Ever since we bought this Whirlpool duet washer it smells moldy whenever it is empty and standing idle. We originally thought the moldy smell was coming from the drain, which is mounted in the wall cavity. That is not the source. We have left the washer door open, thinking mold was developing when the door was left closed. That is not the source of the smell. We also leave the detergent drawer open but that is not the source of the smell. The smell does seem to be coming from a vent in the back of the washer (left side when looking at the front door of the washer). I’ve pulled the unit away from the wall a number of times but not found any signs of water leaks. Any recommendations?
Hi J Black,
I work with Whirlpool brand and saw your post. Affresh™ washer cleaner is specifically designed to help remove and prevent the residue that can accumulate in HE washers.
For more information about Affresh, and why residue builds up in laundry machines please read this press release .
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Vivek Sukumaran
I have a maytag front loader MAW2100 that often leaves some of my clothes smelling moldy. I’ve have had the rubber seal on the door replaced, run the machine with vinegar, bleach, left the door open, left the soap dispenser open, cleaned everything tons of times and the problem still keeps happening. My husband and I were talking about it again a few days ago and think that there is a build up in the machine from the liquid softener and liquid HE detergent that doesn’t get washed away and might be the source of the mold. We think this because when I removed and cleaned out the soap dispenser I noticed how really hard it was to get all three compartments clean–there was a sticky pinkish/yellow film on areas in the dispenser. Bleach didn’t dissolve the film only my scrubbing with a plastic pad. I read about Affresh and think that is a good idea, but what about using just plain old powdered electric dishwasher detergent? That stuff does a real good job of dissolving gunk. I’m going to try that first. We’ve also decided that were not going to use the soap dispenser anymore and were also not going to use any liquid softener or liquid HE detergent because we think that just raises the gunk factor which is a surface for the mold form on.
Vivek,
I did finally locate some Affresh. It is every bit as advertised. We ran one tablet in the washer, per the directions, and the mold smell has not returned. The product addresses buildups and mold development in internal washer areas. We’re monitoring the “month” clean smell claim and will report back if it does not hold out that long.
With respect to xaipete’s comments we had done quite a few loads just prior to getting the Affresh tables and did find the smell was less, however still present. We did not find the moldy smell building up in the soap dispenser. We got into the habit of leaving the dispenser and washer door open but that did not reduce the moldy smell at all. All this to say that Affresh is the first solution that has worked to rid the moldy smell in this HE washer. Also be careful changing from HE detergent. Any excessive suds will cause your machine to run a lot longer to get rid of the soap.
We have Affresh in stock and currently on sale 
[QUOTE=xaipete;5937]I have a maytag front loader MAW2100 that often leaves some of my clothes smelling moldy. I’ve have had the rubber seal on the door replaced, run the machine with vinegar, bleach, left the door open, left the soap dispenser open, cleaned everything tons of times and the problem still keeps happening. My husband and I were talking about it again a few days ago and think that there is a build up in the machine from the liquid softener and liquid HE detergent that doesn’t get washed away and might be the source of the mold. We think this because when I removed and cleaned out the soap dispenser I noticed how really hard it was to get all three compartments clean–there was a sticky pinkish/yellow film on areas in the dispenser. Bleach didn’t dissolve the film only my scrubbing with a plastic pad. I read about Affresh and think that is a good idea, but what about using just plain old powdered electric dishwasher detergent? That stuff does a real good job of dissolving gunk. I’m going to try that first. We’ve also decided that were not going to use the soap dispenser anymore and were also not going to use any liquid softener or liquid HE detergent because we think that just raises the gunk factor which is a surface for the mold form on.[/QUOTE]
their is a recall on some maytag washer. they install a new boot and also a hose that goes to the puml. i dont know off hand what model this is for.
okbobcats, do you have any more info on that recall? I can’t find it anywhere. The only recent ones I’m aware of relating to Maytag washers are MAH8700/MAH9700 model recall from 3/21/2007 (Hazard: Water leakage onto the electrical connections to the washing machine’s thermal sensor could cause an electrical short and ignite a circuit board, posing a fire hazard to consumers) and MAH9700 model recall from 9/27/2005 (Hazard: If the front-load washer is operated at maximum load capacity, the spinner could malfunction and break apart, posing a safety risk to consumers).
I’ll try to find the info some were. and like i said i don’t know what modeks this is for offf hand.
Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello –
I see mold inside the large rubber ring (the seal) at the opening of my washer and it’s hard to scrub off, even with bleach. Will the product some of you have mentioned (Affresh?) reach that mold if I use it? Thank you for help on this; it’s driving me crazy.
Try not to use bleach..Find some Washer Magic..This may help. Also, can you post your Model# so we can see which machine you have? wrench:)
Hello Bentwrench,
Thank you for your response. I bought this washer in September, 2001. It is GE Model WSXH208A1WW. I’m not sure if I need to replace the big rubber seal or if one of these cleaning products will do the trick.
I can see gray, moldy-looking residue inside the rubber ring/seal and it smells moldy. Washer Magic’s ads refer to lime deposits, but don’t mention mold. Will it work as well as the other product mentioned in this thread?
Thanks again.
Hi..mold and mildew problems are common in front load washers. What I do to my Neptune Front Loader is I use 1 cup of Cascade detergent and run the machine through a complete cycle.Check to make sure the boot drain hole is clear of lint. Water needs to drain back into the tub or it WILL mildew.good luck..wrench:)
Thanks again for your help on this. Sorry I’m so ignorant, but I’m not sure where the drain hole is and I’d like to look for any lint and clean it out per your advice. Can you tell me?
Open the door and look inside at the bottom of the opening. There is a rubber boot that’s capable of holding water. Look for a whole about 1/4" in diameter and make sure it’s clear of junk. Then Find a packet of [COLOR=red]Affresh.[/COLOR] This is a chemical used to clean mold and mildew. I’ve heard it does a wonderful job..wrench:)
Thank you. I have looked there and see many holes in the rubber, rather than one. So I’m simply cleaning anything that looks like it might be “the” drain hole, if it’s only one on my model’s boot. I ran the washer 2 times with Cascade which helped a lot, but there’s a built-up of smudge that I am also trying to get out with paper towels and Q-tips. If you think Affresh will do the trick better than Cascade, I will certainly try it. And I really really appreciate your help.
Where does this moldy “gunk” accumulate? Is it in the outer tub, pumps, hoses, etc? My only option may be opening up the washer (Bosch WFK2401) and mechanical removal as I cannot use chemicals for cleaning. It took 6 years for the smell to show up in my washer. I smell it outside the unit when running. Can the gunk be outside of the water flow?
Thanks,
George
Hi George,
The Affresh specifically designed for a front load washer. Why you can not use it on yours?
Gene.
In my front-loading machine, the gunk accumulated in the rubber boot between the door and the tub. You have to peal it back to see the underside and the crevices where it’s moldly.