This is a pretty common thing that we encounter, the customer complains of a bad odour from the washing machine or washer dryer.
First let's start with a simple fact, there's no component that can fail to cause a bad odour from inside a washer. Sorry, but it's not a fault with the machine and it will undoubtedly be from some form of external source and in this article we will explain what causes the problem, how to solve it and how to avoid bad smells from your washing machine.
The major factors that can cause the problem are explained here and you should read this article thoroughly and check as much as you can before calling any service department. If you have a smelly washing machine please read this article in full as it will help you solve the problem and not have it again.
It's also been brought to our attention that there are a number of people out there, along with some companies, that are giving staggeringly bad advice on how to deal with this problem, mostly to try to get you to buy some product like a washing machine cleaner, most of which are targeted at dealing with limescale, not odour issues. The advice given in this article is correct and we will explain how you can try to resolve the problem for free if you want or, use a commercial product that will solve the problem, properly.
Low Temperature Washes & Plastic Tubs
Consistant low temperature washes without a maintenance wash will very often result in a build up of bacteria inside the drum if you combine this with liquid detergent (more on this below) then it is an almost perfect recipe for bacteria build up inside the drum of your washing machine.
But this never used to be a problem and, although we can't prove it, we think we know why.
As washing machines have gotten cheaper and cheaper in order to save on production costs manufacturers have moved away from using enamelled and stainless steel tubs (the big drum around the one you put clothes in which hold the water) and moved almost entirely onto using plastic ones. There are very, very few low cost washing machines now that do not have a plastic outer tank.
The plastic tanks have nooks and crannies that can harbour bacteria growth as that's the way that they are designed and, the surface isn't as smooth as steel or enamel allowing bacteria to take hold and breed. This builds up and leads to a bad smell.
In extreme cases you can get lumps of mould coming out in the wash or small black marks, speckles etc. on clothing. Yes, in case you've not sussed it yet, there are lots and lots of people out there that are washing their clothes in bacteria and then we wonder why we have skin irritation problems.
Do you use liquid detergent?
If the answer is yes then this is most likely the problem as there is no chlorine bleaching agents in liquid powder and it has a tendency to smell a bit ripe after a while. It is also VERY easy and prone to over-dosing, which can lead to a congealed mass of goo in, or on, the drum which, in extreme cases can actually corrode the aluminium drum shaft.
Sorry soap powder manufacturers, but we see this in the field after several years.
The cure is to use powder (real stuff from a big box) and wash through a boil or hot wash with the machine empty, this is known as a maintenance wash. Or you can cheat and use dishwasher cleaner or bicarbonate of soda, both are very effective at cleaning this.
Ariel tablets are also okay as they dissolve just as fast as powder and can be used in the drawer unlike any others.
Using soap nuts or ecoballs is just a disaster waiting to happen as well.