Smelly Washer Hi. I have a zanussi 1455W washer. I use a liquid ball to wash with. My problem is that the powder dispensing drawer always smell fusty and I have to clean it regularly with a dish washing brush. Anyone any ideas for getting rid of this problem?

Your washer is not smelling so clean and you wonder first why it is like this and then how can I fix it?

With the popularity of the front load washer and the low water usage associated with then comes other problems. Because of the low water consumption the dirt grime and residue that would normally be totally washed away, some is left as a film in the washer. Cold water usage can contribute to this by adding to this film. The make up of certain commercial fabric softeners and detergents can make the problem worse by giving the bugs food. Animal fats in some products are great food for the molds and mildew.

Some washers also let a bit of water lay in them after the wash this gives moisture which also helps to grow molds and mildew. When you close the door tightly after washing, this traps all the water in the washer and prevents the rubber door gasket, the soap dispenser, and other parts of the washer from drying out.

Here are some things you can do to prevent these problems.

Always leave the door to your washer open after use.
Leave the dispenser drawer open also.
Use liquid detergents instead of powdered, they will leave less film
Use the minimum detergent possible to get your clothes clean, more is not always better.
Use fabric softener sheets in your dryer instead of the washer liquid.
Check that ALL clothing is removed from the washer.
Periodically wipe down the rubber door gasket and check for mold or stuck socks
Use hot water when practical, like when washing whites. This will help remove the film.


If you have a problem here is what you can do to help fix it.

Wipe everything down with a solution of vinegar water.
Pour vinegar into the dispenser drawers. Then add ½ cup of vinegar to your washer and run through a clean cycle with hot water.


You can periodically add the vinegar to your wash load to help keep things under control. This will naturally disinfect and clean your washer while you are doing your regular wash. This is especially good to use if you will not be using your washer for a few days again. The residue of vinegar in the washer will help to control the smell and mold formation.

If you are buying a new washer, do some research before buying. Some machines are more prone to this problem then others. A bit of research may help you to aoivd the headaches of having a washer with this problem.