Comments on: Washing machine smells? Stop shutting the door

By: Julie Warner

Julie Warner — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:01:48 +0000

I guess it depends on your model. The light issue bugged me too, but I realized that when I hit the “cancel” button on my front-load Electrolux, the light turned off in a bit because the washer was shut off.

But you’re very smart in knowing to wipe the gasket clean. That’s our other suggestion for maintenance cleaning — other than vinegar — though I probably do that less often because I leave my door open. I think your example would also work well for odor-free operation in other cases where homeowners would like to shut the doors, such as when the laundry’s in a trafficked hallway or visible area, such as the kitchen.

Thanks for sharing you smart tips!

By: Doug Johnson

Doug Johnson — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:25:17 +0000

My FL washer has a light that comes on when the door is open. There is no switch to turn it off and I really like the light so I don’t want it to burn out prematurely from leaving the door open all the time. I don’t want to waste energy either.
I have an “old” Maytag Neptune that has never had an oder problem. Washer is in the basement with no special ventilation. We find the best solution is to wipe the seal with a terry cloth towel after the final load of the day to get the water out. 10+ years of stinky-free operation. I also know this works for newer machines that have a different door design.

Another solution is a machine that has a “clean the washer” setting for Afresh.