We've had a front load washer/dryer for almost 2 years now. Our washer just smells musty-like. I can really run an empty load of vinegar or bleach through since they are high efficiency and fill with water based on the weight of the load. I'm just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this problem and if there's a way to make the smell go away? We've started leaving the door open when it's not in use and that seems to help some, but the smell still is there. We do have soft water so it's not the city water smell either. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!
We had a front loader that the seal went on and had to get a new one. Learned some lessons on that expensive buy.
1) You have to use high efficiency detergent on front loaders.
2) Don't leave the door open when not being used - it can dry out the rubber on the seal
3) Run a scoop of Oxyclean at least 1/week with a load - this should help with the smell too.
4) You can take a rag and clean the rubber in the front by the door. Run it around in the crevices or folds. This is probably where the smell is coming from as dirt, etc. gets in there.
Good luck,
Kelly
We also had this problem fairly quickly after using a HE front load. If you look for the out going filter (mine you had to take the front cover totally off) there is a filter trap that filters the dirty water going out. This was clogged with over a dollars worth of coins, paper clips and other left in the pocket kinds of things. This did make a big difference.
I had this problem after we had our washer for about a year and a half. I googled it (don't remember exactly what terms I used) but came across several websites where people had postings about having this problem because they used Tide &/or Downy. (I used to use both and have since switched.) I also discovered something called 'Affresh' - it's a tablet product that you can purchase at Best Buy and some other appliance stores. If your washer smells, you put 3 tablets in your washer and run it empty (i.e. no clothes) and it takes care of the smell in your washer - that is likely due to all of the detergent/fabric softener gunk that is build up inside where you can't see it. Then, you're supposed to run a load once a month with 1 tablet (again, no clothes, just the tablet) to maintain it. I had always used Tide and Downy and really did not want to switch, but after a bit of research, I now make my own laundry soap (I know it sounds a little out there) - but please consider giving it a try. It's inexpensive, earth-friendly and a rash that my little boy had cleared up immediately! The recipe I use for the soap I make is 1 grated bar of Fels-Naptha soap, 1.5 cups of Borax and 1.5 cups of Arm&Hammer Washing Soda - mix together as a dry powder. (You can purchase all at Cub Foods or other large grocery stores.) I use 1 tablespoon per load and it's been working great - and no more yucky smell in my washer! In fact, I don't run the Affresh tablets in my washer every month any more and haven't had any problems with smells. (FYI - The Affresh tablets are EXPENSIVE - but work!) Good luck!