Washing machine drain water funk

[Chris Meutsch]

So for about a month now, I've noticed (when actually downstairs when the washer drains the first time through the cycle) that the water is darker and smells rotten. The machine gets used if not every day, every other day. We've had it for more than 4 years now and this is the first time I've noticed this. What's wrong?

 

[Bill in Utah]

Getting mold and sludge built up in the drain tube.

Take 1-2 cups of bleach with a small cycle and hot water and that will take care of it.

Repeat every 6 months to keep clean.

Take care, Bill

 

[XS650]

Is there some sort of built in lint trap full of fermenting stuff that needs to be cleaned?

On ours you have to unscrew the top of the agitator to get to it, so unless your wife tells you about it or you break down and read then manual you wouldn't know where the smell is coming from.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I don't think there's a lint filter on it......I'll check though, and I'll try the bleach trick right now.
Thanks guys.

 

[jldcol]

I would also recommend a bleach run thru, but pour in a whole gallon + hot water. Is this a vertical agitator? You can remove the plastic cover and then the nut holding it down and inspect underneath it, Check for buildup of rust, soap, or water deposits . If rust is present can act as fertilizer for microbes that can produce smell.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I used liquid-plumr with hot water once every other year in my 11 years old front load washing machine, it is running great without any smell.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Seems like the cup of bleach and hot-water cycle fixed it for now.
Thanks, everyone!

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Chris Meutsch
Seems like the cup of bleach and hot-water cycle fixed it for now.
Thanks, everyone!
Glad to hear it!

It does work everytime I've done it or recommended it for a Friend or Family member.

Just remember to do it every 4-6 months (depending on water quality and plumbing) and you'll be fine.

Take care, bill

 

[ksJoe]

My father in law is a QA guy for GE washing machines. He says these days a lot of people don't use hot water or bleach any more for washing their cloths. He can tell who does and who doesn't when they take apart a washer. The ones that aren't run hot or with bleach have mold built up in places you can't see. He also said the detergents are enzyme activated to compensate. So the detergents eat the cloths a bit more than they used to.