Smelly Washers

[Anonymous]

Hi Friends

Some of my customers are complaining that thst some of my front load washers smell 'musty' or something like that.

Any idea why this is happening. Is there anything I can do to eliminate this problem.

Thanks for any comments
tsaj

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

A good start would be to remove the door glass gaskets and clean them up with bleach. Mold sometimes will develop which could be the cause of your complaints.

[Jim]

You may want to check to see if they are draining totally and not leaving some water inside for mold and bacteria to grow. It only takes a day for it to start growing.

We had a similar problem a couple of years ago with a top loader that was not used very often, because of the location in the mat (against the wall). My attendant smelled something and started to investigate smelling each machine until she found it...

I ended up having to clean out the valve because hardwater deposits and lint was clogging it.

[Neil]

My Neptunes always have a little water remaining in the drum (not in the basket but the outer drum) and my distributor tells me this is normal. I make it a point to leave the doors slightly ajar when they are not in use to help air them out so mildew cannot grow.

I would suggest running the machines through a cycle with a cup of bleach to sanitize them.

[mike]

I have always made sure every washer door is left open and lid left up when not in use.

Especially overnight !

[MichaelCa]

you' d be shocked what you turn up when you google: maytag neptune mold.
Apparently this is a big, big problem. Its' particular to this model, something to do with the rubber boot (?)
There's a class-action site: maytagproblems.com

On a brighter(fresher-smelling) note:

An old-timer Mat owner (25 yrs+ in business) showed me what was the best/easiest way to clear up any smells from (he did this to his Tops & Fronts)
He used VINEGAR !

it worked.

[TotoMongo]

Vinegar in a washing machine, and many other household appliances, is a little known but effective secret.

Toto

[Anonymous]

Hello Michael ca
Vinegar sound interesting. What do you do. Just run a wash cycle with some vinegar or just clean with it.

Thanks to every one for the suggestions.

tsaj

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

This problem mainly happened on the first models where at the bottom of the boot there wasn't a drain. The water would sit there and mold would start to collect. The water was a good and bad thing. Now the mold is generally gone but the boots tends to get worn away and rip easier when the washer is overloaded and the clothes rubs on the unlubed boot.

[smellysocks]

it works great on coffer makers also.

[MichaelCa]

Yes, actually run a cycle with Vinegar through it.

It's quite cheap if you buy it in half or one gallon containers.

I haven't tried cleaning with it. But i've heard they're good for soap(?) removal

[Highnthemnts]

Couldn't you just dump a cup of vinegar into each machine before you close up for the night?

[MichaelCa]

No, No.
that's not necessary.
This (i believe) really only falls under the category of occasional maintenance. I'd say two or three times a year.
I think many dont do it at all for years.

[Bob C]

I use a product that I purchase from Sam's Club called odor ban. It is a disinfectant and leaves a clean smell. It runs about $8.00 a gallon. Every night , the last thing I do before I leave, I give each soap dish a light squirt and each drum, in addition to each garbage can. Sounds strange, but I get compliments on this "fresh" smell from customers on a regular basis. A gallon lasts me about 2 months. I'd pay $4 a month just to hear the compliments.