[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Cupcake57

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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