We have a strong musty/stale smell coming from our Simpson Esprit 450 top-loading washing machine. It works fine, and the clothes come out smelling and looking fine, but the machine itself exudes a nasty stale smell.

Tried researching on the net, calling the manufacturer (it is no longer under warranttee but they made suggestions), and calling a repairman. Tried washing with epsom salt, and also a descaler. Nothing has worked. Even tried taking apart the top parts, but am stuck at the bowl. If I move it around I can hear a liquid stuck in it, below, but can't take off any more pieces to investigate.

Some websites claim that certain liquid detergents leave behind deposits of gunk that fungus and such can grow in, and the only solution is to take apart the washer and clean this out.

Any suggestions?

Tomey G, September 2008

Try doing a full water level hot wash with descaler added. After 2 minutes of agitating stop machine and allow it to soak for an hour before continuing through to end of cycle. If that doesn't clear it then you need a serviceman to come & remove inner bowl so inner & outer bowls can be scrubbed clean. The liquid you hear is water in plastic ring at top of steel inner drum. Put there by manufacturer to balance drum when spinning.

Lincoln Appliance, September 2008