Washing Machine Offgassing

October 10, 2011 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Daisy

Three months ago we bought a new washing machine. It's a Whirlpool front loader model. I noticed an awful "plasticky" smell inside the machine, and figured it needed to outgas. I've tried leaving the door of the washing machine open as much as possible when not in use to air out the machine. I keep the door to the laundry room closed so the smell doesn't get in the rest of the house. My concern is that after three months and countless loads of laundry, some using oxygen bleach, this plasticky smell is still there. Any ideas why? Any suggestions for getting rid of it? For future reference, what could I have done differently prior to purchasing this applicance to avoid the problem?

Debra's Answer

Unfortunately, that's a problem with new washing machines.

Why is that there are plastics inside the washer.

I don't know a way to get rid of it, except that it will get less and less with time. I don't know how long. Used washers don't smell.

I don't know of a brand of new washer that doesn't smell initially.

Some readers have reported that top loading Speed Queen and Asko brand washing machines do not have as much of an odor.