Front Load Washing Machine Is Leaving Clothes Smelling

Unpleasant laundry odors may be caused by deposits of bacteria in your washer's system.

You place some delicate items in your front-loading washing machine, add detergent and fabric softener then switch it on. Two hours later you return and open the door. You are met by an unpleasant odor; and when you smell the lovely pullover your great aunt gave you last Christmas, you find the odor has transferred onto its fibers. The load will have to be washed again; but before doing this, you have to get rid of both the odor and its cause.

Cause of the Odor

The cause of the smell is most likely bacteria contained within a slimy, greasy deposit that accumulates in the front loader's system. There are two main factors that combine to cause this deposit -- detergents, which do not contain any bacteria-killing bleach, and low-temperature wash cycles. Detergent leaves laundry clean, especially when combined with wash-enhancing stain removers, but does not necessarily kill bacteria within the stains. At low temperatures, the water is not hot enough to eradicate the bacteria, which flow freely through the washer when the detergent solution is drained out.

Black Mold

The odor may also be caused by the formation of black mold on the door seal of the front loader. If you notice an odor on laundry when you remove it from the machine, check the seal carefully. To remove this mold, scrub it lightly with a household cleaning product. If it proves difficult to remove, you may have to replace the seal. Household mold remover may succeed where ordinary detergent fails. However, before using this type of cleaner, ensure it will not damage the rubber seal. Mold in the detergent dispenser drawer will also contribute to bad smells in your washing machine or on your laundry. To deal with this, remove the drawer and wash it thoroughly in hot water and detergent.

Dealing with the Odor

Washing machine manufacturers, such as Maytag, have acknowledged the problems that mold and bacteria can cause. Maytag recommends a monthly "maintenance wash" as a way of avoiding them. This means running the machine on its hottest wash cycle with no laundry in the drum. Maytag suggests adding a detergent called "Affresh Washer Cleaner" at the start of this process. The "Washer Help" website recommends sanitizing your machine's system by adding any detergent that contains bleaching agents. Washing soda crystals (sodium carbonate) are also effective. Pour some into the drum before running a hot water wash.

White Vinegar

If your washing machine still smells after you have run two maintenance washes, try using distilled white vinegar. Select the hottest wash cycle again and turn the machine on. As the water runs into the washer, open the dispenser drawer and pour in 1 cup of white vinegar. Repeat this process if necessary. You should also frequently check the door seal for any signs of mold. When you remove laundry from the washer, don't close the door immediately. Leave it open to allow any residual dampness to dry out.

References

• Maytag: Dealing with front loader smell problems
• Washer Help: Getting rid of front loader odor