Musty/mildewy smell from washing machine?

Ever since we moved into our house, when you run the washing machine with hot water, sometimes warm, there is a mildewy smell that comes from the washing machine. It does not happen with the cold cycle. I cleaned the washing machine with bleach, using Martha Stewart's technique so I know its clean . Plus it is a new machine (less than 2 yrs old). Could I possibly have mold/mildew in the pipes leading to it? Anyone know what could be causing this? Should I get a plumber? Please help!!

Thanks

Re: Musty/mildewy smell from washing machine?

some water always settles into the machine I think - just run a cycle with bleach and it should go away - you may want to do this once in a while just to keep it clean.

Re: Musty/mildewy smell from washing machine?

Thanks. Maybe I will try that again, using even more bleach this time. Right after I ran the cycle with bleach last time the smell was still there. And it only happens with hot or warm water - no smell at all with cold.

Re: Musty/mildewy smell from washing machine?

Look at where the hose from the washer drains away from the machine. Usually it's where the water hose is attached that goes into the machine.

Usually if you smell mildew it's coming from there, backing up from the pipe that takes the water out.

You can pour bleach water mixture directly down there and if that doesn't work you can stick a plastic grocery bag around the opening to keep the smell from coming back.

Usually i've noticed the smell comes when the washer was sitting unused for awhile and if you just keep using the machine the smell goes away.

GL

Re: Musty/mildewy smell from washing machine?

Re: Musty/mildewy smell from washing machine?

Thanks everyone