# Washing machine smells like fish...anyone else? **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [May 6, 2014, 11:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292 "2014-05-06T11:27:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 11:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/1 "2014-05-06T11:27:14Z")
Bought a front loader about 5yrs ago, never had a problem until now. When doing a wash the basement stinks of fish. Apparently this is a common problem with many many solutions. I always leave the door open so I know its not that. Ive read people saying some have internal filter etc so when I get home Ill check that. Just wondering if anyone on here has had this roblem yet? Ive also run a cleaning cycle with bleach etc ---
**Author:** ![BOBBYGRV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BOBBYGRV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BOBBYGRV)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 11:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/2 "2014-05-06T11:29:24Z")
i have heard that running vinegar may help, but I can’t guarantee that… ---
**Author:** ![maxwell](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/maxwell/32/6524_2.png) [@maxwell](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/maxwell)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/3 "2014-05-06T12:03:56Z")
Everyone I know that has ever bought a front loader (parents included) has been incredibly dissapointed and eventually went back to a top loader. I hope you find a way out of this fishy situation. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/4 "2014-05-06T12:11:15Z")
Are you using HE detergent / softener? What’s your water source? My mom has one and these things make a difference. ---
**Author:** ![97FormulaWS-6](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/97formulaws-6/32/7384_2.png) [@97FormulaWS-6](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/97FormulaWS-6)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/5 "2014-05-06T12:16:51Z")
There’s a specific cleaner that’s for Front Loaders to address this issue. It works really well. Most often the smell comes from the drain line getting partially clogged and water to start sitting in the drum. Check the drain line for clogs, etc. Then run a cycle or two with the cleaner, then an empty hot cycle and you should be good to go. They sell the cleaner at Lowes, but I don’t remember the name, it’s in with the appliance section. ---
**Author:** ![tpgsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tpgsr/32/7374_2.png) [@tpgsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tpgsr)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/6 "2014-05-06T12:19:41Z")
The cleaner is made by Clorox and is called “Washing machine cleaner” I use it and it works well. ---
**Author:** ![2TurboZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2turboz/32/7577_2.png) [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/7 "2014-05-06T12:21:25Z")
Are you washing any of your girlfriends clothes, particularly undergarments in this machine? ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Eyed\_Devil](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blue_eyed_devil/32/7292_2.png) [@Blue\_Eyed\_Devil](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Blue_Eyed_Devil)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/8 "2014-05-06T12:26:15Z")
Simple solution = leave the door open when not in use. These things are air tight (For obvious reasons). ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/9 "2014-05-06T12:28:00Z")
> [@2TurboZ](#): > > Are you washing any of your girlfriends clothes, particularly undergarments in this machine? Beat me to it holmes. ---
**Author:** ![2TurboZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2turboz/32/7577_2.png) [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/10 "2014-05-06T12:31:13Z")
:tup: ---
**Author:** ![tpgsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tpgsr/32/7374_2.png) [@tpgsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tpgsr)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/11 "2014-05-06T12:32:33Z")
> [@2TurboZ](#): > > Are you washing any of your girlfriends clothes, particularly undergarments in this machine? I typed it but couldn’t bring myself to hit submit :tup: to you. ---
**Author:** ![2TurboZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/2turboz/32/7577_2.png) [@2TurboZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/2TurboZ)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/12 "2014-05-06T12:33:41Z")
It was like shooting fish in a barrel ---
**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 12:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/13 "2014-05-06T12:47:01Z")
> [@rugsr"](#): > > I always leave the door open so I know its not that. Already do this > [@maxwell](#): > > Everyone I know that has ever bought a front loader (parents included) has been incredibly dissapointed and eventually went back to a top loader. I hope you find a way out of this fishy situation. I may switch back to top load if I cant figure this out > [@Onyx Z32](#): > > Are you using HE detergent / softener? What’s your water source? My mom has one and these things make a difference. Yup, Im using the HE stuff. Water source is typical town water. > [@97FormulaWS-6](#): > > There’s a specific cleaner that’s for Front Loaders to address this issue. It works really well. Most often the smell comes from the drain line getting partially clogged and water to start sitting in the drum. Check the drain line for clogs, etc. Then run a cycle or two with the cleaner, then an empty hot cycle and you should be good to go. They sell the cleaner at Lowes, but I don’t remember the name, it’s in with the appliance section. Thanks ill look into that :tup: > [@tpgsr](#): > > The cleaner is made by Clorox and is called “Washing machine cleaner” I use it and it works well. Thanks :tup: > [@2TurboZ](#): > > Are you washing any of your girlfriends clothes, particularly undergarments in this machine? No girlffriend…just mine 😉 > [@Blue Eyed Devil](#): > > Simple solution = leave the door open when not in use. These things are air tight (For obvious reasons). Already do this ---
**Author:** ![08GT500](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/08gt500/32/5417_2.png) [@08GT500](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/08GT500)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 1:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/14 "2014-05-06T13:01:02Z")
> [@2TurboZ](#): > > Are you washing any of your girlfriends clothes, particularly undergarments in this machine? > [@rugsr](#): > > No girlffriend…just mine 😉 Well then, I wouldn’t air your dirty laundry on this site. ---
**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 1:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/15 "2014-05-06T13:32:02Z")
ok so back on topic. ill be looking into something tonight will update if this is solved ---
**Author:** ![superfan99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@superfan99](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/superfan99)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 1:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/16 "2014-05-06T13:33:15Z")
If you’ve had it for 5 years and never cleaned the filter, that’s likely the source of your problems. I think the recommended interval is every 6 months. ---
**Author:** ![1QIKZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1qikz/32/6112_2.png) [@1QIKZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1QIKZ)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 1:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/17 "2014-05-06T13:39:30Z")
No roblems with mine. ---
**Author:** ![OfficerK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4da419/32.png) [@OfficerK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/OfficerK)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 1:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/18 "2014-05-06T13:57:43Z")
> [@1QIKZ](#): > > No roblems with mine. I got 99 roblems an fish is one ---
**Author:** ![Motocrossx23](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/motocrossx23/32/5120_2.png) [@Motocrossx23](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Motocrossx23)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 2:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/19 "2014-05-06T14:42:10Z")
Not disappointed lol. Seriously though, run that cleaner through it and clean the drain, you’ll be good after that. ---
**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2014, 7:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292/20 "2014-05-06T19:21:11Z")
Checked the filter and it was pretty clean, cleaned it anyways. Cleaned out the detergent tray Checked the gaskets and cleaned those Doing a 2nd basket clean with more bleach. Going to Lowes tomorrow to buy that “special” basket clean stuff [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/washing-machine-smells-like-fish-anyone-else/269292.md?page=2)