Bad smell with HE washer (how much, washers, front loader, drain)

[jmarkey]

I've had a GE top loading HE washer for about six months. My laundry hasn't smelled right since I started using it. Now I can't stand the smell of my clothes, particularly towels and washcloths. I've searched around online for solutions but I'm a little confused.

This machine has no Clean Washer setting. Some sites recommend running a hot load with no clothes using a washer cleaning product, Cascade, or bleach.

If the washer senses the load size before filling, what happens it you run a load with nothing in it?

[missik999]

I have had two HE washers. The first did not have a Clean Washer setting, but it allowed me to run a full regular cycle with detergent and bleach.
The machine I have now has a Clean Machine cycle.

I have found that leaving the door slightly open after each use helps as well.

[Pitt Chick]

My front-loader is old, but never got smelly.

I run a bleach load every week (alternating white one week, rags the next), and I always keep the door ajar when not in use.

[jmarkey]

Thanks! I'm going to start the bleach loads and the door's ajar as we speak. I'd like to do a cleaning on it but I'm not sure how the water sensor thing works if there's nothing in there.

[accufitgolf]

How come HE stuff does not work as well? Washing machines, toilets, etc. I do not care how much water I use, just do the job properly. Especially the HE toilets. They can get nasty.....LOL

[Ellwood]

This is a wide spread problem with the HE washers. I think it has to do with water residing in drain area. We leave door ajar all the time and wipe and dry the inside of the door rubber gasket. Have run cycle with vinegar.

[jmarkey]

I know a lot of people love their he washers, but I really wish I'd gone with the basic washing machine when I replaced my old one last spring. I just don't care for this model. I want my clothes submerged and agitated when they're washing.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by accufitgolf

How come HE stuff does not work as well? Washing machines, toilets, etc. I do not care how much water I use, just do the job properly. Especially the HE toilets. They can get nasty.....LOL

My front loader cleans better than my top loader did. Maybe yours is a hard water or detergent problem??

And I have no problems with my low-flush toilet. No nastiness... but mine ARE cleaned every week.

[accufitgolf]

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

My front loader cleans better than my top loader did. Maybe yours is a hard water or detergent problem??

And I have no problems with my low-flush toilet. No nastiness... but mine ARE cleaned every week.

Not a cleaning issue. Molly Maids cleans them quite well every week.

I meant as in got to flush a few times to get rid of..whatever..

[Pitt Chick]

Must be the brand.
Mine have no problems, with one flush.