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Smelly washing/machine

(12 Posts)
Mel1967 Sun 09-Nov-25 15:42:53

Help needed, please.

For some reason my washing smells after being dried & put away.
Smells very musty & stale.
I line dry and then if needed put on the Airer.
Always dry when put away.
So I’m not really sure why things smell.
I’ve cleaned my machine, which is a front loader.
I’m in the UK.
Any ideas would be much appreciated, please.

Whiff Sun 09-Nov-25 16:45:57

Mell I use Dettol washing machine cleaner once a month. I dry my washing by using my dehumidifier on night time setting. Found it dries without using the laundry setting. My washing never smells . I use Persil non bi liquid and for woolies add Sainsbury's sensitive fabric conditioner. In the summer months I just put it on my clothes airers as I haven't been able to peg out since I lost my balance lucky the line held me up 2 years ago.
After taking the washing out of the machine I wipe the rubber seal dry with kitchen roll and leave the door open for a couple of hours . .

Gwyllt Sun 09-Nov-25 17:01:44

Machines never smells and neither does laundry Use non bio Door always left ajar. Gets lots of use as used by holiday cottage visitors and they live in an outside laundry

Chardy Sun 09-Nov-25 17:39:16

I dutifully followed the instructions on 2 different washing machine cleaners - nothing. The next one I put in at 90° and perfect

OldFrill Sun 09-Nov-25 18:35:27

Have you checked the seal around the drum for mould? Just run a damp cloth under the seal to see if it's clean.

Patsy70 Sun 09-Nov-25 19:14:15

Clean regularly with a mix of vinegar/sodium bicarbonate on 90 degrees. Keep drawer and door open between washes. Don’t use fabric conditioner (it damages the machine), use a little vinegar instead.

Doodledog Sun 09-Nov-25 19:53:49

Every now and then I run a wash with nothing in the drum and a capful of Fresh Linen Zoflora in the dispenser.

David49 Sun 09-Nov-25 20:23:13

Just put it on a hot wash occasionally its far cheaper than the chemicals you buy to solve the problem

midgey Sat 22-Nov-25 15:26:25

My washing machine expert friend advised washing soda and a very hot wash every now and then.

DollyRocker Sat 22-Nov-25 18:16:06

If all the other sterling tips on here fail, try cleaning out the filter.

Caleo Sat 22-Nov-25 18:26:45

White spirit vinegar cycle to deodorise after washing soda cycle to clean.
Don't be afraid to use a half bottle of white spirit vinegar in vinegar cycle.

M0nica Sat 22-Nov-25 20:43:19

Wash at 60 degrees. Better for making sure clothes are free of baaacteria when washed and you do not need to use all those extra chemicals to stop it smelling. You can use a basic cheaper detergent as well.

I am not sure how much energy is used making all those extra chemicals necessary if you wash at 30 degrees, but probably more than heating the water.