How to fix smell issues in washing machines

Issue:

• Pale streaks on laundry
• Washing machine emits a sour smell

Applies to:

• Washing machines

Applies to model numbers:

EWW1042AEWA, EWW8023AEWA, EWW1141AEWA, EWW7024FDWA, EWF7525EQWA, EWF8025CQWA, EWF1141SEWA, EWF9023BDWA, EWF1141AEWA, EWF1042BDWA, EWF9025BQWA, EWF8025DGWA, EW6T4722AF, EWT1066EWW, EWT8588H1WB, EWT7588H1WB, EWT2H88M1SB, EWT125WD, EWT105WN, EWT705WN, EWT805WN, EWT0H88H1W

Resolution:

If the washing machine produces pale streaks on laundry or emits a sour smell, refer to the suggestions below for step by step instructions.

Streaks and sour smell:

Streaks on garments and a sour smell coming from the washing machine are unfortunately well-known phenomena when you use a new washing machine.

The problem is usually caused by a combination of four factors:

A new washing machine uses considerably less water than a ten-year-old model.

• The dosing instructions on detergent packs do not take into account the fact that new washing machines are much more efficient in using water than previous models.
• If you add precisely the right amount of detergent according to the instructions on the packet, you will always add too much detergent if your washing machine is new.

Many detergents contain substance zeolite. (Zeolite is used as a substitute for the environmentally harmful substance phosphate.)

• Zeolite softens water during a wash cycle. Unfortunately, zeolite does not dissolve as readily as phosphate.
• When you use a detergent which contains zeolite and add too much washing powder at low temperatures in a washing machine with low water consumption, you will initially see soap residues on your garments.
• If you continue using the detergent, you will notice a sour smell coming from the washing machine after a while. This is caused by a mixture of lime and undissolved zeolite, which adheres to the back of the drum. Some of this coating on the drum can be released during washing and cause pale streaks on the garments. This applies even if you do not add too much detergent or you use liquid detergent for the wash.

It is important to ensure that your washing machine is ventilated.

• Poor ventilation will result in a wetter “environment” in the washing machine, as well as a sourer smell.
• In a new washing machine, it is not sufficient to leave the door open after a wash cycle.
• You must do three things: wipe the rubber seal dry, leave the detergent dispenser drawer and the door open.

To eliminate the problem of sour smells, you must remove the coating on the back of the drum.

• Once the coating has been removed, it is important to add the correct amount of detergent in future.
  Adding the correct amount of detergent to a new water-saving washing machine:
• Read the instructions on the detergent packet, use the recommended quantity and measure out the detergent precisely.

If you still get pale streaks on your laundry, you could try adding even less detergent, try a different detergent which does not contain zeolite or using liquid detergent.

• When you use liquid detergent, you should also add the recommended amount in accordance with the instructions on the bottle.
• Liquid detergent can be added to a dispenser ball, which is placed on top of the clothing inside the drum.

Six things you should always remember with a new washing machine:

  1. Use the recommended amount of detergent in accordance with the instructions on the packet.
  2. Measure out the detergent in a measuring
  3. Wipe down the rubber seal after washing
  4. Leave the detergent dispenser drawer open after washing
  5. Leave the door open after washing
  6. Hot-wash at regular intervals

How to save your sour-smelling washing machine:

• See our Webshop for various suitable products for caring for and maintaining your washing machine.

If ordinary detergents for washing machines do not solve the problem, it may be necessary to follow the cleaning instructions below.

• The washing machine has a sour smell and you are cross. Regardless of how much you descale and use hot wash cycles, the rotten smell just keeps coming and your laundry smells. The smell comes from a foul coating on the back of the drum, and you will need a scraper to remove it.
• The problem is a recent one. If you have a sour-smelling washing machine, it is probably caused by adding too much detergent, a water-saving washing machine and washing at low temperatures. The sour-smelling coating is apparently a mixture of zeolite and lime. The zeolite comes from numerous washing powders.

Removing the sour smell

• Wash the machine through three times, with 50 ml of dishwasher detergent and a tablespoon of chlorinated agents, such as chlorine each time. Use a 60-degree cycle.
• Wash the machine through once, at 60 degrees without any detergent.
• Wash the machine through three times, at 60 degrees with 30 grams of citric acid powder.
• Wash the machine through once, at 60 degrees without any detergent.
• Most of the sour-smelling coating will now be removed, but it may be a long time when the smell finally disappears.

How to avoid the sourness:

  1. Find out how hard your water is, and add the right amount of detergent. Ask your water supply company about water hardness.
  2. Occasionally wash at a high temperature to prevent bacterial coatings from developing.
  3. Consider the detergent you are using. Some products use zeolite, while others use phosphate. Zeolite is less harmful to the environment than phosphate, but zeolite can apparently cause washing machines to become sour if too much detergent is added. If you live in a place without a water treatment works, using zeolite is recommended. This is because phosphates are a major environmental problem in these If you live somewhere which does have a water treatment works, you can choose freely between the two types of detergent. Your water treatment works will normally be able to deal with phosphates. You can buy eco-labelled detergents either with or without phosphate.
  4. Leave the soap dispenser drawer and the door open when you are not using the machine, and clean the soap dispenser drawer regularly.

Issue:

Washing machine emits a burning smell

Applies to:

• Front loader washing machine (integrated and freestanding)
• Top loader washing machine

Applies to model numbers:

EWW1042AEWA, EWW8023AEWA, EWW1141AEWA, EWW7024FDWA, EWF7525EQWA, EWF8025CQWA, EWF1141SEWA, EWF9023BDWA, EWF1141AEWA, EWF1042BDWA, EWF9025BQWA, EWF8025DGWA, EW6T4722AF, EWT1066EWW, EWT8588H1WB, EWT7588H1WB, EWT2H88M1SB, EWT125WD, EWT105WN, EWT705WN, EWT805WN, EWT0H88H1WB

Resolution:

Please contact Electrolux Service Center.

We recommend requesting a visit by our service engineer to resolve the issue.

Warning: If there is a burning smell coming from the washing machine, washer dryer or tumble dryer, unplug the appliance immediately and contact Electrolux Service Center.

Issue:

• Washing machine emits unpleasant smell
• How to clean the washing machine?
• Rubber seal on washing machines develops dark or black mould spots

Applies to:

• Front loader washing machines (integrated and freestanding)
• Top loader washing machines

Applies to model numbers:

EWW1042AEWA, EWW8023AEWA, EWW1141AEWA, EWW7024FDWA, EWF7525EQWA, EWF8025CQWA, EWF1141SEWA, EWF9023BDWA, EWF1141AEWA, EWF1042BDWA, EWF9025BQWA, EWF8025DGWA, EW6T4722AF, EWT1066EWW, EWT8588H1WB, EWT7588H1WB, EWT2H88M1SB, EWT125WD, EWT105WN, EWT705WN, EWT805WN, EWT0H88H1WB

 

Resolution:

1. Check if the drain hose is correctly connected to the siphon, or your waste installation is equipped with siphon

2. Dispense the correct amount of detergent, avoid using only cold cycles and run hot cycles/wash

3. Dispense the correct amount of detergent and conditioner according to the manufacturer’s

4. Always leave the door ajar/slightly open after every wash and, if possible, open the dispenser drawer slightly at the same time so that the machine can dry out between washes. Assure that the appliance is installed in the room with good ventilation

5. Check whether washing machine heats up by starting a very hot wash

    Door should remain warm during the cycle (can be checked after about half to one hour).

6. Regularly carry out a 90°C service wash using a washing machine cleaner to avoid unpleasant smells and marks around the door

    For detailed procedure refer to the user manual supplied with your appliance.

7. Clean the detergent dispenser:

    Remove any spillage or residue in each compartment by rinsing it under hot running tap water. Remove the dispenser and use a suitable brush (clean it with an old toothbrush) to remove any dirt and dried soap powder/liquid from each section

8. Clean the pump and fluff filter, including the pump blade (if the pump blade is visible, rotate it with a pencil and refit the filter). For detailed procedure refer to the user manual supplied with your

• Turn off the appliance.
• Open the door to the fluff filter and place the drip tray underneath.
• Empty any water out of the machine by opening the drain hose next to the filter. Remove the filter by turning it anti-clockwise (several times firmly by hand).
• Clean the filter and pump housing under running water and refit the filter. Close the drain hose and put it back in its original place.
• Close the flap to the fluff filter.

9. Clean the washing machine’s seal:

Rubber seals on washing machines often develop dark or black mould spots.

• You can remove the mould using sodium carbonate crystals, thick bleach or dishwasher cleaner, which helps to dissolve any stubborn mould and soap powder residue.
• Be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective goggles during this cleaning operation.

10. Cleaning the washing machine externally:

• Use cloth soaked in a mild universal detergent or washing-up liquid, because washing machines are often manufactured from baked-on enamel.
• Carefully wipe down along the outside of the washing machine.
• You may find that fluff and splashes of washing powder have formed thick, greasy stains on the washing machine.
• A little warm water and a cloth are usually enough to clean up the area. Try cleaning in corners and edges using a cotton bud.

11. Contact Electrolux Service Center for further support.
      If the above suggestions did not solve the problem, we recommend requesting a visit by our service engineer.