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Thread Number: 34140
Maytag A108 mildew smell |
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| Post# 512579 , Reply# 1 4/20/2011 at 08:34 (4,747 days old) by gmmcnair (Portland, OR) | ||
Do you wash in cold all the time?
That's a problem that's more common with front loaders with their dispenser drawers, and tightly sealed doors. This is the first time I've heard about it happening with a top loader.
Cold water washing and liquid detergent have a tendency to cause crud to build up. A friend of mine had a Kenmore top loader that lost an agitator after 25 years or so. When they were tearing down the machine, it was in ghastly condition. His late mother had always washed in cold to save on electricity. I've also seen several discussions about smelly washers and liquid detergents online...one of them over at Consumer Reports. Those who switched back to powders had the problem resolve itself in a few weeks. I personally use liquid and have never had a problem, but I also do at least one hot wash a week and leave the lid open between washes to let everything dry out thoroughly. I started doing that after my grandmother's lid hinges rusted out on her machine, I would try this....add a couple of cups of bleach after the machine fills, let agitate for a couple of minutes, then turn it off and let it soak for an hour to kill any bugs or soak any crud loose. Turn the machine back on and let it complete the cycle. Let it dry with the lid open and see if that helps. Amazon also has good deals on powder detergents with free shipping. | ||
| Post# 512583 , Reply# 2 4/20/2011 at 08:53 (4,747 days old) by halifaxdiana () | ||
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Yes, I use cold a lot Thanks for the insight. I do use cold water almost all the time. I'm going to make an effort to find powdered detergent again, and I'll start using hot more often and see if that helps. I'll give it a good bleach soak, too. | ||
Post# 512608 , Reply# 4 4/20/2011 at 11:41 (4,747 days old) by KenmoreGuy64  (Charlotte, NC) |
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I very much agree with the diagnosis of liquid detergent and crud build-up.
In early 2009 I re-re-built a 1979 model Kenmore washer that I had first rebuilt for a friend of mine and his family in 1995. For 14 years they had been using liquid Era, cold water, and fabric softener. When I opened the lid the stench nearly knocked me down. The scum had COMPLETELY filled the space between the outer tub and the perforations of the inner basket. It took a half roll of paper towel to get the bulk of that off, then about four HOT washes with bleach to get rid of the rest. The water in those bleached loads was initially dark gray/black. Ever since then they have been using warm water for washes. The advice above is great, BUT be very careful to not use too much bleach. Two cups is A LOT. Too much chlorine bleach can dry out rubber seals, especially if they are already old. This is why toilet makers don't recommend those chlorine tablets for toilet tanks as they ruin the rubber flapper. I would not use more than one cup per run, preferrably even less. I would also add a bunch of baking soda, especially if you have an old fridge box. Let the washer soak no more than 20 minutes. Perhaps a better suggestion vs. a home concoction that may be too potent for your washer would be to get some Tide Washing Machine cleaner, or Affresh. They are useful in top loaders and are formulated specifically to get rid of this stuff. Powdered detergents seem to be enjoying a renaissance - check Target, they have a wide selection which does not seem to vary by store. I agree as well that using these will help contain the goop build-up. Gordon | ||
| Post# 512631 , Reply# 5 4/20/2011 at 15:33 (4,747 days old) by stainfighter (Columbia, SC) | ||
Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda'
You could also try using A&H's 'Super Washing Soda' which according to the package helps cut grease...also states on box "improves liquid detergent cleaning by 40%!". I've been using some to wash out sink basins weekly and have noticed, over time, a lesser need for drain cleaners and such. Locally have only been able to find it at Publix. Good Luck!
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Post# 512666 , Reply# 6 4/20/2011 at 18:34 (4,747 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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MOLDY SMELLS Never wash in water that is too cold to wash your hands in. And remember the hotter the water the better the cleaning and as water temperature goes up you can decrease the amount of detergent somewhat and still get great results. Always use a cold rinse it not only rinses better but cooling off the washer keeps any remaining germs in the washer and clothes from growing and causing an odor. | ||
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Post# 512815 , Reply# 9 4/21/2011 at 09:32 (4,746 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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If its gotten this bad, I'm afraid she may have to tear into the machine and scrub, mainly taking the tub cover off and with a long brush scrub in between the inner and outter tub, and under the agitator, I have a feeling from machines I have gotten, hot water and bleach aren't enough, been there, even shower mildew removers, purple cleaner, do not replace the thought it has to be scrubbed to get the film, scum, and build up removed.....one repairman did tell me to use DAWN dish detergent, about half bottle, it will suds up like crazy, but those suds will get into evey nook and cranny, and will eat the greasy scum by itself
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Post# 512833 , Reply# 12 4/21/2011 at 11:51 (4,746 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area) |
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I and a good number of others here like the Sears Ultra Plus powder detergent. It does a good job of cleaning, and is economical in price. Low-sudsing, too. | ||
| Post# 512885 , Reply# 13 4/21/2011 at 18:46 (4,746 days old) by bendixmark (Winchester Mass) | ||
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Sears Plus I love Sears Plus,I have been using it for 30 years.At one time I gave sample boxes away with my rebuilt machines.Low sudsing in frontloaders and the cleanest clothes you have ever seen.Best of all,is cheep. | ||
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Post# 512887 , Reply# 14 4/21/2011 at 19:01 (4,746 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut) |
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Going with the acid. | ||
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Post# 512906 , Reply# 15 4/21/2011 at 20:19 (4,746 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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MOLDY SMELLS I have found it is usually unnecessary and a waste of money and resources to try to do remedial cleaning to smelly washers, dishwashers etc. If you just start using the machine properly the problem will start going away almost from the first use, heavy buildups and mineral deposits will take a while. It is like when people stop smoking it will self correct in most cases. | ||
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