One of the big problems with front loading integrated washers is odors.
These odors range from a mild 'slightly off' smell to sewer like smells.
Most of the odors are easily cured and prevented from reoccurring.
First we will take a look at what causes the more common odors and then we will present some solutions.
The strongest odors in front loaders are usually caused by soap residue buildup.
This buildup can occur anywhere in the washer but most often is found at the back of the inner basket or drum of the washer.
This is the stainless piece that you see when you are putting your clothes into the washer.
The soap builds up at the back of these part in the crevices and corners of the support system that is welded to the back of the basket (you can't see that part.
) This buildup is often referred to as 'bio-sludge' and is really a combination of soap residue, dirt and lint.
It resembles gray tar and usually smells horrible.
Bio-sludge builds up here for a number of reasons.
The most common reason is that the consumer is using the wrong kind of soap for the washer.
All integrated front loading washers work best with HE, or high efficiency soap.
This soap has anti-sudsing agents that prevent the soap from foaming up in the washer during the wash cycle.
When you use regular soap, a tremendous amount of foam and bubbles are produced which eventually melt leaving a soap residue on where it dries.
This residue builds up into the aforementioned bio-sludge.
The easiest way to remove this build up is to use the cleaning cycle on the washer.
See your User Guide for further instructions how to use the clean cycle and for the manufacturers recommended cleaning agent.
Most manufacturers now recommend and sell a cleaning agent based on the 'oxy-clean' principle.
This product essentially binds to the soap residue chemically and is then all washed down the drain in a final rinse.
Regular clean cycles as well as proper soap usage can prevent the buildup from even starting and can help your integrated washing machine provide clothes that are both clean and fresh smelling.