I've recently been noticing that my clothes have a sulfur smell after washing, but I've kept my Electrolux washing machine clean. I run a clean cycle every month, regularly wipe down the rubber seal, and leave the door open to air out. My tap water doesn't have any odor, and interestingly, the smell disappears once the clothes are in the dryer. I use Seventh Generation detergent, Downy Rinse and Refresh in the fabric softener compartment, and occasionally add a scoop of Biz enzyme cleaner. I'm really puzzled about what might be causing this smell. Just to note, I recently washed my toddler's clothes that had urine, and while the subsequent loads seemed fine, I can't shake the confusion about the original smell.
4 Answers
I've got a top-loader, but when dealing with urine-soaked clothes, I always add a cup or two of vinegar to the wash. It really helps neutralize those odors, whether from pets or kids! Maybe give that a shot?
It sounds like you might want to check a few things. First off, how long do the clothes stay in the washer after a wash? It could be mildew forming, especially if they sit for too long. Also, do you ever have any issues with your drain hose? A clog could potentially trap odors. Just to be sure, are you using the right amount of detergent? Sometimes natural detergents can leave a film, and less detergent is often better. I’d also recommend skipping fabric softeners altogether; they can build up and cause smells, especially on synthetic fabrics or towels. Instead, try wool dryer balls!
Make sure to clean the filter in your washer regularly. Also, do you keep the door and soap dispenser open after use? That can help prevent any buildup. If you use anything special for the clean cycle, like washing machine cleaner tablets or bleach, that could be a factor as well. Since your washer is new, try using some Afresh tablets for the clean cycle.
We always leave the door open and use Afresh for cleaning. The soap dispenser is also cleaned out. Just strange since I used to have no problems with my old washer!
Have you checked how your hot water smells? Sometimes a sulfur smell can be linked to needing to replace the anode in an electric water heater. Just a thought to consider, even if you're using a new washer.
I haven’t noticed a sulfur smell from the hot water, but I’ll be sure to keep an eye on it.
Thanks for the tips! I take the clothes out immediately, and we don’t overload the washer. We're not using a fabric softener, just the Downy rinse. I’ll definitely check the drain hose!