Hi all, this has been driving me nuts for a while and I thought perhaps someone else has run into this. Our ~5 year old front-load washer smells like stagnant water. Sometimes it is mild and barely noticeable and other times it could knock you over. This transition can happen -- in either direction -- before and after a load is run or just overnight (no load).
We use only HE detergent, use it sparingly and keep the door not just ajar but wide open when not in use. We don't run anything particularly dirty or smelly through and periodically do the "tub clean" cycle. We've also done super-hot bleach runs, vinegar and baking soda, etc. There is no obvious mold on the clear door window or the rubber gasket. When cleaning out the trap/filter down under the door, the water that drains off smells bad but not really the same. Nothing much in the filter itself.
Has anyone else had this? Anyone have any ideas or fixes? I dislike the idea of disposing of an otherwise fine machine but the smell is becoming a real problem. Anyone gone to an agitatorless HE top loader and how did it compare?
We use only HE detergent, use it sparingly and keep the door not just ajar but wide open when not in use. We don't run anything particularly dirty or smelly through and periodically do the "tub clean" cycle. We've also done super-hot bleach runs, vinegar and baking soda, etc. There is no obvious mold on the clear door window or the rubber gasket. When cleaning out the trap/filter down under the door, the water that drains off smells bad but not really the same. Nothing much in the filter itself.
Has anyone else had this? Anyone have any ideas or fixes? I dislike the idea of disposing of an otherwise fine machine but the smell is becoming a real problem. Anyone gone to an agitatorless HE top loader and how did it compare?