I have a whirlpool duet w/d. After about 16 months of use I started noticing a bad odor when my washer was running. I pulled it out and the odor is coming from the air vent located on the left side of the washer, in the back. It only has this odor when it is running, usually at the end of the wash cycle and during the rinse cycles.

My washer has no odor when it is not running. The inside of the machine and clothes smell fine. I have done the clean washer cycle with bleach many times lately. I did not do this cycle for over a year because I misunderstood the salesman. I thought if I left the washer and soap dispenser open after use that there would never be a mildew/mold problem. I don't see any mold anywhere, but I haven't take the washer apart.

What could still be causing this odor, despite doing the clean washer cycle? And why would it only be while running? Any suggestions on what I can do? Thanks. Deb