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Our washing machine suddenly has taken on a mouldy, unkind sort of smell. I've never heard of such a thing before. Is there some way of draining the residual water out of the thing?
If I grab the inner drum and wiggle it about, I can hear water down there, I should think that must be the problem. Mind you, it has taken a few years to get that way. It seems odd.

Thanks

front or top loader?

Have you tried running a cycle of just water and a couple of cups of bleech through the system. I would start the washer with the bleech in it then shut if off before it starts to drain and let it just set for a few hours. Start it back up until it starts draining. Half way throug the drain cycle shut it off again and let it set. When done run clear water through another cycle. The bleech shoud disenfect any water or crude build-up in the washer pump.

Thanks.

It's a top loader.

Also check to see if there is wet lint stuck around the edge of top of the drum? Our old washer had a sort of narrow trough around the top, and over the years, lint had occluded the drain holes. I discovered this when I lifted the top once in search of a moldy smell.

and you may need to leave the top open on the washer. if you have cats, you'll have to be careful, they can get in but can't get out due to the lip around the tub edge.

I once had that problem. It got really funky and I finally found a dead mouse unde the washer.

you could also use baking soda and water and wash the inside of the machine.Then just run a short cycle of clear water this should take the smell away. Good luck and hope you dont find any dead rodents under your machine. yuck..

ONCE A YEAR I GET A GALLON OF WHITE VINEGAR ,I EMPTY THE GALLON INTO THE WASHING MACHINE FILL HER UP WITH HOT HOT WATER AND PUT THE DIAL ON SOAK AND LET IT RUN A FULL CYCLE .NEVER HAD PROBLEMS SINCE.THE ACUMILATED SCUM FROM THE FABRIC SOFTNERS CREATES A SMELL AFTER A FEW YEARS.

You might try cleaning out the fabric softener dispenser we had the same problem and that solved it.

There's a product called "affresh" that is designed to get the stink out of washing machines.

You can purchase it online here:
http://www.apwagner.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&model=W10135699

This message has been edited. Last edited by: markth,

I own one of the new super heavy duty front-loaders & I occasionally get a moldy smell also. The suggestion about runing an "empty" load with chlorine bleach works IN addition to using bleach on a q-tip between the rubber gasket around the door opening & the rim of the washer itself. The "gunk" seems to build up in that hidden spot & if you clean it often, you can avoid the moldy smell. I also leave the door open between loads.

beers1 why are you using all caps
internet ediquete says that is considered yelling. and rude
i did the same thing my self, and got scolded
i am passing it on

frodo,

that has been asked a few times before. Pointless, I guess.

TQ

thanks tool girl, i have found that in a washer
sometimes all the water does not get pumped out.and it sours, and mildews.
so i guess you need to find out why your washer is not empting all the way, clogged line,lint in the bottom of the washer. that sock that is missing,or a pump that has wore out.
and the door seals, the rubber can retain water behind them and it sours.