inside the door gasket, and once in a while wipe it out (and pick up pocket change now and then). I also remove the detergent/bleach/softener tray a few times a year and I wash it out, as it does tend to get crud buildup over time.

BTW I don't have a water softener for the house, but do have a dual water filter .. pleated paper and charcoal filters. Maybe that has something to do with it.

[triciakaz]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?
The newer washers that are called high efficiency Store a little water in the bottom that doesn’t empty out when you are through washing. That’s why it is recommended that you run a clean cycle periodically. My washer has an actual button for the clean cycle and the instruction manual Says to put a cup of bleach in for the cycle. Every manufacturer has their own instructions so I suggest your friend read the manual for her’s.

Soon afterI bought the washer I went out of town for a month. I forgot about the clean cycle when I came back and did a load of laundry and the clothes smelled terrible .Once I ran the clean cycle and then rewash the clothes it was fine.

Also with a high-efficiency washer it is important to use only high efficiency detergent or over sudsing and damage to the machine can result.

[Mary Windsor]

I had something similar and my machine was less than a year old. My husband stripped down the filters and , while they were clean, there was some trapped water that smelled. We’ll do that more often to avoid a repeat. Also, Borax helps keep the pipes clean.

[Kurpet240]

We had the same problem, using too much Detergent have a cut back because today’s detergent is he, which means it is consecrated, full load number 3 or tide pods work great!

[merrymini]

I have an LG. All the advice is pretty good except I would not put vinegar in my clothes washer. I use a mere thimble full of detergent for every wash and clothes come out very clean with little water use. They are fab. Odors may have been a problem with the older versions of front loaders but I have had mine for six years and they are wonderful. Read the manufacturers directions. Operator error here.

[Vi & Bob]

Try adding some Arm & Hammer Washing Soda with every load. Have done that for years with my front load Maytag washer. No odor.

[courtyard]

I haven't bought detergent for over 20 years because they have too many unknown chemicals in them. I use two plastic washer balls instead. Clothes come out clean and odor free. I have a top loader.

[lakesg]

Try using less detergent. I had the same problem (even with the agitator style washer) and someone told me I was using too much detergent. It worked! You don't need to follow the guidelines on the soap container.

[Mikec041]

Dishwashers also need cleaning and Home Depot sells a cleaning agent that you put in and run with empty washer. Our New clothing washer has a "Cleaning cycle" button and a light that turns on when it needs to be cleaned. Owners manual recommends to run it at least monthly.

[Sugar952]

Leave the machine open and make sure you pull out the tray where you put the detergent and fabric softener, after your wash finishes water stays in in it it will get a stagnant smell , just run the machine empty with hot water and vinegar hopefully it helps, good luck

[CFrance]

Re: Water Saver models top load models. I hate them but that's what we've got so here's solution. Repairman said on loads where I want more water just use the bedding cycle. It'll fill up the tank. Otherwise some clothes don't even get wet. I should bought a Speed Queen. I also use Affresh periodically.
My Whirlpool Cabrio top loader has both a heavy duty cycle and a bulky cycle. Does anyone know which cycle uses the most water?

[caljeff]

I have a Maytag HE type front loader. I follow the instructions regarding leaving door open at end of use, manually drying the lower seal and using washer cleaner (affresh) when the indicator calls for it. My machine has a light that becomes illuminated when it is time to clean the washer. As the result, I have never had an "unpleasant odor" issue.

Jus' sayin'

[DonnaNi4os]

Make sure to leave the lid in the open position when not in use. Using vinegar and hot water may help and there are also machine cleaners available...Tide makes a good one. But if it’s a front loader there will likely continue to be a problem.

[dshoberg]

If it's a front load machine, there should be a sanitize cycle; run that on hot with about a half a cup of Clorox every couple of months. There is also a filter on the front of the machine that has to be cleaned out of lard that is left over from liquid detergents ( and over measuring as other poster suggested.) This needs to be done every year or two depending on frequency of use. Look for the liquid detergents that have a little HE symbol on the front-stands for high efficiency. I always leave the door ajar and even pull out the little drawer for detergent so they can dry out a little between loads.

Now top load machines, I don't know so much.


This is exactly what we do....it works well!

[1couple]

Put a water filter on the hot water line it’s most likely from the hot water tank

[kendi]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

My washer instructions are to run it through a cycle empty with bleach once a month. Plus there is a shelf around the top edge of the rotating tub that gets dirty and smelly if I don’t wipe it out.

[Rzepecki]

IMHO its usually not the washing machines, but the users who refuse to learn anything new and do things differently than they’ve “always done it”. I’ve had 3 different front loaders in 3 different homes, maintained them per the the instruction book and I’ve never had an odor issue. They save water, use less detergent, and do a great job cleaning my clothes, etc. without ruining them.

[chrissy2231]

Use Affresh, available on Amazon. Run 3 cycles the first time. Also helps with soap build up. Also call the VCCD 352-750-0000

[Boomer]

Sold a northern house with an Electrolux front loader. We had it for 5 years, no smell problems — but the finished loads were never left for long. The door was always left open when not in use and I dried the gasket and the drum each time I finished using it. Takes seconds to do that. Saves the machine. Never, ever stunk.

But I will never again buy a front-loader.

At the closing, I told the young buyers about the care of a front loader. Whether they listened, I will never know.

Next time we bought a Speed Queen — top loader, not a lot of bells and whistles, built like a tank. I still leave the door open all the time and once in a while dry the tub if it looks like a little water is left behind. There has been no stink — ever.

(I have a nose like a hound dog so I would know if there was even a whiff of stink.)

[wiltma]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

I have a top loader LG and have never had a smell. I leave the top up after every use

[davem4616]

we have a top loader....all of a sudden 'soap residue' started appearing on the dark clothes....we called for a service check up (yeah we bought the contract) the fella came and his advice was to run a small load every two weeks, when the water fills up put a cup of bleach directly into the water.....when the cycle finishes, run a small load without any bleach to rinse it out....

haven't had the issue since

[Two Bills]

All these years my wife has been blaming my socks for the smell.
:icon_wink:

[macovatto]

All I can comment is I am amazed at the number of people who have encountered this in the last few years ! Never heard of it in my life until a daughter in law bought one of the new "water saving" models. Now, they are ALL that type (would give anything to have my old agitator where I could control the water level, the cycle, etc. But, so be it. The first thing I was told by sales person was "make SURE you purchase and use AS DIRECTED, the washer "cleaner" recommended" ! WHAT ? Something more to buy ? "Yes, the new styles of washers MUST be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent a serious odor problem". REALLY ? I am thinking "why", washers never had such problems ? And, if it did happen, why wouldn't running a simple vinegar cycle work ? Don't know, but this whole thing seems to be a relatively new "problem". "Afresh" is what I was told to use, but I understand Clorox also now makes a cleaner. Too bad your friend bought a new washer before trying the new "cleaners" first ! BTW, according to the internet information, the number one cause of W.M. odor is OVER USE/OVER MEASURING of detergent. Also machines bought in the last few years must not use the "typical" kinds of detergents you might have around. I was also warned about that my DIL and the appliance sales person. So could be your friend has never changed to the new type of detergent made for the new type of water saving machine, or, may not be using the washer cleaner on a regular enough basis ? Maybe ? Worth a try. Might take awhile of using the proper detergent and cleaning the machine on a regular basis to see if it all clears up. Doubt if it would disappear immediately but maybe with strict use according to the recommendations. I confess, I do NOT like any of the new style washers !
White vinegar works to neutralize odor. Run a large load cycle. When empty

[kathy1516]

I had front load LG and matching dryer. Worst junk I ever had. The front load was a pain to keep from having an odor Bought new gasket for washer, kept the door open, used the cleaning tablets regularly but it still smelled. Finally after 4th time having issues with both of these appliances, I bought a top load Maytag washer and dryer. No further issues with either of them. Also, they are made in America. Would never own a front load again. Impossible to find an “old kind” as this awful HE is all you can find. My washer does have a deep fill setting on water and I use this all the time.

[katyk]

I have been living in The Villages for 15 years and have the original GE top loading washing machine. I have never had any odor problems with it. I just leave the top open for a while after use, I use Arm & Hammer detergent and never really run any special cycles with it. It is still working well and I intend to keep it until it dies. Especially now that I read about all these issues with new machines.

[dadoiron]

Been here 7 years, top load washer, no odors ever, however, we have a water softener and whole house filter installed. We use Tide HE exclusively and carefully measure. Whites use Clorox, softener, smell good stuff, and the detergent. Also we have the washer open when not in use. These are Sears units.
Been here 5.5 years. Never an odor. No water softener or whole house filter. LG both and use any HE detergent, never any issues. Always follow the instructions - keep the top open as directed.

[coffeebean]

If it's a front load machine, there should be a sanitize cycle; run that on hot with about a half a cup of Clorox every couple of months. There is also a filter on the front of the machine that has to be cleaned out of lard that is left over from liquid detergents ( and over measuring as other poster suggested.) This needs to be done every year or two depending on frequency of use. Look for the liquid detergents that have a little HE symbol on the front-stands for high efficiency. I always leave the door ajar and even pull out the little drawer for detergent so they can dry out a little between loads.

Now top load machines, I don't know so much.

Where is this filter? I've never cleaned it but maybe a technician did three years ago when my machine needed service. I'm not sure though.

I used laundry pods which get tossed right into the drum before loading the clothes. Do the pods also leave a build up of lard?

[OhioBuckeye]

All I can comment is I am amazed at the number of people who have encountered this in the last few years ! Never heard of it in my life until a daughter in law bought one of the new "water saving" models. Now, they are ALL that type (would give anything to have my old agitator where I could control the water level, the cycle, etc. But, so be it. The first thing I was told by sales person was "make SURE you purchase and use AS DIRECTED, the washer "cleaner" recommended" ! WHAT ? Something more to buy ? "Yes, the new styles of washers MUST be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent a serious odor problem". REALLY ? I am thinking "why", washers never had such problems ? And, if it did happen, why wouldn't running a simple vinegar cycle work ? Don't know, but this whole thing seems to be a relatively new "problem". "Afresh" is what I was told to use, but I understand Clorox also now makes a cleaner. Too bad your friend bought a new washer before trying the new "cleaners" first ! BTW, according to the internet information, the number one cause of W.M. odor is OVER USE/OVER MEASURING of detergent. Also machines bought in the last few years must not use the "typical" kinds of detergents you might have around. I was also warned about that my DIL and the appliance sales person. So could be your friend has never changed to the new type of detergent made for the new type of water saving machine, or, may not be using the washer cleaner on a regular enough basis ? Maybe ? Worth a try. Might take awhile of using the proper detergent and cleaning the machine on a regular basis to see if it all clears up. Doubt if it would disappear immediately but maybe with strict use according to the recommendations. I confess, I do NOT like any of the new style washers !

To put it simply it could be something is plugged up. Something simple like the washer drain.

[dewilson58]

Use Affresh, available on Amazon.


Exactly. Works very well. Never a smell in ours.

[sallybowron]

SMELL GOOD STUFF? EH? Now that is a great description! lol

[MNJohnson]

Try leaving the door to the washing machine and the detergent slot open. so that it can dry out otherwise this can cause mold and the smell. I also periodically run the cleaners through it and that helps. If your towels or other things start to smell, we have added a little white vinegar to the cycle and that helps too.

[Ritzenthaler]

She needs to clean it regularly under gasket etc Also needs to leave door open until dry after running a load

[beachbum2591@gmail.com]

Read the manufacturer’s manual. Should have a clean cycle and tell you what to use to eliminate it. We installed a whole house water purification system and it eliminated the odor.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

It's big government running our lives. Forcing manufacturers to make only low water use washing machines, toilets, etc. I attached a short hose to the hot water outlet for the washer. At the start of every wash cycle I add water. Too much and the washer will pump out before it starts. Also newer toilets have a flapper that let's in too much water so it closes too soon. Get an adjustable flapper anywhere if you want a longer flush.

[mjc1145]

All front loaders are prone to having musty smell if door is kept closed when not in use due to zero air recirculation and residual water in the washer. This occurs because the door seal is very tight to prevent water leakage during operation. Top loaders do not have a tight seal and air can recirculate through the washer when it is not in use.

Recommend running a cleaning cycle using Chlorox in the detergent tray once a month, and leaving the door open when not in use. Occasionally, manually clean the detergent trays and housing. We have had a front loader for over 10 years, and have not had any serious issues with musty smell being transferred to clothes.

[Velvet]

Try leaving the door to the washing machine and the detergent slot open. so that it can dry out otherwise this can cause mold and the smell. I also periodically run the cleaners through it and that helps. If your towels or other things start to smell, we have added a little white vinegar to the cycle and that helps too.

So do I. Leaving the door open is recommended and my front loader machine signals when it needs a sanitizer wash, about once a month.

[Nucky]

Before I bought the last Setup of Samsung Front Loaders I did some investigating and remember that Consumer Reports remarked that the smell we are talking about eliminating can be from a place in the door gasket that even someone with a Homeowner Handyman License wouldn't think to look. I learned the hard way after trying to find the problem over 10 years ago on a Washer I can't remember the name of. The Gasket was similar to an onion. There was layer after layer that kept on being revealed and just when you thought you couldn't find another layer guess what? There was one more layer and that is where the problem was. I felt so defeated. I had to pay for a house call and a repairman with a big mouth that professed his superstardom for his repair and told my wife I was on the correct trail but didn't go far enough. I got even with him. I tipped him but I put the Horns on him for making me look bad. Dirty Dog!

[Ladygolfer93]

r[QUOTE=Topspinmo;1836144]Funny that have to give 1000 plus bucks for washer and have to just through hoops just to keep it from stinking. If everybody would give bad reviews and refuse to buy the junk maybe someone would wake up and make washer that actually washes clothes?[/QUOTE

I have written terrible reviews on my "high end", less than year old Maytag. Wrote on as many sites as I could find to review it. But compared to my DIL's Samsung (highest priced model they make !), mine in a dream machine in comparison.... and remember, mine ruins clothes by "tying" items into "knot" like configurations that sometimes they never completely recover from and never look the same again ! If folks (consumers) are the ones who "demanded" machines that would "save" water, then WHY did the manufacturers not make them with a very SIMPLE dial, a hand turned dial, that simply said: very low, low, average, high & max. water level ? You could just simply turn the dial for the water level you need. This Maytag "thing" of mine, will empty ALL the water out if I try to fill it to soak some highly soiled things. Now that's really "saving" water ! Some have said just use the "pause", not stop or power. Well, that does not work with Maytag so beware. If you "pause" it to allow soaking, even if you don't open the lid, it will still empty and while you think the clothes are soaking.... you will find them drained, spun, and not really washed. These washers and this idea of using less water is about as "saving" as all the "improvements" to the light bulbs that have served so many generations for so long. Now thanks to the "improvements"....LOL... we need to call a hazmat crew if a light bulb is broken.... progress ! Sorry to all, I am SO disgusted with this new washing machine

[rothbear]

I have a 12+ year old LG front load washer and I have always left the door ajar once I am done with the laundry. I just pull out the dispenser drawer and open the machine door against it. I also make sure that I take out the dispenser drawer and empty it into the sink as there is always some water left in it. I leave it sit overnight and then close it up the next day. So far I have not had any odor problems. I have the Affresh but don't really use it much. I think I have used 1 tablet in the 12 years. I always use Tide HE, Downey and bleach for whites. I have cut down on the amount that I use more for not having a coating on my clothes and have not noticed a difference in the clean. When I wash my towels I always use the sanitary cycle, and hot water for anything with bleach (whites, sheets, mattress pads). Everything else is warm. I don't use cold at all, but then again I don't have anything I wash that is hurt by warm. I have done all this since day one. If there is already an odor problem it would need to be cleaned first, of course. I would try the bleach in a sanitary cycle first, as suggested above. Or if the unit has a machine cleaning cycle use that. Mine doesn't.

[RuthB]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

I have a front loading HE LG washer. Friends that have the same washer have had severe problems with odor. I have never had that problem. These washers seal tightly with the door closed and if not opened or used daily they build up odors from bacteria thriving in the warm moist environment. The answer is to always leave the door wide open this allows air circulation and helps to allow the interior to dry between loads. Give your washer a deep clean with either an empty load with clorox or with a product designed to clean the machine. Then you can maintain it by keeping the door open (not ajar)

[daveac83]

If a front loader, the door must be left open after washing. Use the correct detergent. On settings add an extra rinse cycle. Wipe the door and gasket after each wash. Run the tub cleaner cycle every couple of months. There are products that make this cycle more efficient.

[FromDC]

1. Put 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax in washer before adding clothes.
2. Always keep washer door open when not in use.
3. Run Aafresh cleaner after 30 loads.

I ran out of Borax earlier this year and decided to stop buying it since I didn't think it was necessary. Well, once the laundry started to smell, I was ready to buy a new washer. Decided to try Borax again and that solved the problem! No need to buy a new washer!

[Spike380]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?
Washing machine doors should be left open to air dry after you're done using it as you will get mold/smell. There is also a cleaner (powder) you can get at home depot to use for 1 empty wash. Really works

[raynan]

I found that I always end my laundry day washing whites in hot water with detergent and clorox and then no odor ever has a chance to build up.

[fraurose]

Always leave the Lid or Door oben after washing so your Waschmaschine can dry out inside . I leave mine open all day till evening, it does the trick . If you don’t , mold will build eventually .

[flflowers]

Thanks to the OP for posting the question and also to ladygolfer93 for a remedy. We just moved to another home and when running the washer there's an awful smell. We'll try the cleaner.

I have also heard that it helps to leave the lid OPEN after finished with laundry to let the inside dry out completely before closing. I have been doing that at my son's house and it seems to help there with their "high end" machine....what I would do for my old machine that I left when moved

[Carla B]

After 99 posts of advice, I imagine the OP will advise his lady friend to leave the door open.

[Sunnies]

How to Remove Washing Machine Odors

To remove those foul odors, use the following three-step process to restore your washing machine’s clean, fresh scent: scrub, sanitize, and deodorize.

1. Scrub: To begin cleaning, remove the soap, bleach, and softener dispensers so you can scrub them individually.

When water gets splashed into any of these parts, it is often left behind as standing water between cycles—a breeding ground for mildew. Use an old toothbrush to get inside the cracks and crevices, and a pipe cleaner to dig out buildup lodged inside the pipes of the dispensers—that’s a sneaky source of moldy smells. If you have a front-load model, also wipe around the rubber seal with a wet cloth, and use a Q-tip to remove accumulated gunk around the gasket. On top-load models, pay special attention to the cracks and crevices around the doors where dirt tends to hide. When you’re done scrubbing the parts, it’s time to move on to the tub.

2. Sanitize: To sanitize the machine, keep chlorine bleach on hand.

Chlorine bleach should be your “go-to,” as it’s the absolutely best solution for killing mold and mildew. Just be sure to take precautions when using this product and, for safety reasons, don’t mix it with other cleaners. Now, set the washer to the highest possible temperature setting. The amount of bleach you should use depends on your appliance: Add four cups bleach to a top-loading machine or two cups to a front-loader, then start a cycle. Let the tub fill, and stop the wash cycle once the agitator has mixed in the bleach. Allow the bleach water to sit for 30 minutes, and then resume the cycle. One more run of the rinse cycle should remove all traces of bleach.

Washing Machine Smells
Photo: fotosearch.com
3. Deodorize: Once the bleach has done its job sanitizing, move on to vinegar to remove any last lingering smells.

Vinegar is not only an excellent deodorizer, but the acidic quality of the liquid removes hard water buildup as well as any leftover bacteria that may have survived the bleach. To begin, set your washer on its hottest setting. Add four cups of plain white vinegar (not balsamic or apple cider) to a top-load machine or two cups to a front-load model. Don’t use laundry detergent or anything else in this cycle—vinegar acts alone! The process from this point should feel familiar: Allow the tub to fill, then stop the wash cycle once the agitator has mixed the vinegar and water. After 30 minutes, turn the washer back on and allow the cycle to resume until complete. The next time you open your washing machine door, don’t be afraid to breathe in deeply! Instead of that foul-smelling odor, you’ll enjoy the sweet smell of success.

[CBRamsey]

I have a friend whose washing machine developed an odor that contaminated her clothes. So, she bought a new washing machine, but the new one has the same problem. The odor seems to occur even when she uses only hot water or only cold water when washing her clothes. There is no odor anywhere else in the house, or even in the laundry room. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

We have a "water saving front loader" and found that you have to be preventative by keeping the door open, wiping the rubber, and emptying out any extra water from the detergent container after every use.

After using the washer cleaner, you can try the above, but you may not be able to remove the smell once it has taken hold.

Good Luck!

[retiredguy123]

After 99 posts of advice, I imagine the OP will advise his lady friend to leave the door open.
You got that right. And, I spent $2.99 extra for an overnight shipment of Affresh, and Amazon lost the order!

[Smith811]

I purchased a top loading GE washer a year ago. It has a good agitator and I can set my own water levels or use precise fill. Generous size tub size. I have no problems with it at all.

[Stu from NYC]

Wife has always done bleached whites last and never had a problem.

[Dennys37Packard]

We learned to always leave the door open a lot until drum and door gasket is DRY, never shut it all the way after it’s dry, And we use pod detergent rather than liquid Which you can use too much. Orders solved. If you have Oder now, first use a cleaner or vinegar cycle, clean The big door gasket on the inside flap where soap and mold can accumulate from closing door. And clean filter if yours has one, then follow above and the odors won’t come back. Remember MAIN CAUSE, leave door open, not just pushed to but OPEN.

[Tbrazie]

Easy fix always keep the washer door open when not in use. Mom taught me that 45 years ago

[Kahiland]

We have same problem. We put a small towel in the door so it helps to keep air flowing in there which makes in less stinky. We also put it on a cleaning cycle with no clothes once a month or so. That has helped. I hope this is useful. Good luck!

[TidalWalkers]

Front load? These units are known for creating odor from bacteria. Youtube has advice to eliminate odors. Worked for us. Also stop using liquid detergent and switch to Tide with bleach.

[coffeebean]

Read the manufacturer’s manual. Should have a clean cycle and tell you what to use to eliminate it. We installed a whole house water purification system and it eliminated the odor.

I don't think it is the purification system that eliminated the odor. We don't have one of those systems and have never had an odor from our front load washer. Use the cleaner tablets/granules and leave the washer door ajar. That should keeps the odor away without having to invest in a purification water system.

[Nucky]

Once the Manufacturers realized the error in their design the gasket was redesigned and bingo the issue was solved. May we all wash in Peace? Amen!

[elenG]

We had the same problem. Not only keep the lid or door open but put WHITE VINEGAR in the bleach dispenser with each load. It will be gone in no time. Works great!!

[coffeebean]

I have a front loading HE LG washer. Friends that have the same washer have had severe problems with odor. I have never had that problem. These washers seal tightly with the door closed and if not opened or used daily they build up odors from bacteria thriving in the warm moist environment. The answer is to always leave the door wide open this allows air circulation and helps to allow the interior to dry between loads. Give your washer a deep clean with either an empty load with clorox or with a product designed to clean the machine. Then you can maintain it by keeping the door open (not ajar)

Keeping the door ajar about an inch has worked for me for the past 4 years full time and prior to that, 3 years as a seasonal resident 3 months a year. I've had no odor from the machine.

[Topspinmo]

How in the world did reputable manufacturers screw this up so badly?

Make 300 dollar washer and sell it for $1000 plus.

[rmd2]

I hope you succeed, I truly do. I shopped till I dropped, I tried Roper, I searched the internet, I called a person I know "back home" who works in a distribution center for only commercial laundry places.... I gave up and bought this so-so Maytag, water "saver", and don't let them tell you this "new" kind of agitator is "soooo much better" than the old style ! NO WAY, this one is the one that really knots up clothing, and there is no FULL tub of water to keep it from beating and tying things in knots. Do anything to keep yours running. And, if you find out where a truly old fashioned one is actually sold to retail customers, help everyone by letting them know where and the price. My Maytag is a little less than one year old and yet I'd try to sell it if I could get an old style Whirlpool, one I could fill with water to the top and soak items all night if needed and the "old style" agitator ! Only one place could offer one very small Hotpoint that was pretty much "traditional", but it was too small to do something like bedding or throw rugs.
Maybe some manufacturer will realize there is such a market for traditional ones ??

The manufacturers already know we want the old style full tub and agitator and they would love to sell it to us but they can't. The Environmental Protection Agency has made this the law that we must use these "water saver" and "safety" washers. That is how and who is responsible for this disaster.

[coffeebean]

The manufacturers already know we want the old style full tub and agitator and they would love to sell it to us but they can't. The Environmental Protection Agency has made this the law that we must use these "water saver" and "safety" washers. That is how and who is responsible for this disaster.

I guess I'm in the minority because I LOVE my front loader HE washer. It is a Whirlpool and I have had not problem with the washer and have very clean fresh smelling clothes. I also have a dryer which takes less than half the time to dry a full load. The spin cycle on the washer makes the clothes nearly dry when the cycle is complete. LOVE these appliances.