In the past few months (approximately 6) my washer has developed a "nasty" smell. Sort of like "old wet moldy clothes" I guess??

Anyway, . . . . I am thinking that it is retaining water after the final spin cycle and the water is becoming stagnent overnight and that is the source of the smell. (I can hear it slosh as the washer stops spinning for the last time.) It's not a large amount of water but I am assuming that any amount is not a good thing.

I have no idea how to remedy this problem. The washer works fine otherwise, clothes are clean, it functions normally except for that one problem.

I cannot stand the smell though!!! I am not sure if anyone can even give me any clues as to how to remedy this problem but I thought it was worth a try at least!!

The brand is "Capri" and it is made by Sears, I believe.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

-- quinn wolfe (wolfiequinn@hotmail.com), January 26, 2002

Answers

Until you can find a way to eliminate the water, try sprinkling about 1/2 cup of baking soda in the washer after you remove the clothing. The baking soda will not harm the next laod of clothng. In fact, it will help clean them. I'd also suggest calling Sears for any suggestions they have. Realize that they will probably want to send out a repairman. Do you know any handy person who knows about taking apart washers?

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), January 26, 2002.

You might run an empty load (no clothes)through with a good dose of chlorine in it and see if that clears it up.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), January 26, 2002.

Run the washer empty, for one cycle using hot water. Add several cups of bleach or white vinegar to help disinfect. It also helps to leave the washer lid open rather than closed when you are not using it.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), January 26, 2002.

I don't know anything about washers, but wonder whether it could be a problem with your pump, or the timer?

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), January 26, 2002.

How long have you had your washer hooked up to the drain you are using. We redid our drain to our washer and a few weeks noticed a musty order around the washer. First I thought we had a leak under the house but checked and no then noticed the p trap was not setup right and was not holding water and we were getting odor from the drain line. Not sewer gas but just odor from the long drain line. I just installed another p trap and bingo no more odor.

-- David (bluewaterfarm@mindspring.com), January 26, 2002.

Some washing machines will ALMOST get rid of the water during their spin-dry cycle, and ALMOST don't need the pump to get rid of the water. Sounds like maybe your pump isn't working, or maybe a belt- drive from the pump-motor to the pump has worn out. Happens to me a lot: cheaper to keep replacing the drive-belt than repair or replace the washing machine.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), January 27, 2002.

Bleach is good, but the best thing I know to get rid of mildew smell is ammonia - about a cup in a regular wash load.

-- Laura Jensen (lauraj@seedlaw.com), January 28, 2002.