Having mold within the washing machine is a surprisingly easy fix. This actually happened last year. Clothes are washed in cold water as all of the utility companies advise this in order to save energy and money on the utility bills. Last spring, walking into the laundry room there was an overpowering smell. The room was cleaned the room from top to bottom and still the smell existed.
One day my husband went downstairs after getting so disgusted with the smell that was now beginning to travel upstairs. He took apart the washing machine. Around the outside of the drum or basket there was a thick layer of what looked like sludge mixed with mold. Think of cleaning out the tub drain and how slimy that can get with all of the hair. Well, the washer was one hundred times worse. Using gloves he scraped off all of the mold and sludge. He then cleaned the drum or basket with bleach. After he put the washer back together, he ran a washing cycle using hot water, soap, and bleach. The washer was like new. The smell was gone.
An appliance guy come the following week, as my husband broke one of the electrical wires and washer stopped working. I explained to the tech what had happened, the smell, and the work my husband did to correct the smell. The tech advised us that what was done was actually correct, but a professional should have taken the machine apart; because then the wire would not have been broken. The washing machine that I have according to the tech will last twenty to twenty-five years. I did not want to purchase another one especially if I can get another twenty years out of it. I followed the techs advice and will continue to do so in the future.
The tech advised me to once a month run the washer using hot water and bleach. This will prevent the sludge and mold from building up. He also stated that I was using way too much soap when washing clothes. He said that even though the packages say to use a capful and fill them up to the designated lines, in reality approximately one tablespoon will do the trick. He said anything more not only is a waste of money, but will lead to a build up of mold and sludge if monthly cleanings are not done. Since the cleaning last year, on the first of every month like clockwork, I run the washing cycle with the bleach, hot water, and soap. Sometimes I will do it twice just to ensure that the mold and sludge does not reappear. The smell has never returned. My husband has not had to take apart the machine again!
Visit www.ehow.com Do a search for washing machine mold and they provide advice on how to clean the washing machine.
www.ask.com also has great advice on keeping mold out of the washing machine.