Hi, just joined and I think this site will prove invaluable! I believe I need the resident virtual plumber, Tom...
I have a strong odor when I use the washer, and thinking back, I think this has been a problem for quite some time. I have read the posts from others regarding washing machine and sewer smells but I am just not sure if it's coming from the standing pipe or not, as I read in other posts.
It occurs when I first do a load of wash, and when I lift the lid, I smell the odor coming from the inside of the washer, not from behind it, as in the drain & standing pipe. I believe it only happens in the first load of the day. I also have trouble keeping the empty washer smelling "fresh" as it has sort of a mildewy smell to it.
The clothes seem to be coming out clean but I am still quite concerned about cleanliness of them and germs.
I don't know if it's worth mentioning but this is my mothers house and for years I remember her actually placing the drain hose in the sink whenevr she'd do wash, for years. She had it permanently clamped inside the standpipe (which is made of white PVC) about 15 years ago or so. She still only has the cold water hooked up or turned on going to the washer, which has me a bit more concerned we can't wash in hot and perhaps kill germs and such.
This is a Levittown (PA) house, pretty much original with little improvements.
Thanks ever so much for the help.
...

I've been trying for years to figure out how to make a living off this and haven't succeeded yet. "Virtual plumber"! I like that. All I need now is "vertual customers" who will send me "real money".

And Tom, I am sure you COULD actually set up your own "virtual plumbing" website and charge users a monthly or annual fee for joining, then they could as members ask unlimited questions... or you could try the honor system route and ask for "donations" to users who benefit from your vast expertise!
Thanks again.

Re sewer smell: I have found from doing other peoples washing, especially when they have their units in the kitchen, that it is a habit to put dirty towels, dish towels, dish rags, etc, in the washing machine to accumulate a load. In the hot weather this really starts to stink in a couple of days from the filthy sediment on the dish rag; because when you think about, you really wipe up some disgusting stuff off the counter top when preparing food and chicken residue is the absolute worst .That could be one cause. Another thing as well, I do cold washes because I like how my laundry turns out but was told a few years ago it is best to do one hot load a week to clean out the machine and get bacteria out of cloths. Makes sense.

I make it a habit to never put dirty clothes in the washer until I am ready to wash them, so I don't believe that is the problem but thanks for the input.
About the one load of hot a week, I wonder if I could just fill it up manually with hot once in awhile and spin it out. Perhaps that would help with the mildewy smell?

I would fill it up, plus put some bleach in as well. I do this on a regular basis, but not necessary to fill it up, I just go to half way mark.

On the farm, because of well water, etc. my washing machine never smelled fresh.

She had it permanently clamped inside the standpipe (which is made of white PVC) about 15 years ago or so. Mom had a problem with backup so she made the drain a closed system. I recommend that all the time, I even have my washer draining into a closed system.

She still only has the cold water hooked up or turned on going to the washer, which has me a bit more concerned we can't wash in hot and perhaps kill germs and such. The clothes seem to be coming out clean but I am still quite concerned about cleanliness of them and germs.
You are correct to be concerned. I would have hot water extended over to the washer.

when I lift the lid, I smell the odor coming from the inside of the washer,
Your washer has a sump that holds the water draining back from the hose when the pump stops. This is stagnant, dirty wash water that's left to set in the bottom of the tub until the next time you wash. Bacteria can, and will, grow down in there. After the next wash pour a 1/2 gallon of bleach in the tub and let it set for a day or twp. Now, cycle the washer to clear the bleach and give it the "sniff test". Smell better now?

Tom, I am sure you COULD actually set up your own "virtual plumbing" website
Thanks! But that would mean leaving AMHD and, while I'm not making much money, I'm having too much fun to leave. Answering plumbing questions is my hobby and I've beenwith this site since day one and watched it grow. I want to stick around to see how big it can get. Regards, tom

So do you think the sewer smell is due to standing water? Because I believe the strong sewer smell and the unfresh empty washer are two different issues. For instance, I did a load last night at around 11 to midnight, got the strong sewer smell, which only lasts about 5-10 minutes. I started a load at 7 am, still got the strong sewer smell... is that enough time for water to turn? We're talking sewer smell - not mildew.
I will try the bleach trick for the freshening up of the empty washer, and I'll post back to see if the sewer smell returns.
Thanks ever so much for your prompt answers, this site is tops, I can see why you want to stay with it, especially since you've been here since it's inception. Good luck and enjoy your day!

If the bleach thingy didn't work click on back. I have one more thing for you to try. Regards, Tom

I want to add something here and it would be VERY dependent on the heights of the standpipe and trap and just how the drain is connected. Posting a picture of the drain setup might not hurt. Use "go advanced" to do so.

What CAN happen is that waste water can be siphoned back into the washer if the conditions are correct. You already have the prerequisite of a closed system. Now heights and distance to the trap will matter.

Moving the drain to the laundry tub should solve these problems. Bleach should get rid of the musty smell. Getting the hot water hooked up will help too.

When you finish your wash loads, leave the lid open for a day or so to not allow any standing water. Cold water is also a better breeding ground for bacteria.

Just thoughts.

Ok- tried the bleach trick and it did freshen up considerably. The real test will be tomorrow when I do a load of wash. I did one after cycling out the bleach with no odor but like I said, I think the real test will be tomorrow.

Thanks to all! Very cool site.

Will post a pic if I can get one... I don't own a cell phone.

Thanks again.

ok- tried the bleach trick and it did freshen up considerably. The real test will be tomorrow when I do a load of wash. I did one after cycling out the bleach with no odor but like I said, I think the real test will be tomorrow.

Thanks to all! Very cool site.

Will post a pic if I can get one... I don't own a cell phone.

Thanks again.
Let us know one way or the other.
I don't own a cell phone. You and I might be the last two people in the country that don't own a cell -phone. Good luck, Tom