…… Cleaning a stanky washing machine.
- Thread starter Macgyver
- Start date
Check all surfaces of rubber seals on the front body and door rim. They often harbor mold, even underneath them.
Otherwise, it's likely to be something partly clogging the drain...
Summerthyme
Otherwise, it's likely to be something partly clogging the drain...
Summerthyme
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Pull the front off. Wipe down everything you can see with Clorox. Check the "magic filter" and make sure it's clear and not hold crud. Wipe down everything you can reach inside with clorox. Throw in some rag towels with bleach, long soak, double rinse. Add vinegar as softener.
You didn't say if it was front load or top load. The top loaders have air gaps that keep the air flow. Front loaders need to have the door left cracked open so that things don't turn into science experiments.
I should say, that mine is top loader. I haven't had to pull the panel so I'm not sure if it's front or back. You'll need to look up your own machine. And the "magic filter", as my SIL calls it, is a built in filter within the body of the machine. Make sure you have a shop vac and lots of rag towels on hand when you open it.
You didn't say if it was front load or top load. The top loaders have air gaps that keep the air flow. Front loaders need to have the door left cracked open so that things don't turn into science experiments.
I should say, that mine is top loader. I haven't had to pull the panel so I'm not sure if it's front or back. You'll need to look up your own machine. And the "magic filter", as my SIL calls it, is a built in filter within the body of the machine. Make sure you have a shop vac and lots of rag towels on hand when you open it.
Macgyver
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I did say it was a top loader.
I always leave the lid open.
What is the filter you speak of?
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sorry, I missed that. I haven't had issues with top loaders stinking, just front loaders. But I also run vinegar through as softener regularly. Long story, but taught by an appliance person to do that.
I do, unfortunately, have experience with this high efficiency machines creating a stinky load if you forget it from 12 to 24 hours. Just ugh.
If the manual doesn't have the info, look on YouTube. Or Google your brand and model and the words "clogged filter". It's supposed to help. Instead it ends up gathering things like small socks, dishwasher, etc. And if the items aren't blocking it completely, they can get awfully stinky. Just don't forget the ShopVac and rag towels. Because no matter what you do, it will pour more water at you after you start to open it.
Macgyver
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I can't find a reference to a filter anywhere in the manual.
I took this thing apart a few years ago for something stuck in the drain pump and don't remember seeing anything looking like a filter.
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Is bleach and vinegar a good idea?
Well, if the fumes kill you, you won't worry about the stanky washing machine.
Fairwillows
Where I am supposed to be.
I had a washer like that. It wasn't spinning all the water out of the tub, belt problem or something, can't quite remember. So some water stayed in the bottom of the tub. It was stanky too. Blessed with a beast of a washer now.
Never had this problem with a top-loader, and that is all I'll ever buy. No water saver feature either. Nothing but trouble.
That said - I'd guess something is wrong. As above, someone mentioned the tub not spinning out/draining completely. Would be my first guess. First, I'd run an empty load with a good dollop of bleach and then let the washer dry out. See what happens. Move on from there.
That said - I'd guess something is wrong. As above, someone mentioned the tub not spinning out/draining completely. Would be my first guess. First, I'd run an empty load with a good dollop of bleach and then let the washer dry out. See what happens. Move on from there.
Use an enzyme cleaner, like the kind used to clean animal stains and smells. And if you have a septic tank, see if it is gassing out through the laundry line some how.
tno5
Senior Member
Try a cycle of hot water and 1 cup baking soda to 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide. It's what I use for my front loader. I found that those tablets, vinegar, etc. do not work at all. Also, stop using fabric softener if you are - it creates a slimy film on the drum that the mold and bacteria love.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
My top loader had a mild stink . . . the vinegar wasn't helping. Long story short, I took the washer apart and found a half-shredded sock and a headband gumming up the agitator so the water wasn't completely draining. I cleaned that out and then ran a cycle with a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. No more problems.
Also, I now put thin socks in a lingerie wash bag and hand wash headbands in the sink.
Also, I now put thin socks in a lingerie wash bag and hand wash headbands in the sink.
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Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Let us know how it goes.
I suspect that you're going to have to take it apart and clean it, as described in the posts above.
I'm not very good at fixing things, but if I'm patient, even I can take a washer apart and reassemble it correctly. They really aren't that complicated, just poorly designed. I just have to be careful about cutting myself on the metal.
I suspect that you're going to have to take it apart and clean it, as described in the posts above.
I'm not very good at fixing things, but if I'm patient, even I can take a washer apart and reassemble it correctly. They really aren't that complicated, just poorly designed. I just have to be careful about cutting myself on the metal.
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Macgyver
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I took my prior one apart to replace the tub seal. So been there done that, just trying to avoid it.
I recall having to cut and split a seized nut last time that resulted in ordering parts.
Macgyver
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh we were way past that point.
I was trying the blue tipped wrench.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I know. Been there. But it's usually the dryer that's worse for me, and if I have to pull the drum again, I'll get a friend, haul it out to the curb, and buy something else. A friend and I have already rebuilt half of it, and it's still loud. Piece of junk!
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
All new washers have filters, as do all new dishwashers.
Macgyver
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Nope. Link to manual is near the top of this thread.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Our top loading Speed Queen has a filter as does our new dishwasher. ALL circa 2021.
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
WHY DOES MY WASHING MACHINE SMELL?
HomeResource HubFAQWhy does my washing machine smellOverviewWhat Causes Odors Getting Rid of the Smell Sewage-Like Smells
Your washing machine is supposed to make everything spotlessly clean and freshly scented. So, what do you do when your washer smells dirtier than your dirty laundry? Where is that foul odor coming from? More importantly, how can you get rid of it? Let's find out.
WHAT CAUSES WASHING MACHINE ODORS?
Washing machine odors are almost always caused by a gradual build-up of bacteria, mildew, limescale, or soap scum—or a combination of all four. If you regularly use cool wash cycles to save energy, you may not be generating enough heat to remove post-wash residue and kill the bacteria that likes to feed on it. But you don't have to switch to hot wash cycles: there are some simple fixes for your odorous washing machine.HOW TO GET RID OF THE SMELL IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE
Fortunately, that moldy or eggy smell is likely coming from parts of your washing machine that can be easily cleaned. You shouldn't have too much trouble reaching the residue on drums, seals, gaskets, and dispensers. The key is using the right cleaning solutions, tools, and techniques to ensure completely spotless results.- Seals and gaskets: Mold, soap scum, and other build-ups are all too easy to see on your washer's seals. Whether you have a front- or top-loading model, it's simple to get the door or lid seals clean again. In fact, hot soapy water and an old rag should be all you need. If not, don't be tempted to use harsh chemical cleaners or steel wool—instead, opt for an old toothbrush and white vinegar.
- Dispensers: Most newer washing machines have removable detergent, bleach, and/or softener dispensers, whether they're drawers or cup inserts. But stubborn soap build-ups will inevitably accumulate in these dispensers over time. Left unchecked, this gunk will become the perfect breeding ground for stinky bacteria. Remove the dispenser, soak it in hot water, and give it a thorough scrub with that old toothbrush again. You may also be able to run it through the dishwasher; just be sure to check your user manual first.
- Drum:Luckily, you don't have to get hands-on to clean your washer's largest component! Instead, you can have the washer wash itself. Either use an off-the-shelf washing machine cleaner or try the following DIY method:
- Combine 1/4 cup of water with 1/4 cup of baking soda; pour into the soap dispenser
- Pour two cups of white vinegar into your empty washing machine
- Run a hot wash cycle
SEWAGE-LIKE SMELLS HAVE A DIFFERENT CAUSE
If the odor smells like sewage—and the cleaning tips above haven't helped—the problem may be with your drain rather than the washing machine itself. If possible, pull the washer away from the wall and remove the washing machine hose from the permanent standpipe. If the smell worsens, that's likely where the problem lies. Either attempt a fix yourself (for example, pouring a white vinegar/baking soda solution into the drainpipe) or book an appointment with one of our local specialists. We usually get the job done in just one visit.**GE Appliances technicians carry an extensive parts inventory on their service trucks. In the event a part is not available on the service truck, a follow-up service call may be required.
Macgyver
Has No Life - Lives on TB
So figured I would follow this up.
I pulled the front cover, no filter. What I did notice was the funk on the inside of the drum (it's made of an opaque plastic)
Dumped about 2 cups of tsp in let it fill with hot water and turned it off.
Got the hose and added even more water till it practically overflowed.
Let it sit a few hours and drained it.
Stank seems to be gone.
I pulled the front cover, no filter. What I did notice was the funk on the inside of the drum (it's made of an opaque plastic)
Dumped about 2 cups of tsp in let it fill with hot water and turned it off.
Got the hose and added even more water till it practically overflowed.
Let it sit a few hours and drained it.
Stank seems to be gone.
Crusty Echo 7
Veteran Member
We had a sock get stuck by the filter which partially blocked the drain. Also, pull it out from the wall to clean the drain tube. Those can get nasty if there’s any kind of plug.