Name: Debbie

Message: After using Dylon dye in my washing machine and following instructions very carefully afterwards, I cannot get rid of this awful smell that I now have in my machine drum since dying. I have tried running a cycle with bleach in it, I have tried running one with soda crystals in it. Do you have any suggestions as to what has happened? It must have loosened up something on the back of the drum. It is an awful mouldy drain-like smell. Please help. Thank you.

I don't think that this has anything to do with dyeing, in particular. Sometimes washing machines do develop horrible smells. I think it's important to leave washing machines open, when not in use, so that they can dry out. Otherwise, the remaining water will support the growth of evil-smelling molds.

Is it a front-loading washing machine? I've seen a number of reports of this problem with front-loading washers, though none until now that involved dyeing. Try checking the gasket around the door to see if there is anything you can scrub off there.  Find the manual for your washing machine to learn how to remove the filter cap on the pump. If you don't have the manual for your washing machine, you will probably be able to find it online. If nothing else works, a washing machine repairman should be able to find the filter to clean it out.

Whirlpool markets a cleaner called Affresh which is claimed to remove the residue that leads to unpleasant odors in high efficiency washing machines, unlike bleach, which kills the mold but does not remove the residue that supports additional growth.

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