I just noticed a few weeks ago that my washing machine seems to have an odor of some sort. It never, ever had any odor before, but now it does. This washing machine is about 3 1/2 yrs. old now.
Do you know of an easy, effective way to get rid of this machine odor? It's not that bad, but I want to get rid of it B4 it Does Get Bad! Anything besides "vinegar"? I really can't stand the smell of plain vinegar. Anything else I could use? What about a little bleach and water?
Thanks!!!!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Waverider ;),

Maybe baking soda?

Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
1/2 cup of baking soda
2 cups white distilled vinegar
Step1 Decide on the source of the smell. Typically the cause is the machine itself, but occasionally the water being used in the washer can be the source of the problem. If the smell resembles rotten eggs, you may need a water filtration system installed. After you eliminate any other possibilities, you can begin the treatment process.
Step2 Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to 2 cups of white distilled vinegar. (**see tips below)
Step3 Begin a wash cycle using the machine’s hottest setting. As the water rises, add the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Step4 Let the washing machine complete a full cycle. If you notice any residue that has been loosened, use a cloth to wipe the surface clean.
Step5 Run a cold water cycle to complete the process. You should immediately notice that the smell has been neutralized.

Tips & Warnings
Washing your clothes on a cold water cycle can help reduce the amount of residue that builds up inside of your washing machine.

**If you do not have vinegar available, lemon juice may be substituted.

Avoid using too much liquid or powder detergent in your washing machine. This can cause the washing machine to smell over time.

Empty the washer as soon as a cycle is done to avoid smelly odors. Leaving damp clothes in the machine can cause a build up of bacteria.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2044807_remove-odor-from-washing-machine.html

I will add my own tip: always leave the lid open when it is not in use... this lets the inside dry and not stay closed up and wet, getting musty.

Good luck!

My washer repairman told me to run a cycle with bleach and vinegar once a month. This keeps things running smoothly.

It's possible, though rarely happens, that a small article from your wash got outside the drum... a sock, maybe. I didn't have an odor(yet) but had to call repairman cuz it would fill but NOT agitate? He popped the top of agitator to access scr ew that holds it in place. Lifted up tub and found a wadded up and pretty mangled sock. He said is you're doing an extra large load, there's a very slim BUT possible chance of something getting washed overboard.

If that sock hadn't wadded up and stopped the agitator, eventually it would have gotten pretty stinky, cuz it got wet every time the washer ran.

Top-loader or front-loader?

My top-loader once took on a moldy aroma from lint and scum that had built up between the "collar" and the top of the drum that it covers. I couldn't see the scum; could only feel it when I wedged my fingers in there. I fixed it by wetting a medium-thick scrubbie sponge with strong bleach water and ran it around in the crevice to clean out the scum. Just filling the tub with water and bleach or vinegar won't address this problem at all. The scum has to be removed before the odor will be.

I figured out from that experience that I had been using too much detergent, and the overabundance of suds carried lint up into that space. Haven't had an issue since I scaled back my detergent use.

If you have a front-loader, I can't help, except to say I've seen many, many posts about odor issues with them. Most are related to the rubber gasket around the door.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nettiejay,