The problem of putrid, stinky mold build-up is not exclusive to front load washing machines. I have to chuckle to myself when I read a tirade on the Internet about the evils of front load washing machines, written by someone who has a blatantly obvious bias against the machines, pointing primarily to the risk of mold.
Unfortunately, if you've got a washing machine, then you've probably got mold.
Mold likes to grow in environments that are moist, warm, and dark. That includes top load washing machines. If you were to disassemble your top load washer, you would be disgusted by what you would find in the tub basket, pump, and drain: mold, detergent residue, and gobs of disgusting lint. If you do not take preventive measures, then your washing machine will be a haven of filth.
So what can you do? Most (not all) professionals recommend ditching the liquid detergent in favor of powder. Also, you can try a cleaning cycle once every month or so. Run an empty load with a hot wash and a half-cup or so of powder dishwashing detergent. The enzymes in the detergent should help break down any nasties accumulating in your washer.
There is also a product called Purewasher, which you can find here. Not sure how well it works, or what it consists of, but if you have a stinky washer, this product may help.
Update: I have written another post about this problem. The post can be found here.
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Thanks, my GE Harmony Washer reeks. I'm running to try this remedy right now!
Whirlpool just developed a new product specifically designed to clean high-efficiency washers, it is called AFFRESH. i just tried it in my Whirlpool Front-Loader and it works great! I bought it at Home Depot but i think you can buy it pretty much everywhere. It costs 9 dollars and comes with 3 tablets. They recommend to use 1 tablet per month to maintain the washer clean. More info under: http://www.affresh.com
OK, I tried Affresh (3 times) with no luck. I can't find anywhere that sells "purewasher"! Is "purewasher" now called "Smellywasher Cleaner"?
What causes washer odor?
I do believe Purewasher us now called Smelly Washer. I have heard from many people that this product works. What else have you tried?
The cause of the washer odor is usually a build-up of mold or mildew.
I had the same problem with our front load machine for the last 6 years...tried everything I was told to do, but it would only solve the smell problem temporarily....the smell would always come back.
I started using the Norwex Laundry Detergent (which is a powder) about 4 months ago because it is so economical, and we have 4 small kids so lots of laundry happens in this house! (with a front loader, I will get close to 800 loads for a bag that cost me $25....I only have to use about 1/2 tsp per load).
What I discovered about 2 weeks after I started using it, was that the horrible stink from the washer was completely gone, and my towels which were always smelly, now smell fresh, even after they got wet. I've also noticed that there's no longer the slimy sludge accumulating in the rubber seal around the washer door! HOORAY!!!
A god website that sells it is www.Norwex-Healthy-Cleaning.com
Good Luck :0)
affresh, vinegar, bleach do NOT work on getting rid of this horrible smell! If I had known, I would have saved myself from spending over $1000 on a washer I can't stand to put my clothes in. My entire laundry room smells, and I have resorted to using my old washer again!
I think it is amazing how high efficiency washers are supposed to save the environment but we end up running extra loads, using extra chemicals and exposing our families to the stink and health hazards of mold and mildew.
Most users find running 1 tbsp of Smelly Washer Cleaner in a hot setting will remove odor-causing residue. More extreme cases need to allow it to soak and very severe odor problems need to add extra gallons of hot water after the washer has filled itself into this hot cycle. This is done to also soak the "splash area" just above the normal water line. This is invariably the area of heaviest buildup. To compare washer cleaners click this link or copy and paste it into a browser.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua6OJPn0-fU