Fowl odor (sewer like) when washer is running.

Here's How:

1. Exterior
   Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine with vinegar or your favorite all-purpose cleaner.
   

   
   

2. Tub
   Pour two cups of vinegar or lemon juice into the tub, and run the washing machine through a complete cycle on the hottest setting to remove odors, stains and detergent build up.
   

   
   

3. Lid/Door
   Scrub around the edge of the lid/door with vinegar to remove mildew and detergent build up.
   

   
   

4. Bleach and Fabric Softener Dispensers
   Remove the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, and scrub them in the sink. Then, dry them thoroughly and return them to the machine.
   

   
   

Tips:

1. To prevent mildewing, leave the lid open after you finish a load to allow the washing machine to dry out.
2. Commerical fabric softeners leave build up in the machine. of choice, and the inside of your washing machine won't need to be cleaned as frequently - if at all.

The following link explains some of the common causes of front loader washer mildew/odor problems and some preventive measures you can try to keep the problem from coming back:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608512-getting_rid_front_loader_mildew_odor

It is strongly recommended that you leave the door OPEN between uses to allow the drum to air out. There is some residual water that remains in the drain line and pump after each wash. Since this is the low point of the drainage system, some water will always be there. This is NORMAL. Since these washers have an air tight seal on the door, leaving it shut can cause the water to begin to sour.

NOTE: This does not mean leaving the door open will make the water evaporate. It allows air into the drum to keep it from becoming stagnant.

Check the drain door bellow and drain pump for any debris that may have accumulated and can begin to cause odors. To check and clean the drain pump reservoir, follow the steps in this next link:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3574284-checking_the_drain_pump_on_a_front_loade

Once you have checked the drain pump and door area, make sure you are using the proper detergent. Using the wrong type of detergent, or the improper amount, can cause soap scum build up which causes odors.

You can also attempt to run a clean cycle periodically to keep the tub and lines from developing any mildew or odor problems. This is accomplished by running the washer on the hottest setting while empty, using nothhng but a small amount of bleach.

If you have any questions, please post back and let me know. I hope this helps you.

clean the washer with bleach and a small amount of detergent

If the smell is a mildew type odor this is common with the newer energy efficient machines. To remove the odor I would suggest using a product called Affresh or Smelly washer. These used on a monthly basis will help eliminate and keep it from coming back. If it is practical to leave the lid open when not in use that will also help. The products I talked about are available at Target, Lowes and grocery stores near the laundry detergent.

The following link can provide you with some good info on how to control and prevent mildew and odors in a front loader:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608512-getting_rid_front_loader_mildew_odor

Several factors that DO matter when it comes to the proper care of a front loading washing machine:

1. Leaving the door open when not in use.

2. Checking the bellow after every wash for lost articles of clothing.

3. Checking the drain pump reservoir periodically for build up of debris.

4. Use of the proper detergent (HE only).


I personally own one of these washers and have never had a mold or mildew problem in the 9 years I've owned it by following this regiment.

Read through the link provided and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this helps you.

run a cycle with a heathy amount of bleach on hot. Odor is usually due to bacteria or somehting left behind. Is there any filter that can be cleaned??
Jer

Towel mildew smell is being transferred from the washer. The washer must be cleaned first. The problem is not "brand specific" all clothes washers have mold growth to a certain degree. Bleach or vinegar will kill the mold inside your washer but won't remove it or the residue it grows on thereby making the situation worse because it leaves a "base" for more detergent to collect on and more mold will grow.

Washing machine mold / mildew odor is caused by:
#1 cause is overuse of detergents. Detergent companies are notorious for instructing to use too much detergent. Especially with soft water or when using liquid detergent no more than 1 tbsp of any detergent should be used.
#2 most common cause is using fabric softener because it's dispensed in the rinse cycle and will coat the inside of the outer tub with residue that is a food source for mold to grow.
#3 using only cold water for washing is fine but makes preventative maintenance very important. A weekly hot soak will dissolve odor-causing residue from inside your washer.
#4 not using the washer. If the clothes washer isn't used very often maintenance is especially important. If leaving for a vacation it's a good idea to clean your washer. Do a search to "remove washer odor" to read just how big the problem is. There are all natural washer cleaners that will also remove mildew odor from towels and clothing after the washer has been cleaned.

How old is your machine? Mine is 5 years old, and I just started to get a "sewage" smell in my laundry room this weekend. I disconnected the water return to the sewer line and discovered lots of gunk in the hose, and the connector to the machine was completely dark green. I'm going to replace the hose, and trying to figure out if there is some sort of filter.

We only use He detergents too, so I guess this is something that just happens over time.

hope you are using he detergents (high effeciency low suds) also if you have soft water oversudsing can occur even with he ..try reducing amount ..also have been told tide he detergent tends to suds more so may try switching detergent brands try runing washer with no soap no clothes begore next load to flush out any detergent that may remain ..be sure to run washer with bleach no clothes on short cycle peroidically to avoid mold/mildew odors that front loads tend to acquire after a few months use and leave door open if possible between uses..let me know about detergent thanks