My washer has an odor like mildewing clothes, but I can't find any.

clean the washer with bleach and a small amount of detergent

Front load washers are very efficient but can create odors not common in top load machines. I would suggest running a cleaner such as Affresh or Smelly washer through the machine, there are instructions on the containers but basically you run a load without clothes on the hottest settings. This will help eliminate the mildew that gets caught between the tub and basket. A treatment once a month will do wonders!

You can purchase these at Target, Lowes or grocery stores near the laundry soaps.

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.

Towel mildew odor is transferred from the washer to towels and clothes. The washer must be cleaned first. After cleaning the washer and towels washing habits must change to stop mold smell from returning.

Washing machine mold / mildew 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.

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.

There is no filter in your washer that would cover the odor issue.
The website link below will give you all the information concerning odors in a Maytag Washer

http://maytag.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/odors/p/293/r_id/108284/sno/1/search/1/session/L3NpZC9RRDdZdDhEag==

There is a tub beyond the tub you see. Run a load of water with chlorine bleach. This will kill the mold & mildew spores that are causing the odors. ****Do NOT add clothing to this washload****

If possible, keep the door open when not in use. This will allow the inside to dry and mold & mildew cannot grow.

Try running a cup of white vinegar thru a wash cycle w/o clothes.

www.affresh.com this product has been devoeloped to lessen front loader odors. you NEED to be using an HE detergent. low sudsing ans specifically design for use with front loading washers.

Meoser,
I've been selling the only available all natural washing machine and towel mold and mildew remover online at smellywasher.com since 2006.
It's now also available at Ace, Tru Value, Hardware Hank and Do It Best hardware stores. One bottle provides 24 treatments and guarantees to remove mold, mildew, or any odor from your washer. After the washer is cleaned it also safely and easily gets rid of the mildew smell from any towel or clothing that the odor has transferred to.
The dark, moist environment of your clothes washer is the perfect place for mold and bacteria to grow. See: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5408971n
We can't change that environment but we can stop the food source for them to grow buy reducing the amount of detergent used and stopping fabric softener use. Go to the blog page at smellywasher.com to read advice on the cause of and cure for washing machine and towel odor.