Smelly washing machine!

Mine always smells after using the Hotpoint recommended cleaner, that is an understatement it stinks and takes weeks to go away!

Having used Listerine for the first time as a mouth wash I can well believe it cures pongy washing machines it tastes revolting ??

Interesting about Listerine.

Yep, soda crystals and hottest wash. It might need several if there's enough build up to cause a pong. Then always do certain items (e.g. bedding, towels) in a hot soda wash and the build up won't hapoen.

Mr C blasts the washing machine drawer with a steam cleaner now and again, no black gunk dares to form! We use in the drum liquid, very old machine and so far no smells. Probably famous last words .

I can believe that farmgran as I read somewhere that Listerene was first developed as a bathroom sink cleaner. I tried it and it works wonderfully well!

I read somewhere that a cup of cheap mouthwash put in an empty machine with hot water kills the bacteria. I haven't needed to try it myself as since I ditched the front loader and bought a top loader I haven't had any problems!

I was told never to use softener or the drawer, using in the drum liquid. And leave the door slightly open when not in use. Not had a problem since doing this.

I think its the liquid soap that causes problem smells. All of the above will help if you try each one in turn you will definitely get rid of the smell and using soap powder will ensure it never comes back.

Katek, I should follow Crumble's advice, and ditch the fabric softener. Also , try using soap powder instead of liquid soap, if that is what you use. The fabric conditioner dispenser drawer in my washing machine, got very discoloured, mouldy looking, when using the conditioner. So now I never use it at all, and always use soap powder. Result, no smells at all.

Belts an d braces! I used soda crystals, white vinegar and a hot wash on our old one. ( built in with the house and smelt disgusting)
It worked a treat, only for the machine to break down a month later!

Mine did this until someone told me to stop using fabric softener. I now put a bit of vinegar in the softener drawer - it doesn't make your washing smell like a fish and chip shop, I promise! Though if you're worried, you could always put a few drops of lavender oil in too. No smells now I'm happy to say.

I use Soda crystals and a very hot wash. Seems to do the trick.