Question about Whirlpool Duet GHW9150P Front Load Washer

Rotten egg smell

Every time the machine is used we get a rotten egg smell. IT is installed per the installation instructions, we are on city water, the machine is used reqularly for two people and we are using the correct detergent. If you run bleach through the machine with no clothes in it the smell goes away for a week, maybe two, but eventually returns. Help.

2 more comments
Bruce Proctor Apr 07, 2007

Thanks for responding!! Ya know, the smell appears to be coming from under the drum of the washer. When the washer is empty, if you rock it, phew....rotten eggs....and you can hear water moving. I'm thinking there's not supposed to be any water left under the drum when the washing cycles are done????!
Anonymous Dec 06, 2007

I had same problem rotten egg smell, this problem was solve when we switch to "HE" high efficiency detergent for front load washers
nwmitch May 28, 2008

My Duet also has the same rotten smell. We use HE Liquid Detergent. Running vinegar through it helps, but only for a day or two! It's rancid!!
cheyenne6499 May 29, 2008

I have the smelly rotten egg problem as well . We are on a well and I had assumed it was our water hmmmmmmm now rethinking the matter altogether .

6 Answers

Anonymous

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This is a common problem. There is a build up of grime in the hidden crevices of the machine. To help resolve this problem, put a cup and a half of good dishwashing power in the machine and then place it on HOT full capacity. Then place fill the fabric softener with bleach. Run the unit half of the wash cycle and then stop it and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Then allow it to finish the cycle. Repeat this process once a week for 3 weeks. Also you may want to stop using fabric softener if you are using it. The softener acts like a surfactant and adheres to the upper crevices of the machine. After a while bacteria starts to build. The bacteria varies in composition; but a very little known bacteria thrive in these humid areas and gives off the odor you described. The bacteria is commonly known as SRB’s. Here is some more information on this subject. http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/ndwc/articles/QandA/OTsp00_Q_A.pdf
Best o Luck :?) DRRXR

Posted on Feb 13, 2009

douglas smith

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Are you using liquid detergent? if so this produces a smell like drains. if so put on a boil wash and revert to powder. otherwise check you connection to drains and ensure there is a water trap somewhere. there is nothing in a washer to smell

Posted on Apr 05, 2007

douglas smith Apr 08, 2007

doubt it. the water left in the drum is not old and is clean.

Smelly Washer, Inc.

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Duets and other front load washes do not have water-filled balance rings. The water you hear sloshing around is in the bottom of tub and in the drain pump. This is normal. Bleach will kill mold but doesn't remove the residue from the inside of the outer tub. The worst buildup is always just above the normal waterline about 3 to 5 inches. If baking soda, vinegar or other cleaners don't work - Smelly Washer Cleaner will! Simply add a cap to an empty washer and allow a hot cycle to finish. If odor persists or returns add 1 cap to a full load of laundry. The added bulk of the laundry will raise the water level to include the splash area. Intermittently pause and restart for added soaking time for extreme odor.

Posted on Dec 21, 2012

Anonymous

Thank you for your suggestion to resolving our ongoing problem. I do keep the door wide open when not in use....I figured that out a long tima ago as the smell was really bad. Ya know, other friends who have the Duet also say there is an order, but their water drains in the basement. My husband is attempting to try to have our water drain in the crawl space instead of the sink next to the Duet. Really sad that such measures have to be taken with an expensive appliance. We paid top buck for this Duet and would never buy another one. Besides, the smell being a HUGE issue, the clothes don't even get cleaned. If I want my towels to look clean, I have to buy new ones.....discouraging!!

Posted on Apr 27, 2007

Pauline Unick-Bolieiro Jan 03, 2011

I agree 100% I agree 100%

Anonymous

The water that you hear swooshing around is not water ,,it is balancing fluid within the tub Ring ,,this is normal....the gasket ( rubber around the door ) may be the problem ,,,,mold accumilates on this between the folds ...try cleaning the door Boot and see if that helps ..also keep the door open when not in use

Posted on Apr 27, 2007

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The washer needs to be cleaned with the tablet that is made for it. I use the tablet every 2 week.
I dry the door and gaskets, and leave the door open. I use Tide no additives,etc. Check to make sure
you are using the correct amount of "HE" detergent.. I wipe out the dryer also.

Posted on Feb 13, 2009