Musty laundry smell

[kschumacher]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

[villagetinker]

First, where do you live (area, not specific address), then people can comment on the water.
Second, do you have any water treatment in the house? We (area of Brownwood) found the water to be very hard and smelled of chlorine. This required an in-house treatment system.
Finally, most washers have a filter, you will need to look at the owners manual to find it and see if this a clogged.

[kschumacher]

First, where do you live (area, not specific address), then people can comment on the water.
Second, do you have any water treatment in the house? We (area of Brownwood) found the water to be very hard and smelled of chlorine. This required an in-house treatment system.
Finally, most washers have a filter, you will need to look at the owners manual to find it and see if this a clogged.


We live in Duval

We have a (salt) water softener we’re not confident is working up to par.

Seriously, our former IL county home won awards for water quality. We’re not connoisseurs of wine or cheese. But water? Yep, that’s our claim to fame. LOL

And we will definitely look for a washer filter! Thank you for the tip.

[Marathon Man]

When I was a runner, I was told to put a little white vinegar in place of softener in the washer. It worked pretty well for my extra strong running clothes.

[Vickim]

We live in Duval

We have a (salt) water softener we’re not confident is working up to par.

Seriously, our former IL county home won awards for water quality. We’re not connoisseurs of wine or cheese. But water? Yep, that’s our claim to fame. LOL

And we will definitely look for a washer filter! Thank you for the tip.

Do you have a front loader ? If you do check the inside of the rubber seal , mold collects in there. Also, if you do, never close it completely! leave it open a tad it’s too tight of a seal ( so water doesn’t leak when washer is on ) and won’t ever dry out if clicked closed.

[AZ SLIM]

A while back we had a funky smell lingering in the laundry room. Seemed to be emanating from the washer. We don't use softeners or bleach. I put a cup of bleach in the empty washer and let it set over night. The smell has never returned.

[thevillager1988]

When I was a runner, I was told to put a little white vinegar in place of softener in the washer. It worked pretty well for my extra strong running clothes.

Vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser PLUS the extra rinse. The extra rinse is to get the residual vinegar out of the washing machine dispenser. Also, make sure to leave your washing machine, and the dispenser open (remove if it's removable) so they dry completely after your loads are done.

[BostonTom]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

If you have a front load washer every other week you need to clean underneath entire doors rubber gasket also top of it with straight vinegar spray it really heavy then wipe out out with Clorox wipes then put lots of vinegar into it run it empty followed by empty load with lots of bleach. Been doing this for years with my front load Speed Queen..

[Worldseries27]

They also sell over the counter commercial products that you can add to your washing machine as well as your dishwasher on a monthly basis. That's what i do. I have no issues

[Sparky365]

You may want to try washing machine cleaner tablets as well as the other suggestions.

They are relatively inexpensive and might be worth a try. They are available on Amazon with everything else.

[Worldseries27]

you may want to try washing machine cleaner tablets as well as the other suggestions.

They are relatively inexpensive and might be worth a try. They are available on amazon with everything else.
agreed. Works for me. When i use the cleaning tab for the dishwasher i put in all my grills and trays from the small appliances. When i put a tab in the washing machine to clean it i always afterwards run a load with no clothes just to get rid of any residual soap

[Rzepecki]

We live in Duval

We have a (salt) water softener we’re not confident is working up to par.

Seriously, our former IL county home won awards for water quality. We’re not connoisseurs of wine or cheese. But water? Yep, that’s our claim to fame. LOL

And we will definitely look for a washer filter! Thank you for the tip.

If you use Downy liquid fabric softener, that may be the problem, not the water. If I don’t take the clothes out of my front loader immediately, they start to smell rotten.

[westernrider75]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

I use a washing machine cleaner that I buy at Dollar Tree every month or so. We have dogs and I wash their blankets in our washing machine as well as horse blankets and as long as I use the cleaner I have never had a problem.

[La lamy]

I agree with previous posts about cleaning rubber seals if it's a front load machine. I always dry the excess water in there after my washes and leave the door open so the washer can dry completely. It works for me. I also add vinegar to my wash.

[elevatorman]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.
We also live in Duval. We have a Nova water filter and a front loader. Our washing machine gives us a message when it needs to be cleaned (after a certain number of loads) and I put an Afresh tablet in and run the clean cycle. Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C91Q86I?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_4&amp=&crid=CC11RBAZNGT0&sprefix=afre&th=1)
We also never use fabric softener, it is mostly animal fat and tends to linger in the machine. We use Tide for sensitive skin (the white bottle) or Kirkland brand when available. We also use Bounce dryer sheets. Laundry is fresh smelling.

[BettyInFL]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

I add quarter cup of vinegar to hubbies sweaty clothes. Always come out nice.

Check your filters as the tinker mentioned.

[jimmy o]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.
As the Village Tinker noted there is a filter that should be cleaned periodically, but there is also a drain go be emptied when filter is cleaned

[dshoberg]

Try a cup of bleach in the brine tank of softener

[Lisanp@aol.com]

If you have a front load machine, its the washer. The door must be left ajar between cycles, you should wipe the gasket with a towel every time you do a towel load before throwing them into the machine. You should also use a monthly cleaning regimen like Tide Washing machine cleaner and don't forget to check the basket filter thingy that is in the front bottom of the machine somewhere (google your specific model).
If you are wearing more synthetic active wear, it could be the clothes too. Look in the detergent aisle for a laundry boost for "active wear" as those fabrics tend to hold odors and sometimes it just does not come out in the wash.

[sowilts]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.
Do you have front loaders? We have Commercial Speed Queen top loaders and levels of water is adjustable. This helps with all of the cycles to remove all soap. All the advertisements on tv suggest extra scents to compensate for the lack of adequate water level.

[MollyJo]

Lysol Sanitizer is no bleach, goes in the fabric softener tube.

[KShowalter]

I never use pods. I always use liquid laundry detergent and it seems to work better and not clog the washing machine. I also have a top loading machine which I leave the top open to completely dry after use.

[sowilts]

Do you have front loaders? We have Commercial Speed Queen top loaders and levels of water is adjustable. This helps with all of the cycles to remove all soap. All the advertisements on tv suggest extra scents to compensate for the lack of adequate water level.
And we live south of 44 and do not hame a home water softener. My hair still remains White.

[Lancer]

We use this to keep the door on our front loading machine propped open. Keeps the funky smell at bay.
https://a.co/d/dqGxahj

[Switter]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer.

I had this issue with towels and I used a little ammonia in the wash. It worked great but you obviously have to be careful not to mix it with bleach

[CarlR33]

I did not see it mentioned but most washers have a self cleaning function that some machines will let you know when it’s due after so many cycles or you can just start it off without waiting for it to tell you, etc.

[Steban]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

We had the same problem when we replaced our washing machine years ago. It was a High Efficiency with a locking lid. We did the deepest of cleaning to get our house ready for the market. We had a sink next to the washer, we hooked up a garden house and pumped the washer full of hot water - all the way to the top and started the agitator. The amount of built up detergent and dirty funk from years of the HE not filling properly was the culprit.

When we moved to Florida, we purchased a top load Speed Queen which is not HE and the lid doesn’t lock. Think 1970 Kenmore. It does fill the tank for large loads. It never stinks. It runs like a champ.

[jimkerr]

This used that happened to us when we had a front loader washer. It was really bad with towels. We ended up buying a new washer that you load from the top and all our problems went away.

[nhtexasrn]

Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

About a year ago I decided to start using powder Tide again because my niece had mentioned how much cleaner her laundry has been since she switched back to powder detergent. It has made an amazing difference in our laundry, especially my husband's white sox that he wears to work in the yard and our white towels. I use bleach, and little oxiclean and Tide powder and they come out like new. Everything smells so fresh!

Also, if you have a cleaning cycle on your washer, running that every so often really helps. I also leave my lid up on the washer at all times with the detergent tray open.

Hope you find a solution! But seriously, try powder Tide!

[DonnaNi4os]

Always keep the lid of the washer open when not in use, take clothes out as quickly as possible and never leave them over night. Once a month run the clean cycle and use something like Tide washing machine cleaner. If all else fails keep running cycles without clothes and use the hot water and lots of bleach. Do it several times if possible. Good luck

[Whatnext]

Always keep the lid of the washer open when not in use, take clothes out as quickly as possible and never leave them over night. Once a month run the clean cycle and use something like Tide washing machine cleaner. If all else fails keep running cycles without clothes and use the hot water and lots of bleach. Do it several times if possible. Good luck

.........and if that doesn't cure it, replace machine, or use plenty of deodorant.

[ThirdOfFive]

Always keep the lid of the washer open when not in use, take clothes out as quickly as possible and never leave them over night. Once a month run the clean cycle and use something like Tide washing machine cleaner. If all else fails keep running cycles without clothes and use the hot water and lots of bleach. Do it several times if possible. Good luck
Agreed.

Would also add that "ounce of prevention" thing...We run our washer empty on hot with about a cup of bleach once a month or so. Dishwasher as well. Odor is never a problem.

[TidalWalkers]

Saw a related problem solved on YouTube by cleaning the door seal, filter, and stop using liquid detergent. Run a few empty loads with hot water, bleach, and vinegar. Years later and no more problem. It seems ingredients in liquid detergents
build up over time in the lines causing a musty odor.

[Nancy Rodriguez]

Yes, we had the same problem when we first moved to The Villages. Unfortunately it’s the water. We didn’t get a full house water filter (Nova filters) And that helps. But we also use Unstoppables



Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?

I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water.

Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup.

We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪

- K & J, newbies here.

[Topspinmo]

New pos washers and mold under the rubber door seals, inner basket slimmed up, especially if have front loader..

[Toymeister]

When we moved to Florida, we purchased a top load Speed Queen which is not HE and the lid doesn’t lock. Think 1970 Kenmore. It does fill the tank for large loads. It never stinks. It runs like a champ.

To clarify there are two types of speed queen top loaders the tc3 and tc5 are like a 1970 kenmore. The drum stays stationary while the agitator moves the clothes. It has a ac motor and a transmission.

The tr7 model the drum moves with the agitator forcing the water through the clothes. It has no transmission. The direction of the motor is changed electronicly. It uses a dc motor. Think 2020 Samsung.

All SQ have water saving features which you can disable by switch.

There are multible reports that the tc3/5 get your clothes cleaner but the agitators are harder on fabrics

[RICH1]

If you have a front load washer every other week you need to clean underneath entire doors rubber gasket also top of it with straight vinegar spray it really heavy then wipe out out with Clorox wipes then put lots of vinegar into it run it empty followed by empty load with lots of bleach. Been doing this for years with my front load Speed Queen..
I'm with you on cleaning the seal, but easy on the bleach... The bleach will shorten the life of the water pump & seals.

[skippy05]

You have permanently ruined your washer. Get rid of it. Buy a new one. After every load leave the washer door OPEN to air dry and it won't happen again. However, close it only once after a wash and you will have ruined another machine. Nothing fixes it after you get the mold started. Nothing. Bleach, vinegar, you name it. Nothing fixes it after you have ruined it once.

[Worldseries27]

i did not see it mentioned but most washers have a self cleaning function that some machines will let you know when it’s due after so many cycles or you can just start it off without waiting for it to tell you, etc.
refer to poster# 32
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. On the first of each month i used the cleaning cycle on the wm with cleaner, dw with cleaner, 2 ht's for half hour each , and add vinegar to drain line for hvac. It all becomes simple routine. You can learn a lot of methods by plugging in your issues and scanning youtube videos by others who have overcome your same challenges. Gl.

[Retiredsteve]

Do you have a front loader ? If you do check the inside of the rubber seal , mold collects in there. Also, if you do, never close it completely! leave it open a tad it’s too tight of a seal ( so water doesn’t leak when washer is on ) and won’t ever dry out if clicked closed. we always leave the lid open when not in use. Way too much humidity here to leave it closed all the time

[Jalane]

I keep a dry washcloth on top of my washer and dry the front and rear of the gasket whenever I finish doing laundry and leave the door open. My 14-year old Electrolux tells me when to run a clean cycle after a number of cycles. I have never had any mold or foul odor.

[Topspinmo]

To clarify there are two types of speed queen top loaders the tc3 and tc5 are like a 1970 kenmore. The drum stays stationary while the agitator moves the clothes. It has a ac motor and a transmission.

The tr7 model the drum moves with the agitator forcing the water through the clothes. It has no transmission. The direction of the motor is changed electronicly. It uses a dc motor. Think 2020 Samsung.

All SQ have water saving features which you can disable by switch.

There are multible reports that the tc3/5 get your clothes cleaner but the agitators are harder on fabrics

Quality and longevity costs. :read:

[kschumacher]

Thank you all for the suggestions and insights!

[Aces4]

Quality and longevity costs. :read:

Yep, you get what you pay for!!

[Aces4]

To clarify there are two types of speed queen top loaders the tc3 and tc5 are like a 1970 kenmore. The drum stays stationary while the agitator moves the clothes. It has a ac motor and a transmission.

The tr7 model the drum moves with the agitator forcing the water through the clothes. It has no transmission. The direction of the motor is changed electronicly. It uses a dc motor. Think 2020 Samsung.

All SQ have water saving features which you can disable by switch.

There are multible reports that the tc3/5 get your clothes cleaner but the agitators are harder on fabrics

Speed Queens are tops! We'll never own anything else.

[Bay Kid]

I'm with you on cleaning the seal, but easy on the bleach... The bleach will shorten the life of the water pump & seals.

I always wash towels just a bleach cleaning. Always leave the door/top open.