Smelly washing machine

MassiveJim · 7 Sep 2015 at 12:47

We have a howdens kitchen with an integrated washing machine (so most likely a rebranded Beko)

Recently (last 4 months or so) washing of clothes has been hit or miss with regards to washing not smelling right.
Last night I disconnected the waste pipe from under the sink and ran it into a bucket.
The water that came out had kind of a dirty washing/smelly eggs smells to it.
despite the machine being run on an empty cycle.

The pipe itself didn't visually seem clogged and was pumping water into the bucket ok.
We have taken out the detergent drawer and cleaned that and the holes that pump water into the draw all seem clear (a little build up around them but not much)
We have tried to run a "machine clean" cycle which should take over 2 hours but finishes in 15 minutes with no error code.
Also checked the filter cover on the bottom of the machine which wasn't really clogged up (although we found a hair grip in there) the impellor was able to freely spin as well.

This indicates to me that there is a build up in the machine somewhere that is holding smelly water because after a couple of empty cycles the washing smells better but still not perfect.
I am happy to pull the machine out tonight and start to tear it apart when I finish work but it would be good to have an idea of what exactly I am looking for and where I should be poking before I start.

chief barker · 7 Sep 2015 at 13:02

Try a cup full of white vinegar on a hot cycle before tearing it apart Jim.

Putty · 7 Sep 2015 at 13:08

As above or a bit of bleach (don't forget to run another wash cycle afterwards as well).

Trifid · 7 Sep 2015 at 13:27

Use powdered detergent (this contains a bit of bleach) and run a 90*c cycle to kill all the bacteria that has built up in the machine. Remember to leave the door open a bit after you use the machine otherwise it will get damp and more bacteria will grow.

tom_e · 7 Sep 2015 at 13:32

Trifid said:
Use powdered detergent (this contains a bit of bleach) and run a 90*c cycle to kill all the bacteria that has built up in the machine. Remember to leave the door open a bit after you use the machine otherwise it will get damp and more bacteria will grow.

Only the stuff designed for whites does IIRC as obviously bleach would fade coloured clothing.

rexehuk · 7 Sep 2015 at 13:53

Trifid said:
Use powdered detergent (this contains a bit of bleach) and run a 90*c cycle to kill all the bacteria that has built up in the machine. Remember to leave the door open a bit after you use the machine otherwise it will get damp and more bacteria will grow.

+1 we always do 40 washes, so a few months ago it begun stinking. Upon reading up this is normal if you do low washes.

We did two 90 degree runs, with non bio washing power and it's been fine since. Also tossed some of those smelly balls in (unstoppables?)... no jokes here

a1ex2001 · 7 Sep 2015 at 16:22

rexehuk said:
+1 we always do 40 washes, so a few months ago it begun stinking. Upon reading up this is normal if you do low washes.

This will be your problem! everyone has stopped doing hot washes and leaving the door open after the wash completes for long enough to dry the machine out. Run a hot wash once a month (white cotton bed sheets love being washed hot even though it says 40 on the label) I also occasional run an empty load with buster washing machine cleaner in it, always leave the door open to dry and ensure the drain holes in the door seal are clear.

darael · 7 Sep 2015 at 17:57

If you can get hold of some, I use Power Force washing machine cleaner from Aldi for £1.50 for a pack of two bottles. Just pour one bottle into the machine, set it going on the hottest cottons wash and one clean machine an hour or two later.

Also you can use a half the recommeded dose of biological washing powder on a boil wash with half a cup of vinegar in and pour vinegar in the fabric softener compartment too.

After doing either of the above, I make sure to give my machine a good airing by leaving both the drawer and door open. But really you should leave them ajar while the machine isn't in use.

Danthus · 8 Sep 2015 at 09:53

The smell is a natural buildup of watre borne bacteria lining the tub of the machine.

I am guessing you use liquids, they do not contain bleach.

Everybody should really be performing a maintenance wash once a month, a squirt of bleach and a 95' wash.

When the problem is bad we advise that you do this once a day for a week, once a week for a month then once a month there on.

You don't need expensive shop bought cleaners, vinegar or anything else, bleach is the key.

Edrof · 8 Sep 2015 at 10:47

You might need to check the rubber door seal folds for slime.

rossk26 · 8 Sep 2015 at 10:53

Would this same method work on a dishwasher too?

Danthus · 8 Sep 2015 at 12:14

rossk26 said:
Would this same method work on a dishwasher too?

No!

Buy a proper cleaner.

wazza300 · 8 Sep 2015 at 12:19

wipe around the thick rubber door seal with bleach and a sponge,get into all the folds and creases,you'll see a huge amount of crud that comes out of there

danza · 8 Sep 2015 at 12:49

I use soda crystals in ours. Well, I say 'use' when I actually mean 'used'. I've only done it once, this thread reminds me it needs doing again...

Uhtred · 8 Sep 2015 at 13:00

Mine connects to the kitchen sink drain pipe and I find if I put the plug in the sink it doesn't smell.

MassiveJim · 10 Sep 2015 at 22:27

someone recommended some "special" machine cleaning stuff to the missus, she went out and bought that and put it on an intensive wash and it seems ok now.

Saved me a job anyway

LiGhTfasT · 10 Sep 2015 at 22:34

Dr. Beckmann and medic wash usually does the trick but I think i'll give bleach a go next time.

MagicBoy · 10 Sep 2015 at 22:40

I had a similar problem. After consulting the expert (Mother!) ... she recommended the Dr Beckmann stuff, followed by a couple of very hot cycles.

Long term on her advice I stopped using liquid only and went to tablets. Not had a problem in the last three years even on 40C washes.

Jokester · 10 Sep 2015 at 22:42

I use Dr Beckmann stuff as well every 6 months or so. Keeps it clean smelling and removes any build up of deposits as well.

Dishwasher, I use dishwasher cleaner, removing the filter but leaving it in the machine. It can get pretty manky in there if you don't clean it properly.

Vern1961 · 11 Sep 2015 at 03:55

Beckmanns +1 but use at 90C not 60C for best effect.

Part of the problem is years ago, the weekly wash always included one at 60C for whites which tended to help keep things clean, also used powder which I've read is less likely to clog or gum up the innards (just the drawer...). These days most everything gets done at 30 or 40C and the machine rarely gets hot enough the melt away the stinky gunge.