[GeorgeG]

I have a Bosch WFK2401 which has run flawlessly for 6 years (and still is). It is installed in a boat so removal is very painfull. Just this month the unit started to smell bad during operation (from outside the unit), I suspect it to be mold/mildew. I am very sensitive to chemicals so I cannot use bleach, dishwashing detergent, etc.

Where is this "sludge" (that many posts have referenced) accumulating that needs to be removed (inside the outer tub, pump, hoses)? Can it be mechanically removed if the washer is broken down? Can the offending substance be outside of the water flow such as a leakage of soap scum that is smelling when heated up? The water is pumped to a sump and then out of the boat so it is hard to seperate a smell from the washer cabinet and a smell in the waste water. I will capture some waste water and try to isolate it.

I have thought of running many loads on the super heat cycle (170 F) but that would only help the sludge in the water flow. If the problem is in the cabinet from leaks, etc - it may make the problem worse and stink up the boat even more.

Thanks,

George

[kawfeeman]

firstly, the water supply to the washer, has it changed recently ? has anyone who uses the washer changed recently ? Or have you changed detergent recently ? Have you checked and cleaned the filter in the drain pump recently ?

[GeorgeG]

No changes to water or useage but I did change detergent from Tide Free liquid to Planet liquid 1 year ago.

Thanks,

George

[kawfeeman]

run white towels the the hottest program available ... after 20 minutes of agitation, see if there are soap suds in your tumbler ... also see if any staining occurs after the wash program is finished.. if so, you know you have crud inside the drum ... then we can go from there...