Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1836103)

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?

Originally Posted by Ladygolfer93 (Post 1836105)

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 !

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 1836124)

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.

Originally Posted by Cupcake57 (Post 1836114)

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.

Originally Posted by Ladygolfer93 (Post 1836105)

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 !

Originally Posted by chrissy2231 (Post 1836274)

Use Affresh, available on Amazon.