Question

My top loading Samsung washing machine smells a bit funky. We have never cleaned it and it’s 5 years old. So. what do I need to do? Should I buy some tablets or “washing machine cleaners” from Amazon or can I use vinegar and baking soda or something? Any suggestions?  

Answer 1

Do you leave the lid open?  

Comments

I don’t think I’ve ever “washed” my washer, but I always leave the lid open.  

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@headwaters yes

Answer 2

Does it have a washing machine cleaning cycle meant to work with bleach? Does it have a filter to clean?  

Comments

@outspread26390 I probably should know the answer to the filter. I will have to look up the instructions for the machine. We don’t have it as we moved right after we got it. It does have a cleaning cycle. I have done that once with nothing in it. Couldn’t see a difference.  

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Did you use bleach with the cleaning cycle? Otherwise by a cleaning bar and check for a filter

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No need to buy fancy cleaners. Run your cleaning cycle with bleach and no clothes. If there’s a lot of buildup inside your machine, you may have to do this several times but it will take care of the problem.  

Answer 3

I buy the laundry cleaners (Oxy, Tide makes one, etc). My machine has a tub clean mode, otherwise I would do hot, large cycle. I wipe every surface I can wipe with lysol, vinegar or another cleaner. I then start the clean cycle. I do mine every month and leave lid open when not in use

Answer 4

Look up and see if you can find an owners manual online. Most washers will have a drain to clean after you clean the washer. Bleach with water cycle will do that

Answer 5

Just use the washing machine cleaners. Side note: i started using the Norwex concentrated laundry cleaner and i NEVER have this problem anymore. No, i don’t sell it, i just love it.  

Comments

@yodel Norwex ? Where do u get that?  

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It’s a home selling product. I guess you could find someone who sells it online. It’s pricey but you only use a little bit each load. And it cleans great and environmentally safe.  

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@yodel it’s a MLM

Answer 6

We use the tablet cleaner on our top loader. I buy it at Best Buy. ( I bought my washer there)

Answer 7

Use affresh tablets once a month or needed. Most stores has em.  

Answer 8

I use affresh tablets every 30 loads and love them.  

Answer 9

Scoop of oxyclean every wash

Answer 10

Filter where the drain is. might be getting damp lint stuck in the pipe

Answer 11

Wipe down the lid and in between the rubber gasket with a rag, throw it in and add 1 cup of bleach inside the tub and wash on the tub clean cycle. Make sure you let it dry completely or wash a white load after. I do this once a month and haven’t had any issues.  

Answer 12

I used to do vinegar washes with my old machine, my new one has a clean cycle so I tried it out with the tide machine cleaner and it did an amazing job, and the smell was super fresh. I do it once a month and have no issues, I will on occasion use the vinegar to wash but I like the fresh scent the tide leaves.  

Answer 13

Just leave the lid open to dry the water so you don't get the moldy smell