My washing machine has started to smell very musty.

[tt6688]

It smells as tho i have left damp washing in there,could anyone give me a reason for this.i have just started using liquid detergent instead of powder, thanks

[trt]

I had this prob. Try cleaning the rubber seal between the layers, if you know what I mean.

[theshedman]

Hi, you could also try putting it on a very hot wash with nothing in the machine except the detergent. A lot of washing agents these days wash on low temperatures and this can cause the machines to smell a bit. Worth a try.

[sometimesit]

I think the problem is to do with the drainage of the machine not working properly.
Do you clear the filter that most Washing Machines have? If you clear that I pour some disinfectant in the opening before I put the filer back. The other place (less likely) is under the door seal where gunk gets lodged. Have you lost and socks or small items as they could be causing a blockage as well. The other thing to do is look at the outlet hose and see if the is clear - is it the right height? Is the water flowing out of the machine properly?

[TTG]

Always leave door slightly ajar when machine is not in use.

[tt6688]

Thank you all for your replies,i will give them all a try thanks

[thelewisgang]

it could be that the drawer needs pulling out & given a good scrub or the rubber door seal is an awful place for germs to breed. Mix up some white vinegar with water & wash all round (not just the bottom section) of the rubber door seal. You'll be surprised how much black gunk there is hidden in that. After washing out the drawer where you'd put the fabric cond etc run the machine empty on a hot wash with half a cup of white vinegar only. Worth a try

[gingejbee]

Powders contain bleaching-agents (not chlorine-based) but liquids do not. This and generally lower washing-temperatures allow bacteria and moulds to thrive. You could use powder sometimes and use higher temperature sometimes. Machine-makers suggest an occasional maintenance-wash using powder at 60C to prevent these problems.

[tt6688]

thank you,some good idea's to try. thanks

[netibiza]

Very hot wash with a litre of vinegar and no clothes , this will get rid of any soap or limescale deposits and do the machine good. This should be done once a month!

[jno]

all very well for you to do your washing without any clothes, neti, you live in the Med where it's warm and your neighbours can't see you...

[netibiza]

...and my laundry room is outside in the garden, that's how i get brown jno, running back and forth naked!!!!!!