The smell coming from my washer is unacceptable and I want to know how to get rid of it and keep it gone. Sometimes it smells worse then others...why is this I wanted to be a responsible consumer so I bought something that is suppose to be energy and water efficient...no one told me it would stink so bad that I would be embarrassed to have friends and family over for visits! PS if this is not a free site from Kenmore don't bother...I have already spent enough money

first cut a potato in half and push it ion the middle of the freezer, it will absorb the airborne bacteria and reduce the smell . leave in freezer for about 2 hours then take out an throw away. next pour bicarbinate of soda into a bowl and put it into the freezer also leave overnight and smell should be gone

This is a comin in all front loaders. It it caused by two things not using HE soap and keeping the door closed when not using it. The only way to get rid of the smell is to run 3 to 5 cycles with bleach and no clothes or use a washer cleaner. Most large hardware stores carry them. Once the smell is gone be sure to leave the door open when you are not using it and wipe out the gray boot(gasket/seal) after using.

does it kinda smell like rotten eggs?

I have a front loader and hated the machine for the very same reasons. A one shot fix does not exist but rather requires ongoing treatment (they don't tell you that when you buy the washer though).

Star by getting rid of the existing smell. There are products designed specifically for this problem. One such is "Affresh" but there are others. Most are available at stores that sell the machines and like everything else, on the internet too. Use as directed and once the smell is gone, maintain by using the steps below.

Firstly - discard all non-HE detergents. I know the "regular" detergents are cheaper than the HE counterparts, but these machines are designed for the low-suds types; the regular types leave a soapy residue because the machine doesn't use nearly as much water as your old top loader. So give them to your friends with top loaders instead of using them in your front loader.

Next, run a small load, with bleach and hot water only - no clothes as the last load for the day.

Thirdly, leave the door(s) open on the days not used. This includes any top door for detergents / softeners along with the main front door of the machine between washes. It need not be left wide open - but open enough to allow air in to help dry the interior.

Fourth, wipe down the interior after the last load of the day. Pay particular attention to the rubber seal between the drum and the door jamb of the machine.

Fifth, stop using fabric softener in the washer. Use a fabric softener dryer sheet instead. Limiting the products added to the washer to just bleach & HE detergents is best.

Sixth, use the washer cleaning product (Affresh etc.) as needed as a preventative step or to head off problems if / when they just begin to become noticeable.

If you follow all of these steps - the offending odors can be eliminated and prevented.

I hope this was very helpful and good luck!

if you look inside washer there is a rubber rim on the inside around the openning. Look inside and you will find where the stink is coming from. Keep door open when not in use and wipe inside of rubber trim to keep the mildew out.

I use tilex sometimes and do a rinse spin.

The smell comes from your front rubber boot you must replace it toget rid of the smell.The water collects in the inner part of the boot and and sits there till it smells hope i helped

It sound like lint bult up under agitator orIn Between inner and outer tub it would have to be manualy cleaned thanks and good luck:)

More then likely you're still using too much detergent and liquid softner. Front load washers use about 1/10 the water of a top load so all you need to use is about 1 tablespoon per load of soap and softner. If you use any more then that it builds up inside the tub behind the drum where you can't see it and starts to smell. Running the machine empty about once a month with just bleach will help stop the build up. If you do this and see soap suds that's left over soap coming out. If you see suds run it again and again until the water stays clear and you odor problem should be gone. You can go back to colored towels.

What kind of smell is it?  If I can guess, I think it may be a musty or "locker-room" (sorry for bad memories) smell.  I have found that sometimes a change in detergent (or sometimes the same detergent you have been using for years) can cause build up and retain that musty smell.  I had to actually remove a inner basket completely and wash out both inner and outer drums to get rid of the funky smell.  She had used the same detergent for years.  Do you wash a lot of clothes in cold water?  This could also make the situation worse.  Try running a full empty load on hot with a bunch of bleach through the wash cycle, then stop the unit for a bit and let it soak and see if it clears up.  Also, try changing detergents and use a HE type soap.  HE causes very little sudding action, which in turn will stop the build up.  If this doesnt work, you may have to remove the inner tub and clean out both baskets (a lot of time, and need a special wrench, unless you know how to work it off).  Let me know if this helps any.   Jim

Unfortunately, when mold and mildew impregnate the rubber door boots on these models, it's nearly impossible to get it to go away. I would recommend replacing the door boot and follow these diligent preventive measures to keep the problem from coming back: 1. Check the area in and around the door boot after each wash for lost articles of clothing like underwear and socks. Also, clean out any lint or debris that collects under the boot. You might want to think about using a mesh garment bag for small items in the future. 2. Wipe the area periodically with a towel to get rid of the accumulation of soap deposits and dirt. This means wiping BEHIND the door boot where it meets the wash tub as well. I recommend waiting until you get ready to do a load of towels. Clean the area with a towel, then throw it directly in the wash. 3. Leave the door OPEN between washes to allow the door boot to air dry. Due to the nature of these door seals, they seal air tight and create an environment for mildew and mold to grow. 4. Run the washer with no load on the hottest cycle you have with nothing but bleach about once a week to keep bacteria to a minimum, and to flush the drain lines and pump. The door boot costs about $80 to replace, but it may be your only solution to getting rid of the smell and bacteria. Let me know if you decide to replace it. I can give you some pointers.