There are a number of causes of mold odor in clothes washers.
- The most common cause of that stink from your washing machine is overuse of detergents because the user is following directions for amount used. If detergent has nothing to react against it will leave a residue on the inside of the washer that is a food source for mold and bacteria to grow. A dark, moist clothes washer is the perfect environment for them to flourish so we need to control their food source. Generally speaking, we’re washing only perfume and sweat from our clothing so we don’t need so much detergent. Unless washing soiled clothing, no more than 1 tbsp of any detergent should be used. This is especially important if using liquid detergent, if there is a water softener in the home or if using a municipal water supply. For high efficiency washers it’s abosolutely necessary to use HE detergent (low sudsing). Suds affect both the operation and longevity of high efficiency washing machines.
- Using fabic softener. Softener is dispensed in the rinse cycle and tends to collect on the inside of the plastic outer tub. The residue it leaves is also a food source for mold and bacteria to grow. We recommend switching to dryer sheets or dryer balls. Keep in mind that dryer sheets can be overused and cause towels to be less absorbent and retain odor. There are also a variety of expert opinions that both sheets and softener can cause contact dermititis. The sheets can be cut into halves or thirds and can even be reused. Dryer balls are another option. Click here to read more advice on the subject.
- Another cause for clothes washer smells is using mainly cold water for washing. Using mainly cold water for washing is fine… but it makes preventive maintenance very important. Do your hottest wash or soak cycle as your last cycle on wash day or as preventive maintenance to dissolve residue. Ensure the water supply hoses to your washer are properly connected so you’re getting hot washes and cold rinses when you want. This problem is more common than you may think!
- Another cause of washing machine odor is non-use of the appliance. If you are not going to use the washer for an extended period it’s a good idea to do a cleaning with a washing machine cleaner. If leaving for a vacation shut the supply hoses off in case of a hose break. Bleach or vinegar spilled on rubber water hoses will cause deterioration and eventually a ruptured hose to flood the laundry area.
- Obstructions in drain pumps can cause mold odor by reducing the flow of water when draining. Almost all front load washers have a filter “trap” that is accessible to the owner. Rather than immediately calling for appliance repair service consult your owners manual for instructions on accessing this trap. (ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR MACHINE OR SHUT OFF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BEFORE REPAIR also have several towels nearby when working on a drain pump because there is always 1-2 gallons of water left in all washers even after draining. It’s surprising what can make it through the washer and into the trap. Bra wires, toys, coins and screws are common items that can cause the pump to jam or catch lint to cause draining problems to make your washer smell. Go to http://www.ehow.com/search.html?q=clean+front+load+filter&skin=home&t=all for good instructions on how to clean the filter. Even though they don’t have filter traps objects can also jam pumps in top loading washers. These objects can very often be removed and the pump can be saved rather than buying a new pump.
The advantages of Smelly Washer Cleaner over our competitors are
- Smelly Washer Cleaner is all natural! We use no dyes or fragrances!
- it has 24 treatments compared to 1-3 per industry standards and
- Smelly Washer Cleaner will also safely and easily remove odor-causing mold from towels and clothing after the washer has been cleaned.
Posted under How to Get Rid of Foul Odor, How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell from Towels and Clothing, How to Remove Fungus Odor With Smellywasher Cleaner, How to Repair Your Appliances, Smelly Washer Cleaner
This post was written by smellywasher on November 30, 2008
I read your blog. My question is for colored clothes that would be washed in hot, would that fad the color?
Glenda/ Unless your colored clothing is new it won’t fade them. We’ve had many emails raving about how colors are enhanced after washing.
I just want to say that in 30 years of using FL, I never ever had problem w/mold, mildew or smell. I think people really don’t know how to do laundry. Where is the common sense? Hot water should be the number 1 ingredient. Always. Proper rinsing in enough water is necesary too. People using way too many chemicals these days. Between all the pretreatments and stain removals, ton of bleach and smelling like a walking FS dispenser,you shouldn’t be surprised their washers stink and have build up.
HM/ That being stated many people do use just cold water to conserve energy. That’s great but a hot soak should be done at least weekly to dissolve any buildup of deterget/softener/mold residue. This is a perfect chance to soak soiled dishrags, washclothes, etc!
Thanks guys - just did my first cleaning with your product… worked like a charm. We have a new baby, and everything just plain stunk from our front loading washer. I had fixed it once before, but it was very expensive. Yours did everything it said…
Looking forward to using smelly washer for a long time…
Dave C
As far as cold vs hot water goes… there are many things I wash in cold water. Despite the claim of many products, color will fade quickly from certain clothes in hot water and cold water also prevents shrinking or damaging delicate fabrics.
There are just as many items I wash in hot water, however, but to say hot water is common sense ingredient #1 is pretty harsh!
My question is, with what I’ve said PLUS the fact that my fiance works in recycling and his work clothes are GROSS, what is the best way to tackle everyday clothes washing without leaving my washer smelling funky?
After reading 125 comments on FL machine mold/odor problems, I am downright scared to go FL. I DID find “SmellyWasher” noted, and can hardly wait to get my order! I have a NASTY top loader that I hate - mostly because of the odor. None of the repairman’s suggestions worked, so here goes! (I still think I want a FL for all the other reasons!)
What I have been reading makes sense but I have just moved and in my other house i washed with cold water for 26 year, did no maintenance to my washer and it never smelled of mould or of anything. Clothes always smelled fresh and clean so there must be something different about this washing machine. The top loader in my new (to me) house stinks and the clothes stink. They are both top loaders. I use the same detergent and never use fabric softener. I have always used less detergent than recommended. Guess i will try smelly washer.
Trish
I tried Smelly Washer for my FL washer about 6+ months ago and it worked like a charm. I didn’t come directly back to using the product because I thought I could find something similar out there that was cheaper. I had no such luck, and have returned for another order.
My only complaint is that we have to buy Smelly Washer on-line. I would love to see it distributed to our local Wal-mart or Target Stores, etc…
Hi Leslie,
Thanks so much for your business and kind words. Please call your local retailer and ask them to stock Smelly Washer Cleaner. Retailers are able to buy at wholesale prices from our website and make a healthy profit.
I manually scrub the walls of my washing machine about once a year. It only takes me about 1/2 hour now that I have learned how to do it. My top-loading maytag comes apart by removing just two screws. If people only knew what the inside of their washer looked like after one year!
I often wonder if this would be a viable side-job, since I am sure everyone’s washing machine will collect scum over time that can only come out completely with a good scrubbing! The chemicals may help a little, but they can’t stop the scum completely.
Hi Arthur,
Washing machine cleaning keeps repair technicians busy. I don’t advise anyone to take apart their own washing machine unless they are trained! 1 tbsp of Smelly Washer Cleaner in a hot cycle is perfect preventative maintenance for any clothes washer! If odor persists or returns washing habits should change.
Hi. I read a few of your other posts and wanted to know if you would be interested in exchanging
blogroll links?
I’m sorry Alison, baseball bats have nothing to do with washing machines, per se, so it would not be a good idea to exchange links with http://www.smellywasher.com
Thanks, Paul