Bad odor When I open my front-loading washer, I get a knock-me-over bad smell.... maybe stale wash water? Is is possible that it isn't draining completely from my last wash? Otherwise, the washer appears to be working properly. Thanks for any suggestions..

This is the fix for the HE3T Sears front loading washing machine with a bad odor problem. We HAD this same problem but now it is fixed. You don't need to call the repair man, it's just a waste of time, money and endless frustration. Tools: 9/32 socket or T-20 torx head bit. Bunch of rags you don't want when you're all finished. *****UN-PLUG THE WASHER****** Lay on the floor in front of the washer and look under the lower panel. You will see three silver colored torx head screws, one on the left, right and center. Loosen these up with your socket or torx head wrench. Remove the lower front cover and set it aside. See all the wires? Did you make sure to UN-PLUG the washer? Good. Now look at the center of the bottom of the washer. You will notice a white cylindrical contraption. This is a drain trap where all of the junk from your washer gets hung up so it won't clog up the water pump that discharges the water from your washer. On the front of this drain trap is an access cap. BEFORE you open this place the rags under the trap, along the sides and under the washer. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Now open the drain trap access cap by turning it counter clockwise. Be prepared for some smelly water to come out, probably 1-2 cups worth. Once the water is drained, pull the trap completely out. You'll find the reason your washer stinks in the trap. We had a blob of black goo and a security label from an article of clothing we bought. That was the culprit. The drain trap was "trapping" all of this junk and getting real funky. Now clean the drain trap out with hot soapy water and a little bleach. Clean out the cylinder where the drain was. Wipe it out with a rag soaked in bleach and soap. Once everything is clean, replace the drain trap and tighten it down. Do not over tighten this or the seal may leak. Replace the front cover and the three torx head screws. Plug the washer back in. Run the washer through the SANITARY CYCLE with bleach. Your problem is solved

Another solution if the cleaning the drain trap doesn't work is to clean the inside of the rubber door bellow (boot). It commonly collects and holds small items (like socks and underwear) and soap deposits that start to mildew and smell. It's a good idea to check in and around the bellow after each wash for loose items. Wipe the area clean about once a week with a soft cloth to get rid of standing water and soap deposits. Last of all, leave the door cracked open when not in use so the door area can dry. I hope this helps.

Try running the machine through with no clothes, and not much detergent in on the longest, hottest cycle it will do. Washing at 30 or 40 C is economical and kind to delicate clothes, but it isn't always enough to carry dirty detergent residue out the machine afterwards. After a while, this accumulates and turns into a dirty grey sludge. A.