When we think about doing laundry, we often envision our clothing coming out smelling like a fresh spring rain or a mountain stream. Unfortunately, there are many times when our Kenmore washer may have an odor problem. What is it and what can be done to stop it?
The most important thing to do when you have an odor problem in your Kenmore washer is to clean it regularly. This would include running it through a self-clean cycle with either bleach or vinegar and wiping out the interior, including the hard-to-reach areas.
Most people just assume that their Kenmore washer is self-cleaning because we use it to clean our clothing. In reality, a washer is a perfect area for many issues to arise, from the growth of mold to the buildup of soap scum.
In any case, when we have a problem with our Kenmore washer and it smells bad, we want to get it fixed as quickly as possible. That is what this article is designed to do.
We will walk you through some of the most common issues associated with a Kenmore washer and let you know what can be done to stop the smell in its tracks.
When a Kenmore washer has an odor problem, it’s more than just an inconvenience. In many cases, the odor is a signal that something serious is going on in the background.
Perhaps we are dealing with a mold problem, which carries some significant health issues along with it. It could also be that we don’t have things set up properly so we get that rotten egg or sewer smell.
It might also go beyond an inconvenience and cause a fire. As we will discuss, the old axiom, where there’s smoke there’s fire is certainly true when it comes to your washer.
That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that you should panic at the first sign that there is a smell of burning from your washing machine. Often, it is just something that needs some attention. Then again, you should pay careful attention because your Kenmore washer is trying to talk to you.
Before we get down to talking about some of the specific issues associated with a Kenmore washer odor problem, it’s good to talk about safety. Any time you are working on something around the home, regardless of whether it is a washing machine or your breaker panel, you need to pay attention to your safety and health.
Most people just assume that a washing machine is relatively safe. It is true, but there are also some hidden issues that need to be addressed.
For example, you should never put your hand into the washing machine while it is operating. Generally speaking, the machine will shut off when you open the lid but if you find that it continues running, it needs to be repaired.
Additionally, you should always be cautious when it comes to electricity. If you are going to take off any panels or if there are any exposed parts, you need to disconnect the washing machine from the power source.
The obvious way to do this is by unplugging your Kenmore washer from the wall. You can also take it a step further by turning off the circuit breakers. Just make sure that you lock them out so nobody can energize the circuit accidentally.
PPE is also a good idea, especially if you are dealing with a smelly problem, such as mold. Wear a disposable respirator, use some all-purpose gloves and wear safety glasses. It may be inconvenient, but your health and senses are well worth the trouble.
At this point, we will talk about some of the common smells that may be coming from your Kenmore washer. We will also discuss what can be done to keep them from being a big problem.
Kenmore Washer Smells Like Burning
One of the more stressful smells that can come from a Kenmore washer is a burning smell. Is this a big problem?
A common reason why a burning smell happens with a Kenmore washer is because of the drain pump. If the drain pump has seized and is not working properly, it will not turn. The belt may be spinning on the pulley or it could be that the drain pump is giving off a hot smell.
In either case, if the drain pump is not working, it can lead to other problems. This could include getting oil spots on your clothing or wearing out internal parts of the Kenmore washer, such as the belt.
The drain pump is one of the more common reasons why this happens but it is not the only reason. Let’s take a look at a few common reasons why your washing machine smells like it is burning.
Top Causes Of Kenmore Washer Burning Smell
When you smell a burning smell from your Kenmore washer, it is important to take action. Here are some reasons why:
1. New Unit
When you purchase a Kenmore washer, you may have a slight burning or rubber smell when you first operate it. This is normal, and it will typically stop as the insulation and new motor coils adjust to the operation of the machine.
2. Drive Belt
Another common reason why a burning smell may take place is if the drive belt is stretched or damaged. As a result, it could be spinning on top of the pulley and the friction would create a burning smell.
3. Overloading
Follow the recommendations from Kenmore as to how much you should put in the washing machine. Overloading the washing machine can cause it to bog down, leading to a burning odor.
4. Electrical
If there is an electrical problem with the Kenmore washer, it could also lead to a burning smell. You can check this by visually inspecting for any damage to the insulation around electrical wires for any signs of burning near the connections.
5. Fire
Although it doesn’t happen often, it is not out of the question for a Kenmore washer to catch on fire. Annually, approximately 600 fires in the United States are caused as a result of washing machines. If you smell something burning, take it seriously.
How To Fix Kenmore Washer Burning Smell
Since a burning smell with your Kenmore washer can be a serious problem, it is important to pay close attention to it. Often, the issue is easy to resolve but it may need to be resolved immediately.
The most common way to fix a burning smell with a Kenmore washer is to replace the drain pump. You can access the drain pump by removing the panel and after removing it, you can test the pump manually and check it with a multimeter for continuity. A drain pump is not likely to be fixable, it must be replaced.
While you are checking the drain pump, it’s also a good idea to check the belt as well. Not all Kenmore washers use belts in the same way but if you have one in your washer, it may have been stretched or damaged.
Obviously, if a drive belt is stretched, it has to be replaced because it can’t be repaired.
Paying close attention to how much you are loading into the washing machine can also be a quick fix for a burning smell. We all want to get done with laundry as quickly as possible but loading up the machine too much can result in problems.
Finally, if these obvious reasons are not the cause of the burning smell, you need to start doing some visual inspections. After disconnecting the Kenmore washer from the power source, take off the panels and start looking for some signs of damage.
It may be the insulation around the wires has become burnt or you may notice dark patches and burning where the wires connect. Even the control board could experience burning enough that you would smell it.
Finally, if all else fails, call a professional. You need to protect yourself and your family and although it is unlikely, washing machines do catch on fire at times and you don’t want to be in that statistic.
Kenmore Washer Smells Musty Or Moldy
Another issue that we may face with our Kenmore washer is for it to smell musty or moldy. This is actually a relatively common problem, but correcting the issue is not always straightforward.
The most common reason why a Kenmore washer has a moldy or musty smell is due to a buildup of bacteria, mold, or soap scum. In either of these cases, the buildup can leave off a strong odor as it breaks down. It can also leave an odor on our clothing after it is washed.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 17, 2022.
As we will discuss, mold is certainly not something that we want to take a chance with. It is not only offensive, but it is also dangerous.
That isn’t to say, however, that each time our Kenmore washer has a musty or moldy smell we need to panic. Mold is bad for us, but the smell does not always originate with the fungus known as mold.
The method for caring for the problem, however, is very similar regardless of whether it is a mold problem or another issue. Let’s consider the potential issues along with the solutions that will get your washing machine smelling fresh again.
Top Causes Of Kenmore Washer Smells Musty Or Moldy
Let’s consider some of the top reasons why you may have a moldy or musty smell in your Kenmore washer. There are actually more than you might have thought about at first.
1. Bacteria
Mold is not a bacteria, it is a type of fungus. When the wrong type of bacteria builds up in your washing machine, however, it can smell very similar. In addition, some bacteria are just as harmful as mold, so it’s an issue that needs to be corrected.
2. Soap Scum
It isn’t unusual for soap to build up in areas of the washing machine that are somewhat hidden. These out-of-the-way areas can be problematic, because even if we do routine cleaning, we may not be hitting them as part of the highlights.
A problem with soap scum can occur for many different reasons. It may be due to using the wrong type of soap, such as high efficiency (HE) detergents that are only for use in a high-efficiency washer. In addition, running your laundry through cold washes frequently may not dissolve enough of the soap to remove it completely from the machine.
3. Mold
Sometimes, a problem with a mold smell in your Kenmore washer is due to a problem with mold. If that is the case, you want to remove it immediately. Keep in mind that even dead mold can cause the same allergic symptoms as living mold.
How To Fix Kenmore Washer Smells Musty Or Moldy
Now that we know some of the issues that can lead to a Kenmore washer smelling like mold or mildew, how do we fix it?
To remove musty or moldy smells from your Kenmore washer, you need to clean the washer thoroughly. Use a bleach and water solution to wipe down the interior of the machine, paying special attention to the cracks and crevices that may be often overlooked. Wipe down the gaskets as well. You can then run the machine through a self-cleaning cycle with bleach or vinegar.
You may be able to kill the mold or bacteria by using bleach but you then need to remove it from the washing machine. If you find it is down in a hidden area, you may need to use Q-tips to remove it.
It will take some time but after you clean the machine carefully and then run it through a rinse cycle, it should be free of the moldy smell that was causing you problems.
Kenmore Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Sewer Gas Or Sulfur
One of the more difficult odors we may experience with a Kenmore washer is if it smells like sewer gas. This is something that most people tend to describe as a smell that is similar to rotten eggs. What causes it and what can be done about it?
A sulfur or sewer gas type of smell that comes from a Kenmore washer is likely associated with a buildup of mildew, bacteria, or soap scum. When these build up in the washing machine and begin to break down, they can give off an odor that is very similar to sewer gas.
The issue with this type of odor is more than just a problem of a smelly washing machine. In many cases, it could end up on your clothing and it may even be a health hazard that needs to be addressed.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 17, 2022.
Let’s take a look at some of the different reasons why a rotten egg smell may show up in your Kenmore washer and what you can do to remove the smell as easily as possible.
Top Causes Of Kenmore Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Sewer Gas, Or Sulfur
We discussed the possibility that the smell could be a buildup of bacteria, soap scum, or other issues in the washer but what else could be a problem?
Door Seal
One of the issues that may need to be addressed is if something gets stuck in the door seal. This is not a problem on a top-load machine but on a front load washer, a door seal can be the issue. Check around the seal and behind it to see if something has become stuck and needs to be removed.
Sewer
Sometimes, the washing machine odor is actually sewer gas. This typically happens if the drain hose is not inserted into the standpipe properly. Sewer gas may back up into the hose and eventually, enter into the machine.
Generally speaking, the drain pipe should be between 6-8 inches into the standpipe. If it is too far, it could create a vacuum with standing water and if it is not far enough, it may not be draining properly.
Dirty Machine
The washing machine should be cleaned on a regular basis. If it hasn’t been cleaned, a build-up inside of the machine may be a problem. Make sure that you are cleaning the Kenmore washer by wiping out the tub and checking for any build-up every week.
How To Fix Kenmore Washer Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Sewer Gas, Or Sulfur
Since there are numerous reasons why you may be smelling sewer gas or rotten eggs in your Kenmore washer, what is the solution?
Clean the inside of your Kenmore washer as part of your weekly cleaning routine. Wipe out the tub and check for any debris that may be stuck or built up in the machine. Make sure you wipe down the gasket in a front loading machine as well.
You should also check the drain hose to ensure that it is properly inserted into the standpipe. Visually inspect it to check for areas where the hose is kinked or pinched.
Run your Kenmore washer through a self-cleaning cycle. This should be done with either bleach or white vinegar instead of detergent. You may need to run it through an extra rinse cycle.
When your Kenmore washer smells bad, it is likely due to something that is building up on the inside of the machine. It could be bacteria, mold, soap scum, or something that has become lodged in the gasket. Clean the machine regularly to avoid this problem and pay careful attention to out-of-the-way areas when a smell is evident.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on August 17, 2022.
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