DIY Guy
01-29-2009, 11:47 AM
We have had a large increase in reports of smelly washing machines. People report odors such as stale cigarettes, mold, moldy, stale, damp, and generally foul.
The odor in most cases, seems to be related to the growth of bacteria. The problem also seems to be particularly prevalent in front loading washing machines.
While we have had limited success with running empty loads with a cup of bleach to kill the bacteria, our best success has come with leaving the washer's door or lid open to allow free circulation of air.
In my own home our Duet front loader smelled terrible and the problem ended only after we began leaving the door open when it was not in use.
The odor in most cases, seems to be related to the growth of bacteria. The problem also seems to be particularly prevalent in front loading washing machines.
While we have had limited success with running empty loads with a cup of bleach to kill the bacteria, our best success has come with leaving the washer's door or lid open to allow free circulation of air.
In my own home our Duet front loader smelled terrible and the problem ended only after we began leaving the door open when it was not in use.