Hi, I recently had a repairman check my washing machine due to mouldy smell. After running a water test (which tested fine) and checking the water filter and detergent drawer, he concluded that the smell must be due to bacteria growth on the drum (he didn't check it, just assumed). He said that replacing it would be around $500. Does this sound reasonable? Also, do I need to replace the drum due to bacteria? Is it not possible to just get the drum thoroughly cleaned? BTW, it is a kenmore front load machine, model number 417.44142400.
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thank you!
Solution Summary
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This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Mouldy smell from Kenmore front-loader 417.44142400
- The problem
- A Kenmore front load washing machine, model 417.44142400, had a mouldy smell. A repairman reported that the water test was fine and checked the water filter and detergent drawer, then suggested the smell was due to bacteria growth on the drum and quoted about $500 to replace it.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply says washing machines can become heavily contaminated internally, with the tub and hoses coated in smelly greasy sludge. The smell was therefore more likely linked to internal build-up and bacteria rather than a confirmed need for drum replacement. The exact source was not verified in the discussion.
- What fixed it
- The accepted advice was to try cleaning measures first, specifically distilled white vinegar and several hot boil washes. Replacing the drum was not supported as a confirmed necessity in the thread, and no completed repair was documented.
- Checks to try
- Water test reported fine
- Water filter checked
- Detergent drawer checked
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Distilled white vinegar
1 Answer
A washing machine can get pretty disgusting inside, and all of the tub as well as all the hoses can get caked in a thick smelly greasy sludge. If it gets that bad it can be difficult or impossible to clear. There are things you can try such as distilled white vinegar and doing several boil washes as described in my articles here -
What causes a smelly washing machine?
Cleaning washing machine with vinegar
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