Three year old front load washer has moldy smell. It was fine for two yearsbut now I must keep the door open and run bleach through every two or three weeks. We have checked and cleaned all hoses and the tub and gasket help!!!!
What you all are forgetting and I can vogue for this and prove it because we ripped our washer down......and I have pics... the mold will collect behind the SS tub in the plastic drum housing... every repair man told me NO POSSIBLE WAY!!!! well I was so sick of being sick and my husband decided time to buy a new washer we did and a (top loader i will add). and when the top loader was delivered we ripped the front loader totally apart (any one that would like to see pics you can email it) but be forewarned they are GROSS!!! I have done all the maintenance they have recommended and nothing helped (bleach, cascade, OXY, vinegar, leaving door open (which i may remind anyone is a risk if you have toddlers ) oh yes and lets not forget the washer magic they push down your throat to buy every time a sears tech comes out) I have a family of 6....4 girls and 2 of them babies so I have a lot of laundry....I will be more then happy to share what we found was hiding in the washer's this is not something you can see until you rip it totally down. CJ
Posted on Sep 26, 2007
I had this same problem from the get-go with my Kenmore Elite HE3 machine. What finally worked for me (after having a technician out who basically told me the machine was a lemon) was running an empty load with bleach to kill the smell, then only using powder detergent and leaving the door ajar in between loads. I haven't had any odor since. Good luck!
Posted on May 19, 2007
This is a fairly common problem, where a bad odour comes from the washing machine, especially after a lot of low temp wash cycles. There is no component in the washer that can fail to cause a bad odour. In most cases,it will be from an external source, or the way the machine is used. Reasons can cause the problem : - liquid detergent - Do you use liquid detergent? There is no chlorine bleaching agents in liquid detergent and it has a tendency leave the machine smelling a bit after a while. The cure is to do a "Maintenance Wash" (a boil wash with no clothes or detergent in) at least once a month, or you can use dishwasher cleaner or bicarbonate of soda, both are very effective. -Backfilling from the house waste- Incorrectly installed of the stand-pipe outlet and/or U-bend, allowing dirty water from the drain to come back into the waher, via the outlet drain pipe. Check that no water coming slowly back to washer's tub when it's switched off. Good luck !!!
Posted on May 31, 2006
Wow, I take it English isn't your first language.
×
Followed a previously posted suggestion of taking off the front panel and draining the lint trap. The mold growth was at least 1/4 inch thick in there (3 year old machine) and I found a rusty quarter, penny and a nail. Running a cleaning cycle now to kick out the rest of the mold that was in a rubber hose leading to the lint trap that I couldn't reach. Hoping this is the solution. So far the lint trap was at least PART of the problem.
Now, why doesn't Kenmore mention this in their manual?? Seems like an annual (if not semi-annual) routine they should mention.
Posted on Oct 06, 2009
Unfortunatly, I have used the material from smellywasher.com and it has not worked. I have used at least half a bottle, via the instructions, and I still have the smell. I am not mecanically inclined but at the point of tearing the machine apart. Before I do that, are there any other solutions?
Posted on Jun 05, 2008
I have the product from smellywasher.com. It has not helped. I have even emailed smellywasher, no response. I have gone thru half the bottle, using the instructions, and the smell goes away for a day or 2 but comes back. I am not mechanically gifted and broke as heck, but at the point where I may tear the machine apart to see what is going on. Any other solutions befor I to this
Sorry if this comes out as 2 post, but dont' see my original post
×
We've had our Fridgidaire front load washer for 6 years now, and until about 2 months ago, it smelled absolutely horrible. I tried the things I was told to do....hot water/bleach cycle, wiping the slime from the rubber seal, and leaving the door open....it didn't work.
I was told about Norwex laundry detergent - Norwex is a company which produces green cleaning products - the detergent is a quickly biodegradable, highly concentrated powder, and all I need is 1/4 - 1/2 a teaspoon per load. After about one week of using the Norwex detergent I noticed that the smell was completely gone and hasn't returned! Also, the gross slime that used to collect in the rubber seal is no longer a problem. I've been so wonderfully amazed!
I don't know why this detergent fixes the smell problem, but I've talked with others who have had the same great results with it - their smell issue was solved. Perhaps it's because it contains no animal fat products?
Another benefit of the Norwex detergent is how economical it is - it comes in a 2kg bag for about $25, and in a front load machine you will get approx. 800 loads from it using the above mentioned quantity/load! It's really an amazing product! You can buy it online - www.Norwex-Healthy-Cleaning.com is a great site to buy from. Good luck with the smell!
Posted on Apr 17, 2009
I sell a completely natural washing machine cleaner at www.smellywasher.com that is guaranteed to remove both front load and top load washing machine odor by simply adding a tablespoon of cleaner to a hot wash. The cleaner also removes mildew smell from towels and clothing by washing with a tablespoon of the powder.
There are 24 treatments in each order.
Posted on Apr 03, 2008
This does not work for front load washers. We have an LG1832CW and still smells terrible. Dont' bother buying! It might work for top loaders...
Hey Paul, doesn't sound like you stand behind you product.
I wouldn't buy it either!
×
Ok I got one for you. there is a lint trap on the washer that will directly affect the Draining of Water. On your GE Frontload washer and I assume you have one.
On the bottom of the washer you will find 4 blots holding the Pannel in place. "unplug the washer first" once the pannel is off you will find on the right a white cap that looks kind of like a gas cap for your car. unscrew it and watch out water is coming out so have 4 bath towles on had or shop vac, and if you have the lower draw stand a buck will help.
You will not believe what you will find. Clean it out and it will be like new.
We had 4 child about a yr after we got the washer, and one of his socks got stuck in this location, and created all kinds of issue, and one was water not coming out of the tub and started to smell.
Posted on Jan 19, 2008
Here's another that may help:
Put bleach only, no laundry in it. Just let it cycle like you are doing
a load of wash. You might also try vinegar, it's supposed to get rid of
odors.
Timonty from http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com
Posted on Sep 02, 2008
How about a class action lawsuit? I'm not much for lawyers, but this seems to be an overwhelming problem that the manufacturers don't seem to want to address.
Posted on Apr 09, 2008
I had a similar problem with my front loading washer. I've switched to a natural cleaner called "soap nuts" in the liquid version. This product has very load suds and it's eliminated the smell in my machine. The clothes smell great and you don't even need to use fabric softener. I ordered from www.myorganicstyle.com and there is additional information on the website. Hope this helps!
Posted on Jul 03, 2009
Shaklee laundry products are made without animal fats -- your machine will not get moldy/stinky. My machine is a year old and no smell. My sister has had her front load Maytag for over 2 years and NO SMELL.
Posted on Dec 01, 2008
The smell is from using to much detergent you shouldn't use more than two tablespoons,it coats everything inside the washer and builds up from using to much of it,if you take it apart and look at the drain hose you'll see that the hose was once white and now it's black coated with stinky detergent,or pull out the drain hose out of the stand pipe and rub your finger in the pipe or on the drain hose part that was stuck inside the pipe,most are covered with detergent,it coats the spider gear and eats at it like acid,it's made of soft metal,use two tablespoons and you won't have any problems,another way to check is start your washer and fill it with no clothes or soap,let it agitate for like five minutes,if you see foam in the water from the extra soap you've been adding you know you've been using to much
Appliance Parts Pros" advises that most basket spider corrosion and subsequent breakage is a result of using too much detergent combined with hard water. The site recommends using no more than a quarter cup of high-efficiency detergent and using water with a softness level of no more than two grains. Following these recommendations should result in a basket spider life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
i use my finger as a guide,stick your index finger along side of the soap cup and draw a line don't fill it over that and you won't have any stinks or worry about damaging the spider gear.hope this helps whoever reads it
Posted on Jan 06, 2018
I've found that if the discharge hose is too far above the washer then the pump can't move all the waste water out to the drain. Then after the pump shuts off, that waste water goes back into the washer and gets mixed with the fresh water cleaning the clothes.
Posted on Jan 04, 2015
I purchased my kenmore used off of craigslist last Oct.
it is 4 yrs old, been in storage a year as the elderly couple who owned it went into a nursing home and the daughter garaged it for a while
i researched what people said about mold, smells prior to purchase
i talked to a sears outlet sales rep who suggested the detergent solutions, leave the door open, wipe the gasket down
i thought i was prepared
i do 1-2 loads a week.
my machine has the front draining hose which the older models did not.
my machine is in the basement, and i can leave the door open within impeding traffic or accidentally breaking the door hinges. some of my friends have theirs in a pass thru from their garage, certainly less convenient.
after a few weeks, the sulfur smell began.
you have to remember that mold and bacteria are two different microbes. all microbes have varying requirements to grow which include: moisture, pH, food, air. take away one requirement and they cannot grow
Mold is what causes the problems in the doors. it can be fed by whatever dirty residue from your dirty clothes. wiping it down reduces the food source, but more importantly, the available water for it to grow on.
i started out just by leaving the door open, and not necessarily wiping it down. i sporadically drained the water from the front hose.
The sulfur smell is bacterial. it was growing in the residual water that remains at the end of the wash. these machines have a design flaw in that they do not drain completely.
i began playing with the front hose, draining it after every load. This did not resolve the sulfur smell.
i wondered if there was something in the water i was using since i recycle my RO and humidifier water into the wash, but fresh water did not stop the sulfur smell.
i experimented with the frequency of loads to see if that could reduce it. i found i had to push the water through every 24 hours to have no detectable odor. this confirmed that the bacteria needed time to reproduce for it to be noticeable. however, as stated, i only do normally 1-2 loads a week. i could do partials i suppose, but what a waste of time.
i next drained the hose in the back along with the small hose in the front after every load. this did the trick. no more sulfur smell. this reduces the water for the bacteria to grow in and reduced the bacterial load.
you may use the clean cycles, and cleaners and special detergents, but if you cannot permanently remove the bacteria, the sulfur smell will remain. this sulfur producing bacteria is living in my drain hoses. the clean cycle wont necessarily touch it. the cleaners and special detergents may already be used up by the time it gets to the lines, and be less effective. How much bacteria you are trying to destroy is another thing.
i noticed someone had all of these lines replaced after so many years. that removes the dirty hoses, but does not stop the new hoses from being reinoculated and for the problem to start all over again.
i am lucky that my fix is free and this easy. i know many will curse that if this is my solution, the extra two steps of draining and the front hose and then the back hose is more bother than it is worth. i am okay with this as i bought a front loader at half the price. i would be less than thrilled if i bought this for full price. i have even less respect for sears for not fixing the problem.
Posted on Apr 05, 2013
Had the same problem with smelly washer and clothes. Tried all the recommended fixes; none fixed the problem. Then I came across an article stating that it's the liquid detergents and fabric softeners that cause the problem. We switched to an all natural powder detergent called EchoClean and the laundry and washer smell fresh all the time.
Posted on Aug 30, 2012
Here's my PERMANENT non-toxic fix. You need to get good bacteria that don't stink to grow in the washer. Mine smelled worse than raw sewage for over a year. It would stink up to 20 feet away from the washer.
Pour 1/2 gallon of white vinegar in the unit to kill all the existing bacteria . Run a drain cycle. Let it sit for several hours. Run two more cycles with nothing in the unit but water.
Purchase some cleaning probotics (http://www.amazon.com/Probiotic-Household-Cleaning-Concentrate-Miessence/dp/B000W4SC1S/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331593177&sr=8-2-spell ) Put a tablespoon it in the tub, and in the detergent dispenser. Run one load and let it sit. Run it for two loads without anything in it.
Done!
I've done this weeks ago, and since that time have had no problems. Using just vinegar, it would start stinking badly two days after days.
Posted on Mar 12, 2012
Here's my PERMANENT non-toxic fix. You need to get good bacteria that
don't stink to grow in the washer. Mine smelled worse than raw sewage
for over a year. It would stink up to 20 feet away from the washer.
Pour
1/2 gallon of white vinegar in the unit to kill all the existing
bacteria . Run a drain cycle. Let it sit for several hours. Run two more
cycles with nothing in the unit but water.
Purchase some
cleaning probotics
http://www.amazon.com/Probiotic-Househol...
) Put a tablespoon it in the tub, and in the detergent dispenser. Run
one load and let it sit. Run it for two loads without anything in it.
Done!
Update: its been over a year and I haven't had to apply any more chemicals to kill the smell. Fixed permanently!
×
To get rid of the front load washer smell remember to use a water softener if you're on well water.
Posted on Sep 30, 2011
The thing that has worked by far the best for me is leaving washer open when not in use and most importantly * Arm & Hammer with Oxy Clean*(and a liquid fab softner) That is the ONLY laundry soap that doesn't leave that smell. But took a couple of washes to get the other smell out of clothes in the first place. I am not affiliated in any way with them! But do not want them to discontinue it!!
Posted on Jul 26, 2009
We've had my Kenmore 417 frontloader for 8+ years and it has just started to smell. It's not horrible yet, but I'm going to try the many suggestions already listed. Also, we've been seeing more hardwater deposits than we used to.
I think it would be really helpful if posters included the make, model, and age of the washer, and more importantly, what kind of detergent is used. We've recently changed to Chlorox 2 HE compatible liquid detergent, away from Tide and Trader Joes brand. Maybe we should switch back .
Thanks everyone
Posted on Jun 28, 2009
Out power co. is giving away free Kenmore front loading washers.
Sears brought it out and it sat outside for a few hours until the plumber came to bring it in my double wide.
I went outside to look at it and opened the door and it stuck to high Heaven. I hadn't even used it yet.
I asked the guy who installed it why it stuck and he said it is just a new smell. No, this isn't new smell. Worse than rotten eggs.
A smell like I have never smelled before.
I got this on Thursday and today is only Monday. I left the door open and it still stinks. It really makes it hard for me with the door open as the handle sticks out farther than my Sears top loader did and I have to scrape either the handle or my outside door as my new walker is now too wide where it went out easy with my old washer that still worked.
They are giving these washers away so we will use less energy and less water. That is wonderful but they didn't tell me it would stink and I have COPD which is now really making it hard for me to breathe.
Does someone use these washers that look like new and are still in the box?
Please Help.
Posted on Sep 02, 2008
I have a GE and tried checking the "drain" mentioned earlier. I found a toddler sock. I definatly recommend checking this if you have an issue, and a GE washer
Posted on Mar 10, 2008
AMEN! To Solution #4, Posted by Guest on Dec.12. I have the same problems with my Bosch washer. The darn thing doesn't use enough water to wash the clothes properly and all my clothes stink!
I am buying a new top load washer. I am sorry I wasted $2600 on the pair I bought just 3 years ago. my old set was so much better.
Posted on Feb 09, 2008
Are we all out of our minds that we are trying to find solutions to an outrage that should be placed directly on the doorstep of maunufacturers where it belongs? Since when should we have to practically stand on our heads and jump through hoops to do laundry for crying out loud!
OK, I admit it. I am angry.
I am furious and it is over something as stupid as a washing machine! Yes, you heard me, a WASHING MACHINE!!!!
New government regulations for new water efficiency washing machines
has my family’s clothing smelling like a stinking, rancid, moldy
basement! This is absolutely absurd! I have been told to change
laundry detergent, run hot bleach water through my washer and, get
this; my washing machine is 1 year old and my clothes smell filthy!!!
The mold and mildew from these nasty machines have wreaked havoc
through skin rashes and allergies in my children!
I paid $1,000.000 for this da*ned washing machine and THIS is what is
being sold to the public under the disguise of efficiency!!?? I have
been on the phone about this problem. I have, over the past 3
months, with a technician on the phone, been instructed to do the
following:
#Make sure I use high efficiency detergent. THAT will fix my problem.
Wrong.
*Cleaned the lint trap (..that is stupidly behind a metal access plate
that you have to use a screwdriver to remove screws to get to it EVERY
TIME) and THAT will fix my problem.
Wrong!
*Cleaned the water hoses; THAT will fix my problem.
Wrong!
*Cleaned the gasket around the door. THAT will fix my problem
Wrong!
*Cleaned the tub with bleach water. THAT will fix my problem.
WRONG!
*REMOVED the hoses and cleaned the pump. THAT will fix my problem.
WRONG AGAIN!
*Take the pump out entirely and clean all inlet, outlets and hoses. THAT will fix my problem.
WRONG! WRONG!! WRONG!!!
NONE of this fixed my problem of filthy, wet, stinking, rancid clothing
that has endangered my family's health! I even washed my children's
clothing out by hand in the bathtub and put them in the washer just to
rinse and spin and they STILL smelled horrific.
Finally, at the end of my rope, I returned to the appliance store from
which I purchased this machine and they have told me that they cannot
accept a return. They will not accept a return and I have to deal
directly with GE. I HAVE dealt with GE up until the final straw when I
they told me I needed a new pump, but so sorry, your warranty JUST
expired 3 days ago!!!
Furthermore, my pump was fine. I did NOT need a new pump and have now
been told that I cannot return the new, unused pump that cost me
another $183.00. I have now been told that this is a problem with ALL
front loading washing machines and I should do the following:
*First, run a full complete wash cycle on hottest setting containing Bleach – * Note: wash cycle takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
*Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using high efficiency laundry detergent for another 1 hour and 20 minutes
*Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using Cascade automatic
dish washing detergent for an ADDITIONAL 1 hour and 20 minutes
*Next, using Bleach water, wipe down entire interior of washing machine
*Next, using clean white cloth, wipe entire interior of washing machine dry
*Next, leave door ajar to air out machine
*Finally, I have now been informed that I cannot use fabric softener in
the machine even though there is a fabric softener dispenser right in
the machine because the new front loading machines cannot handle fabric
softener!!
Furthermore, I was told that this is new technology and since it is so
new, no one really knew these kinds of problems were going to manifest
themselves and I just need to try to work with these problems because
it is not the manufacturers fault but the GOVERNMENT’S fault! Sorry.
Are you kidding me??
Now I have a $1000.00 piece of junk that the appliance companies are
pawning off on unsuspecting consumers and hiding their horrible designs
by blaming the government.
So, now this is what I want!
I want the legislature to force manufacturers to properly inform the
public of these problems and those who did NOT inform consumers of
these issues, COMPENSATE their customers for the $$$$$ it has cost us
and the misery and frustration caused by THEIR neglect by NOT informing
the consumers of these issues. I want this to be retroactive BACK to at
least the year 2005. Furthermore, I want compensated for the cost of
buying a top loading washing machine in an effort to keep our families
away from the mold and mildew and filthy mess this has caused! Finally,
I want manufacturers to own up to the fact that they disregarded the
health and safety of consumers in their efforts to profit as much as
possible while touting efficiency.
Now I have heard that they have a new 'product' they can sell to us to
inhibit the stench of mold and mildew. This is absolutely unacceptable!
This is outrageous and we need to speak out about this and make sure our voices are heard!
Posted on Dec 12, 2007
I know exactly what it is. There is water under the rubber door seal that does not drain with the wash load. Left standing, you can get all kinds of awful smells.
Posted on Aug 14, 2007
Throw your washer out the window (if you can), otherwise just save your money and keep it and let it stink up your house, because none of the solutions on this website work once the smell heightens to "rancid cauliflower/bird poop/rubber." Once you've hit that smell, it's done for. It's officially reached the point of no return.!!
Posted on Jul 13, 2007
Bad smells and spider corrosion in front load washing machines. When all other remedies for curing bad smells coming from front load washers have been tried and have not been found satisfactory I believe the source of the smell may well be corrosion of the aluminium spider with the products of this corrosion harbouring 'water' that turns foul as described below, or, should no corrosion have occurred the 'water' left in the recesses of the hubs of the spiders will, if left long enough, turn foul. Aluminium, and its alloys, are corroded when immersed in an aqueous solution with a pH value below about 4.0 (acidic) [nitric acid is a well known exception] or above about 8.0 (alkaline), most laundry aids, detergent including HE detergent, borax, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium percarbobante (found in Affresh and OxiClean), sodium hydroxide, Affresh and OxiClean can have pH values above 8.0 should the required concentrations be reached. At the normal operating levels found in washing machines these values are not exceeded. However when the machine is shut down any water remaining will contain, inter alia, soil from the laundry, products of the interactions between the soil and the laundry aids used, unused laundry aids, and the chemicals found in the tap water. As the water from this mixture evaporates the concentration of the 'impurities' rises until such time as a 'smelly sludge' develops and/or a pH level above about 8.0 is reached and corrosion occurs. Prime areas for these deposits to occur are, in my opinion, the recesses found at, or very near, the hub of some of the aluminium alloys spiders found in front load washing machines. The final spin, no matter how fast, will not, in my opinion, remove all the 'water' from theses recesses. To view a corroded spider (not to the point of catastrophic failure) and one with a build of 'smelly crud' please visit: - http://www.ripoffreport.com/appliances/electrolux-home-prod/electrolux-home-products-n-am-4cd6d.htm These spiders were removed from Frigidaire built 'Kenmore' machines. To see fractured spiders from Frigidaire built machines, Whirlpool 'Duets' and other manufacturers' please visit: - http://fixitnow.com/wp/2009/10/28/front-loading-washer-corrosion-contagion-a-menagerie-of-metallic-misery/ Or, for a Whirlpool spider http://www.mysears.com/aboutme/jpm0940 Not all manufacturers use spiders with recesses, Speed Queen do not (Speed Queen call them trunnions) and photographs at: - http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?30834 show Miele spiderss without recesses. There may be others.
Posted on Dec 03, 2010
I've just been doing some research in how to get rid of the smell when the washer stinks. I found a site called smellywasher.com which claimed to have a solution. They sell something called "purewasher" which is meant to get rid of the smell. I have to say i ahve never used this product so I can't personally vouch for it. However it appears to have good reviews ...the site says it has "featured on nationally
syndicated radio shows and newspaper columns such as Glenn
Haege's "America's Master Handyman"."
It could be worth checking out? I may give it a go and tell you what i think after i've used it.
Steve from http://www.washing-machine-wizard.com
Posted on Nov 21, 2007
SOURCE: Moldy odor
Try the cleaning compound they sell as this website:
http://www.smellywasher.com/
It is fantastic! Works better than vinegar and bleach and really solves the problem!
Posted on May 05, 2008
SOURCE: Moldy smell
Turn it off, unplug it. Remove filter and check if filter and/or filter and pump housing are clogged with something "smelly". When you're at it check the drain pipe for too.
Posted on May 08, 2008
SOURCE: moldy smell in front load washer
www.affresh.com this will help with odors, also make sure you are using HE detergent and little bit at that(2-3 tablespoons)
Posted on Oct 12, 2008
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My washer has a mildew smell and has a brown residue on the rim of the metal drum that is very difficult to get to. I don't know how to clean this as I cannot fit my hand in there to clean it.
Three year old front load washer has moldy smell. It was fine for two yearsbut now I must keep the door open and run bleach through every two or three weeks. We have checked and cleaned all hoses and the tub and gasket help!!!!
I am sooo happy to have found I am not the only one with this problem. After having begged my husband for this specific set of washing machines I am now left with moldy disgusting clothes. Worse I am constantly having to clean my washer because I am scarred to death what this could do to my young daughter!!!
We've had the same problem and I decided to do what one person said they did. That was to completely tear the unit down to parade rest. I took the drum out of this 2 year old machine and tore it apart. Found the worst mold in the rubber boot/bladder that attaches to the outer plastic drum you don't see and the pump. Water apparently sits in there and mold starts. The smell was really getting bad and was nasty to think that we were washing our clothes in water comming into contact with MOLD! We had mold all around the plastic drum that is outside the stainless drum you see. Had mold on the back side of the stainless drum and in the plastic tubing leading from the detergent/bleach/softner fill area as well. I decided if I could never get it all back together then so be it as we couldn't go on with it the way it was. Had to get all the mold out and start fresh again. Now that it is back running again, we will make sure we pour some bleach into the drum when we are done with laundry for a while just so it won't be able to start forming again. Also we'll try the baking soda suggestion in other posts. One important thing I have discovered with these machines is that when set up, after the thing has been leveled you need to make sure the lock nut on each leg is tighten securely. Ours used to make a lot of noise and vibration even though it was level and when I made sure these lock nuts were tighten, it's like a different machine. Very quite and no vibration. I have a friend who has a new machine and they now have a cleaning cycle you can select to prevent this mold problem> It's hard to suggest to people to do what I did as it took me two days and might not be up everyones alley to do this but how else to you get all the mold out of there? Good luck. S. Webb
Well, I'm the lucky one! (Sorta')
I had one of these pieces of junk for three years. I couldn't believe that my washing machine was making my clothes smell like wet diapers. I don't even have kids. But I started wearing clothes which hadn't been washed in ages - just because they were actually cleaner than the ones coming out of my 44072. I developed horrible rashes from my bras and athlete's foot from my socks that I washed in this monstrosity. My "dirty" clothes were actually cleaner than my "freshly washed" laundry. Go figure...
.
The "lucky" part was that last spring we had a minor flood in our garage which got many boxes wet on the bottom and caused rodents to move in. (I know that sounds bad but I live right next to a lake and it's sort of a problem...) Anyway - these pesky rodents decided they liked nesting in my washing machine and they proceeded to chew through all the hoses (and there are many hoses in this thing.)
.
I started to take my laundry to my Mom's and discovered that her good ol' top-loader got my clothes MUCH cleaner and of course there was not that horrid sour-wet-laundry smell. Well, I finally got my washer (and garage) all cleaned out and free of the rodents so I called Sears repair. I figured, a few hoses couldn't cost THAT much...wrong. He presented me with a bill for more than $600 to repair the damaged hoses. This is starting to sound like a racket. It always costs more to repair than the three year old appliance is worth - no matter what is wrong with it. The rodents saved me the frustration that so many of you have been through. I just scrapped the piece of crap front-loading washer and started over with a deluxe top loader - delivered today. Guess what...the new one is leaking out the bottom after two loads. :o(
.
Bottom line - I believe that all manufacturers are building appliances with a maximum life expectancy of about 4 years. (Just after the three year extended warranty runs out.) If you buy the five year warranty - Sears will probably string you along for an extra year til that one runs out and you'll be in the same shape. Gone are the days of the Kenmore washers our mothers used for 20+ years. These people want to sell more machines and so building junkers is the answer.
.
If this one doesn't hold up (the one I got today that is already flooding my garage) I'm going to go retrieve the old Kenmore 80 that is out at our vacation home and still working great after all these years.
I have the same problem with my bosch front loader. I add 1/2 gallon of bleach through every sat morning and always leave the door open when the washer is not in use.
I have the Kenmore Elite front-loading machine. I also find a stinky moldy odor. I discovered that water is left in the fabric dispenser section of the pullout section after every wash. I only do a weekly wash, or every other week - not daily. So, that water that remains in the dispensers gets stinky. I actually have to pull out the entire white trays, remove the water, wash them in bleach and put them back. The same thing happens after EVERY WASH. I'm sure water is stagnating elsewhere in the machine as well. My clothing and towels are not as clean as my old Kenmore top loading machine and they are much more wrinkled. I use only Tide HE detergent. I paid more for this washer than I would have for the top loader but wanted the size for comforters and bigger items. I absolutely dislike the machine and find it inferior. If I thought I could get help from Kenmore, I would request a new machine of my choice if the problem could not be remedied. I plan to call them to see if they are willing to help remedy this. I have heard negative stories from some who have tried. I hope Kenmore must realize this is a universal problem.
stinky water
Yes, I have the same machine and the same problem, only my machine is a little over a year old. I have to keep the door open all the time and I wipe the inside rubber rim out regularly which builds up with a black slime! I hate this high maintenance for a washing machine and if clothing sits in the machine over night the clothes smell moldy and need a re-washing. Ugh. Any solutions would be helpful!
For the past month I have been experiencing the same problem - horrible smelling towels and clothes no matter how many times I rewash them. I decided to research this issue tonight and what suprised me the most was that some people were getting skin rashes from the laundry. I just started getting skin rashes last week and was about to go to the doctor. I hadn't made any connection to the smelly laundry! Feels like it can all be related to the washing machine.
Yes and I dont know what to do, any sugestions?
I have the same machine, I have had the machine for a little over 6 years. I have found that if I put vinager in the cloxox dispenser for each wash. It seems to help in the smell in the cloths. As for the machine, clean out the dispenser after each use and also wipe out the rubber ring just inside the door. This does not take care of it completely, but it does help it a great deal.
The smell is terrible
Amazing! This is the first time I have researched my similar problem online and I cannot believe the number of people having the same exact problem. I am mortified that there seems to be no "fix" for this. We went out on a limb to stretch our budget to purchase this machine and I am to the point where I don't even want to use the thing anymore. The moldy and mildewy smells have been haunting me for some time now. I have tried the same things that evidentally everyone else has tried. And surprise, none of them are working for me either. I am very frustrated and would like to know if indeed there has been a class action suit filed that I could participate in or even if anyone HAS found a solution yet to our problems.
I have had this problem now for 6 months and I am fed up! I have tried bleach, "Washer magic", dishwasher detergent, now I will try the tablets, but am not very hopeful. Sears is not helpful since it is past the warrenty, but to be honest I don't think they can solve this problem either. It is a bad product really and I cannot believe a class action suit has not been filed. We could be hurting our health and not even know it by breathing in the mold!
very bad smell form washer
I have the same problem with my Kenmore 44072. I have only had the machine for 2 years and in the last few months it is terrible. I have tried leaving the door open, bleach and nothing works. Any suggestions as our laundry is starting to smell with name brand detergents and fabric softners our clothes smell bad and I can not run out and buy another one. I did not take the extended warranty as I was buying a Kenmore.
I'm renting a truck and dropping off this STINKY KENMORE WASHER at my nearest Sears. THis S*&CKS and STINKS. SEARS and KENMORE go to that warm place, just like HP from which I have not bought anything for over 20 years, searns and Kenmore on my list even if they get bought out.
I have the same problem. Â It is disgusting! Â I think the smell is coming from water sitting under the drum. Â Sears should recall these washers and fix the problem. Â In them meantime, if anyone has another solution, I would love to hear it.
I also have a Kenmore front load washer and I have tried everything. Then I realized that if you pull back the rubber seal you will find a disgusting amount of black mold. I have been cleaning this regularly but cannot get anymore than an inch of cleaning space. I have used the cleaning products Sears has suggested, vinegar, bleach, leaving the door open, etc. Wasted money is all that I can say. I will be buying a front loader very soon. My children have had itchy skin and irratations. I am so dissapointed, fustrated and saddened that these machines were not recalled and it is a crime that they continue to sell them.
Same problem with Kenmore 44072. I kept looking through the instruction booklet for some maintanence procedure to no avail. I also looked at the schematic to get the part # of the door gasket and have replaced, but can't find that part on the diagram. Anyone know the part # and/or how much that might cost to replace myslef? Although, after reading these other reviews, I'm not convinced that is the primary culprit of the awful odor, myself.
mine is a maytag neptune same problem.Stinky
I can not stand the smell of this Kenmore 44072 front load washer anymore. I had an self owned appliance repair company and Sears look at it already with no luck. I am calling Sears back. If it can not be fixed by Sears then I will get rid of it and no more kenmore for me!
I have the same problem however, when I don't use Tide HE and
switch to Purex the smell goes away. I only notice this smell
on dark colours which is weird.
This is not just a bad smell -it's a horrible unbearable disgusting smell. I have tried every suggestion and nothing has worked. Kenmore/Sears - NOW WHAT!? I am just stuck with it.?
I have a Kenmore Model 110. 20692ooo that has stunk almost since I got it.Â
I've had a repair/plumber come twice. They took it all apart and cleaned a bunch of stinky sludge gunk from under the rim of the basket. The smell went away temporarily.Â
But why is this machine designed so there is a place for sludge to build up, that can only be cleaned if you take the whole machine apart??? How stupid. I'm not hiring a repair person again. I'm sick of it. It's gross and I'm concern about breathing in that moldy smell, how do I know if that is dangerous? I am going to throw it away and buy a new washer.Â
Here's my PERMANENT non-toxic fix. You need to get good bacteria that don't stink to grow in the washer. Mine smelled worse than raw sewage for over a year. It would stink up to 20 feet away from the washer.
Pour 1/2 gallon of white vinegar in the unit to kill all the existing bacteria . Run a drain cycle. Let it sit for several hours. Run two more cycles with nothing in the unit but water.
Purchase some cleaning probotics http://www.amazon.com/Probiotic-Househol... ) Put a tablespoon it in the tub, and in the detergent dispenser. Run one load and let it sit. Run it for two loads without anything in it.
Done!
I've done this weeks ago, and since that time have had no problems. Using just vinegar, it would start stinking badly two days after days.
This is not a solution but may be of interest to anyone with a Whirlpool built front loader.With reference to the above it has recently come to my attention that Whirlpool have admitted in a Canadian court that: 1. They have altered the material of their spiders, to an aluminium alloy more resistant to corrosion. 2. Altered the design of the spiders to improve drainage. 3. Altered the design of the outer tubs to reduce pooling. 4. Altered the user manuals to give instruction regarding cleaning and introduced cleaning cycles to the machines. The details can be found on pages 15 to 19 here:http://classproceedings.ca/files/2012/09... In this document the spiders are referred to as braces or cross pieces. These modifications were made to reduce the incidences of bio-film build causing odors and corrosion of the spiders. Please note that this is is the judge's 'decision' and reflects what she understood the Whirlpool representatives to have said. This would apply to the Whirlpool front loaders and the Kenmore front loaders built by Whirlpool, ie the He2, 3, 4, and 5.
i have a bosch Nexxt 500 plus series front load washer. I leave door open when not using after wiping gasket door and inside dry. It has a pungent moldy smell even after bleach and washer cleaning products are used. How can this be fixed?
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