What’s Causing Your New Washing Machine To Stink?

So you just bought a brand new washing machine and it stinks! That stinks! But don’t despair. Once you figure out the cause of odor your new stinky washing machine, you can take steps to eliminate and prevent it.

Front Load Washing Machines

Unfortunately, front loaders have gotten a bad rap over recent years. While front load washing machines receive praise for their high efficiency by using less water and energy they are notorious for causing odor.

One of the biggest culprits of a smelly washing machine is residue buildup on the inside of the outer tub.. If you notice a musty washer odor, chances are you have mildew in your washing machine. Mildew thrives in damp conditions, feeding off of lint, detergent suds, and even hair and other organic material left behind after a wash.

To prevent this problem:

• use less detergent.  It's odd to think that all you need is a tbsp. of detergent but, generally speaking, we're only washing perfume and sweat out of out clothing!
• stop using fabric softener.  It's dispensed in the rinse cycle and leaves a film that becomes a food source for bacteria and mold to grow.  Dryer sheets or dryer balls area better options.
• Maintain your washer by running a hot cycle as your last cycle on wash day and even an extra rinse if doing especially soiled laundry.
• Clean the filter.  The filter can be partially plugged to slow the drain of water to cause problems.

to dry any excess water from the machine after a wash. Places like the rubber door gasket and detergent drawer harbor hidden water in a front loader. It also helps to clean the drain pump filter located in the bottom, front panel of the washer. This filter catches lint and other material as it drains from the washer; which, combined with water can be the source of your stinky washing machine.

Finally, front loaders require a special high efficiency (HE) detergent. They also require a lot less of this special detergent than you’re probably used to using. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and measure carefully. Detergent mistakes can cause over-sudsing and poor rinsing, both of which can cause washer odor.

Top Load Washing Machines

A top loader can also harbor mildew caused by residual water. In this case, the water, lint and other material can become trapped under the agitator or under the lid of the washer. Wipe these areas down with a clean towel after each wash and remove and clean under the agitator periodically.

A good habit with any type of washer is to always leave the lid or door open in between loads. This will allow any residual water to evaporate completely.

In both types of washers, not using the machine regularly can also cause washer odor. Because a washer doesn't drain completely and a small amount of water remains in the tub, it’s important to use the machine regularly to flush out the system.

Use Smelly Washer To Eliminate And Prevent Odors

Using a washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, a couple times a month will eliminate and help prevent future washer odor. Smelly Washer uses all natural ingredients to eliminate odor, fungus and mildew that can cause a stinky washing machine. Smelly Washer should be used in the hottest or “clean” cycle of your washer with no clothes.

If your stinky washing machine doesn’t smell musty like mold or mildew, then you may have a different problem. If you ever smell an electrical or burning smell, you should unplug the machine and contact the manufacturer.