Front loading washers are not a new appliance. Having been around since after the second world war they have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity because of government energy efficiency mandates in 2001. The water and energy savings they offer make high-efficiency washing machines a necessity.
There are a number of causes of mold odor in clothes washers.
- The most common cause of musty smell from your washing machine is overuse of detergents because the user is following directions for amount used. Generally speaking, we’re washing only perfume and sweat from our clothing so we don’t need 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 HE washers it’s absolutely necessary to use HE detergent (low sudsing). Suds affect both the operation and longevity of all HE washing machines. A good test for detergent use is to fill your washer into a hot setting with no clothing (in the washer) and without adding detergent. Allow it to agitate for a couple of minutes. If the clothes washer suds’ you need to use less laundry detergent. To get rid of excessive suds add just a half cap (1 tsp) of cooking oil and agitate for a couple of minutes then drain. Use this method to test detergent use in your dishwasher as well.
- 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 a food source for mold and bacteria to grow in the dark moist environment of the clothes washer. We recommend switching to dryer sheets or dryer balls. Keep in mind that dryer sheets can also be overused and cause towels to be less absorbent and retain odor. The sheets can be cut in half or even thirds and work well. They can also be reused. There are a variety of expert opinions that both sheets and softener can cause contact dermatitis in more sensitive people and children. Dryer balls are another option but are not as popular because they don’t leave a scent or get rid of static cling as well in northern climates.
- Another cause for clothes washer smells is using mainly cold water for washing. Using mainly cold water for washing is understandable for saving energy 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 the washer is getting hot washes and cold rinses when you want. This problem is more common than you may think!
*Bleach deteriorates rubber so replace your hoses if they come in contact with bleach for a length of time or after five years. This can save you many thousands of dollars in repair from water damage
- 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.
- 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 and 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 pump. 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 here for good instructions on cleaning the filter. Because top loaders don’t have filter traps object can jam the drain pump. These objects can sometimes be removed and the pump can be saved rather than buying a new pump.
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?
Hi Joie,
Many people use mainly cold water for washing. We don’t claim it’s necessary to use hot water but one way to prevent odor is to use a hot water wash or soak as your last cycle on wash day. Another is to do an extra rinse after your last load, especially if laundry is done infrequently or if leaving for a vacation.
These tips plus using no more than 1 tbsp of detergent and not using fabric softener in your washer are important also.
If odor persists or returns you may want to switch to powder detergent. Powders cause odor much less than liquid because of the ingredients manufacturers use.
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!)
Nancy,
To a certain degree - all washing machines have a buildup of bacteria and/or mildew. Just like any home appliance preventive maintenance is a good idea to keep odor away from your washer.
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
Hi Trish,
It could be the washer sat unused for a time. One of the causes of washer odor is infrequent use. The odor then spreads to laundry. I’m confident we can help with your washer odor.
Thanks, Paul
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. Smelly Washer is now available at ACE, Bed,Bath and Beyond and many other retailers. It’s also sold directly by http://www.Amazon.com
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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 https://smellywasher.shop
Thanks, Paul