Smelly Washing Machine

[Coppit]

About 5 years old and it's starting to smell after washing taken out. What do I need?

[Tilly2]

Washing soda in the next hot wash.

[woofgang]

if that doesn't work then try the washing machine cleaner stuff or about a quarter bottle of thick loo bleach. Clean around the seal and the powder drawer before running the longest hottest wash you have got. If you use the bleach wash a second time to clear the bleach through

[Tilly2]

At risk of sounding 'sanctimonious', after every wash I wipe the door and around the seal with a dry cloth...and I leave the door ajar. No smells.

[woofgang]

Shuffles feet.......I do it when i remember.......

[Togo]

If you are using those silicone sachet liquid detergent wotsits, stop. Unless you are doing a hot wash every time the sachet does not break down and eventually deposits of it coat the internal pipework. This eventually stinks to high heaven because they are made with an organic material. A few hot washes with traditional powder will sort it. I bet you have a horrible black deposit around the door bellows as well if you are using the sachets.

[Hopkirk]

An empty hottest possible wash with copious washing soda.

[woofgang]

togo I get that blackness in the door bellows regardless of what I use....

[Tilly2]

No blackness in mine. :-)

[ladybirder]

Here's Aldi's answer to all your prayers.

https://www.aldi.co.uk/power-force-washing-machine-cleaner-/p/048062007430200

[EDDIE51]

You really need to do a boil wash with washing soda once in a while!
No fabric conditioner either, it is a major cause of a smelly machine as it degrades and goes rotten if you use cool washes.

[Gizmonster]

As already said - a hot wash with soda crystals ..... and I also use white vinegar :)

[sapelesam]

My soap powder draw is black inside, sometimes it takes the Lenor but leaves the tray full of water. I presume something is getting blocked. I've tried a brush and steam cleaner to no avail, any suggestions.

[gness]

Sam....a tip I got from a service engineer.....
Above the drawer/tray there are lots of tiny slots which get blocked. Use the largest cable tie that will fit to run in and out as far as you can into these slots....
The rough side of the cable tie brings out lots of gunge......I do this every few weeks.....x

[sapelesam]

Cheers gness, I've got a dental mirror so I'll have a look and try it.

[woofgang]

often the soap drawer is removable for cleaning....check your manual

[Patsy33]

I think you've just described my problem Togo! There's been an odd smell coming from my machine last few weeks too. Funny thing, last couple of days been using powder as ran out of liquid balls. Haven't smelled anything since!

[gness]

Yes, Woof......should have said I remove the drawer before attacking the slots with the cable tie.....x

[sapelesam]

Hi woofgang, the draw comes out, the problem is the area the draw goes into, particularly the roof bit. I took the top panel off the machine but couldn't get into this area.

[woofgang]

I use an old toothbrush

[sapelesam]

Woofgang, see my post at 22.46, brushes, steam cleaner not good enough.